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Rasmussen Employment Index Hits Highest Level Since June

The Rasmussen Employment Index which measures worker confidence rose four points in December continuing the upward trend it began in November.

At 89.8, worker confidence is at its highest level since June but is still down five points from the all-time high of 94.4 in May of last year. The index hit a low for 2013 of 81.2 in October. It stood at 91.2 in December 2012.

Generally speaking, an increase in the Rasmussen Employment Index suggests the upcoming government report on job creation will be stronger than the prior month’s report.

Generic Congressional Ballot: Democrats 40%, Republicans 38%

Democrats have taken the lead on the Generic Congressional Ballot for the first time since late November.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey for the week ending January 5 finds that 40% of Likely U.S. Voters would vote for the Democrat in their district’s congressional race if the election were held today, while 38% would choose the Republican instead. The previous week, the two parties were tied at 40% apiece.

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

The national telephone survey of 3,500 Likely Voters was conducted by Rasmussen Reports from December 30, 2013-January 5, 2014. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 2 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

45% Rate Obama's Handling of Immigration As Poor

Coming off his reelection, President Obama signaled that immigration reform and stricter gun control were two of his top agenda items, but none of his initiatives in these areas made it into law. Voters remain critical of the president's handling of both issues.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 33% of Likely U.S. Voters give the president good or excellent marks when it comes to immigration issues, while 45% rate his performance in this area as poor. A year ago, Obama's positives in this area were 39%, and 37% rated him poor. His good or excellent ratings ran as high as 43% in late February, while his poor numbers peaked at 46% in July. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on January 2, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

45% Rate Obama's Handling of Immigration As Poor

Coming off his reelection, President Obama signaled that immigration reform and stricter gun control were two of his top agenda items, but none of his initiatives in these areas made it into law. Voters remain critical of the president's handling of both issues.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 33% of Likely U.S. Voters give the president good or excellent marks when it comes to immigration issues, while 45% rate his performance in this area as poor. A year ago, Obama's positives in this area were 39%, and 37% rated him poor. His good or excellent ratings ran as high as 43% in late February, while his poor numbers peaked at 46% in July. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on January 2, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

31% Expect Health Care To Improve Under New Law

Voters continue to give their own health care high marks but remain critical of the overall health care system in this country. For the first time in nearly a year, however, fewer than 50% expect the health care system to get worse under Obamacare.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 34% of Likely U.S. Voters consider the U.S. health care system to be good or excellent. Nearly as many (31%) rate the system as poor. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on January 4, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls - Week Ending January 4, 2014

Americans traditionally are more upbeat as the new year begins, but that optimism only goes so far.

Obama Monthly Approval in December Up Two Points From Recent Low

When tracking President Obama’s job approval on a daily basis, people sometimes get so caught up in the day-to-day fluctuations that they miss the bigger picture.  To look at the longer-term trends, Rasmussen Reports compiles the numbers on a full-month basis, and the results can be seen in the graphics below.  

The president’s total job approval rose two points to 47% in December. That’s up from 45% in November, the president’s lowest monthly approval in two years, but still down nine points from December 2012’s recent high of 56%. The president's rating took a hard hit in November from the problems surrounding the rollout of the new national health care law. Through much of November and early December, Obama’s daily job approval ratings were at the lowest levels of his entire presidency.

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

30% Say U.S. Heading in Right Direction

Thirty percent (30%) of Likely U.S. Voters think the country is heading in the right direction, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey for the week ending December 29.

That’s up one point from 29% the previous week and the highest level of confidence since early September. In early October, during the federal government shutdown, confidence in the country’s course fell to 13%, the lowest finding in five years. A year ago, 33% said the country was heading in the right direction.

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The national telephone survey of 3,500 Likely Voters was conducted by Rasmussen Reports on December 16-22, 2013. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 2 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

46% Believe It Is Fair To Oppose a Supreme Court Nominee Over Ideology or Philosophy

Most voters think anyone a president nominates to a high-level post is entitled to a straight up-or-down vote in the U.S. Senate, but a sizable number still feels it's okay for a senator to oppose a Supreme Court nomination based on the political or judicial leanings of the nominee.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that nearly half (46%) of Likely U.S. Voters believe that it is fair for a U.S. senator to oppose a high court nominee because of political ideology or judicial philosophy. But that's down 10 points from 56% in April 2010 shortly before President Obama nominated Elena Kagan to serve on the Supreme Court. Thirty-eight percent (38%) feel it is not fair for a senator to oppose a nominee because of their ideology and philosophy, while 16% are unsure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely U.S. Voters was conducted on December 26, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Generic Congressional Ballot: Republicans 40%, Democrats 40%

As 2013 comes to a close, Republicans and Democrats are running even - for the second time this month - on the Generic Congressional Ballot.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey for the week ending December 29 finds that 40% of Likely U.S. Voters would vote for the Republican in their district’s congressional race if the election were held today, while 40% would choose the Democrat instead. The previous week, the GOP candidate held a three-point lead.

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

The national telephone survey of 3,500 Likely Voters was conducted by Rasmussen Reports from December 23-29, 2013. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 2 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

58% Expect Health Care To Cost More Under Obamacare

At the end of the year that Obamacare made its official debut, most voters still believe the new law will drive up health care costs, increase the deficit and hurt the quality of health care in this country.

Fifty-six percent (56%) of Likely U.S. Voters view the health care law at least somewhat unfavorably, with 41% who have a Very Unfavorable opinion of it. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 40% share a favorable view of the law, including 17% with a Very Favorable one. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 27-28, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls - Week Ending December 29, 2013

So where does the nation stand just before we launch into a tempestuous congressional election year?

29% Say U.S. Heading in Right Direction

Twenty-nine percent (29%) of Likely U.S. Voters think the country is heading in the right direction, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey for the week ending December 22.

That’s up three points from 26% the previous week and the highest level of confidence since early September. In early October during the federal government shutdown, confidence in the country’s course fell to 13%, the lowest finding in five years. A year ago, 35% said the country was heading in the right direction.

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The national telephone survey of 3,500 Likely Voters was conducted by Rasmussen Reports on December 16-22, 2013. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 2 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Generic Congressional Ballot: Republicans 42%, Democrats 39%

Republicans have taken a three-point lead on the Generic Congressional Ballot for the week ending December 22.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 42% of Likely U.S. Voters would vote for the Republican in their district’s congressional race if the election were held today, while 39% would choose the Democrat instead. The previous week, the two parties ran dead even with 40% support each.

After running neck-and-neck for several months, Democrats jumped out to a seven-point lead the second week of October as the battle over the government shutdown escalated. However, as problems surrounding the rollout of the new national health care law mounted, the Democrats’ lead vanished.

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

The national telephone survey of 3,500 Likely Voters was conducted by Rasmussen Reports from December 16-22, 2013. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 2 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

27% Say Their Insurance Has Changed Because of Health Care Law

Most voters remain unhappy with the new national health care law, with more than one-in-four continuing to say the law has changed their health insurance coverage.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 41% of Likely U.S. Voters share at least a somewhat favorable opinion of the health care law, while 54% view it unfavorably. This includes 20% with a Very Favorable opinion of the law and 42% with a Very Unfavorable one. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 20-21, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

75% Think Parents Should Decide If There Is Prayer in Their Child's School

Most voters still strongly believe parents should have a choice on uniforms, prayer in school and calendar schedules when sending their children to school.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 59% of Likely U.S. Voters think parents should have a choice between sending their children to a school where uniforms are required and one where they are not. Twenty-three percent (23%) disagree, while 18% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 18-19, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls - Week Ending December 21, 2013

Americans need a little holly jolly time as the year comes to an end.

42% Give Obama Poor Marks for Leadership

Positive reviews of President Obama’s leadership fell again this month and now stand at their lowest level in two years.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 39% of Likely U.S. Voters now give Obama good or excellent marks for leadership. That's down a point from November, down 16 points from last December and his lowest positives since December 2011. Slightly more (42%) rate the president’s leadership as poor. That's down a bit from 44% last month which was the president's highest negative rating since September 2010. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 18-19, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

42% Give Obama Poor Marks for Leadership

Positive reviews of President Obama’s leadership fell again this month and now stand at their lowest level in two years.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 39% of Likely U.S. Voters now give Obama good or excellent marks for leadership. That's down a point from November, down 16 points from last December and his lowest positives since December 2011. Slightly more (42%) rate the president’s leadership as poor. That's down a bit from 44% last month which was the president's highest negative rating since September 2010. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 18-19, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

49% Rate Obama Poorly on Deficit Reduction

Despite his support of the new bipartisan budget deal, nearly half of voters now rate President Obama poorly on his efforts to reduce the deficit, and he only fares marginally better when it comes to policies related to economic fairness.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 49% of Likely U.S. Voters give Obama poor marks for his handling of issues related to deficit reduction, up three points from 46% in October and down just point from this year's high of 50% in July. Just 34% give the president good or excellent marks in this area, largely in line with findings throughout 2013. (To see survey question wording, click here).

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 12-13, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.