General Politics

48% Favor Obama’s $302 Billion Program for Roads and Bridges

Nearly half of voters favor the new infrastructure plan President Obama proposed this week. But most lack confidence that the government will spend the money correctly and think cutting spending is a better way to help the economy.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 48% of Likely U.S. Voters favor a new $302 billion federal program to help rebuild and repair roads and bridges. Just 29% oppose the new program, while 22% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 26-27, 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.

71% Say It’s Not Government’s Job to Monitor News Content

In the face of a public outcry, the Federal Communications Commission has backed off a plan to determine if the news media is meeting the public’s “critical information needs.” But voters strongly believe news content is none of the federal government’s business.

Seventy-one percent (71%) of Likely U.S. Voters say it is not the government’s role to monitor the content of news organizations in this country, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Just 18% think it is the government’s job to monitor news content. Eleven percent (11%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 22-23, 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.

61% Favor Smaller Government With Fewer Services and Lower Taxes

Voters have a slightly more favorable view of the federal government this month, but they still want less of it. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 36% have a favorable opinion of the federal government. Most voters (59%) continue to view the federal government unfavorably. These findings include just six percent (6%) who have a Very Favorable impression of the federal government and 25% who view it Very Unfavorably. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 20-21, 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.

Voters Want Little U.S. Involvement in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was driven out of office over the weekend following months of violent protests that turned more violent last week. Despite the disturbing news coming out of Kiev, U.S. voters show little enthusiasm about the United States getting involved in the Ukrainian situation and are lukewarm about proposed sanctions on the politically unsettled country.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that just 17% of Likely U.S. Voters think the United States should get more directly involved in Ukraine if the political violence continues. Two out of three (66%) want the United States to leave the situation alone, while 18% are undecided. The survey was conducted prior to the president’s departure on Saturday. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 20-21, 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.

41% Think 'Stand Your Ground' Laws Improve Public Safety

Florida’s “stand your ground” self-defense law made headlines again this month after a jury there found Michael Dunn not guilty of first-degree murder for shooting a teenager after an argument over loud music. A plurality continues to support "stand your ground" laws, and Americans are now more confident that such a law improves public safety.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 46% of American Adults favor having a “stand your ground” law in their state. That’s unchanged from last July following the verdict in the George Zimmerman case. Thirty-four percent (34%) oppose such a law in their state, while 20% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on February 17-18, 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% View Tea Party Movement Favorably

Nearly half of all voters continue to view the Tea Party unfavorably, and the perception is growing that the small government/lower taxes movement is losing steam. But there are also still wide partisan differences of opinion about the Tea Party, while the Political Class remains especially hostile to it.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 31% of Likely U.S. Voters now have a favorable opinion of the Tea Party movement. That’s back to the level seen a year ago and down from a high of 44% in May just after it was disclosed that the Internal Revenue Service was targeting Tea Party and other conservative groups. Forty-seven percent (47%) share an unfavorable view of the Tea Party, but a sizable 22% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 16-17, 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.

38% of Republicans Believe Tea Party Good for GOP in 2014, 32% Disagree

While the Republican establishment struggles to beat back Tea Party elements within the party, GOP voters tend to see the grass roots movement as more of a help than a hindrance in the upcoming elections. But it’s close.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 38% of Likely Republican Voters believe the Tea Party will help the Republican Party in election 2014. Thirty-two percent (32%) of GOP voters think the movement will hurt their party instead, while 10% say it will have no impact. Twenty percent (20%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 16-17, 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.

65% Think Felons Should be Able to Vote After Completing Jail Time

Voters in 11 states can permanently lose their right to vote if convicted of a felony. Among most other states, that right can be restored only after serving some combination of their jail time, parole and probation. But most voters believe someone convicted of a felony should regain the right to vote after serving their sentence problem-free.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 65% of Likely U.S. Voters think that if someone is convicted of a felony and serves their sentence without problem, their right to vote should be restored. Twenty-three percent (23%) disagree, but 11% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 12-13, 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.

57% Want Debt Ceiling Deal to Include Major Spending Cuts

Congress this week passed a “clean” bill to raise the federal debt ceiling without spending cuts attached. While voters agree that not raising the debt ceiling would be bad for the economy, they also wanted a deal that includes significant spending cuts.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 79% of Likely Voters think it’s at least somewhat likely that the debt ceiling will be raised before the government begins defaulting on its debts. Just 13% see this outcome as unlikely. These findings include 47% who say a deal to raise the debt ceiling is Very Likely to happen and just three percent (3%) who consider it Not At All Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 10-11, 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. 

71% Favor Immigrants Who Work Hard to Pursue American Dream

Most voters continuously oppose illegal immigration but admit that, when done legally, immigration is good for America. This explains why a majority have a favorable opinion of immigrants who come to this country to work hard, support their family and pursue the American Dream.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 71% of Likely U.S. Voters have a favorable opinion of immigrants who work hard to pursue the American Dream, down just slightly from 76% in May. Just 12% have an unfavorable opinion of such immigrants, but 17% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 10-11, 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.

68% Oppose Bonuses for IRS Employees

Voters are only slightly less convinced that the Internal Revenue Service broke the law when it targeted Tea Party and other conservative groups, and they strongly oppose bonuses being awarded to IRS employees for their work last year.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 15% of Likely U.S. Voters favor IRS management’s decision to give millions of dollars in performance bonuses to its employees for 2013. Sixty-eight percent (68%) oppose awarding the bonuses to IRS employees. Seventeen percent (17%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 8-9, 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.

4% Are More Likely to Vote for a Celebrity Who Is Running for Office

Singer Clay Aiken, who got his start on the “American Idol” TV program, made headlines last week when he announced he is running for Congress in North Carolina, but very few consider a candidate’s celebrity a deciding factor to their vote. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds, in fact, that only four percent (4%) of Likely U.S. Voters say they would be more likely to vote for a prominent entertainer who runs for public office. Forty-two percent (42%) say they would be less likely to vote for an entertainer, while 52% say the candidate’s profession and prominence would have no influence on their vote. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 6-7, 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.

53% Still Favor Full Combat Role for Military Women

The U.S. Marine Corps postponed one of its fitness requirements for women scheduled to go into effect on January 1 because more than half of women could not complete a minimum of three pull-ups. But more than half of voters still believe women should be allowed to perform the same combat roles as men do.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 49% of Likely U.S. Voters believe the growing role of women in the armed services is good for the military. Only 17% think the growing role of women is bad for the military, while 28% say it has no impact. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Likely U.S. Voters was conducted on February 2-3, 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.

49% See Death Penalty As Effective Way to Fight Terrorism

The U.S. Department of Justice announced last week that it will seek the death penalty for accused Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. More voters than ever support that decision, but they're less confident that the death penalty is an effective tool against terrorism.

Sixty-three percent (63%) of Likely Voters think the Boston Marathon bombing suspect should receive the death penalty if convicted. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 25% do not think Tsarnaev should receive the death penalty if convicted. Twelve percent (12%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Likely U.S. Voters was conducted on February 4-5, 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.

60% Think Federal Government Should Cut Spending to Help Economy

Half of U.S. Voters worry the federal government will not do enough to help the economy, but even more think cutting government spending is the way to go.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 50% of Likely U.S. Voters Voters are worried the government will not do enough in reacting to the nation's economic problems. Thirty-nine percent (39%) fear instead that the feds will do too much. (To see survey question wording, click here).

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on January 29-30, 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. 

Most Favor Minimum Wage Hike, Oppose More Jobless Benefits

Most voters disagree with President Obama’s assessment of the state of the union and oppose his plan to extend benefits for the long-term unemployed. But they continue to support raising the minimum wage.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 27% of Likely U.S. Voters agree with the president’s statement in his State of the Union speech Tuesday night that “after five years of grit and determined effort, the United States is better positioned for the 21st century than any other nation on Earth.” More than twice as many (58%) disagree with that analysis of the United States’ present condition. Fifteen percent (15%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on January 29-30, 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.

63% Say Government Contracts Go To Those With Most Political Connections

When it comes to government contracts, most voters still aren’t convinced that they go to the best person for the job. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 63% of Likely U.S. Voters believe most government contracts are awarded to the company with the most political connections rather than one that can provide the best service for the best price. Twenty-five percent (25%) disagree and believe most government contracts go to the company that can provide the best service for the best price. Twelve percent (12%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording,click here.)

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The surveys of 1,000 Likely Voters each were conducted on January 23-24, 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.

69% Think It’s Better for Obama to Work With Congress Than Go Around It

President Obama made it clear in his State of the Union speech last night that he is prepared to take independent executive action if he can’t get Congress to work with him on some major issues, but voters strongly believe it’s better for the president to work with Congress than to go it alone. However, most also think it’s more important for Republicans in Congress to work with the president than to stand for what they believe.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey, taken the night before and the night of the president’s speech, finds that 69% of Likely U.S. Voters think it it better for the president to work with Congress on things he considers important. Just 27% believe it is better for the president to go around Congress if necessary to accomplish what he feels is important. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on January 27-28, 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.

62% See State of the Union Speech As Just for Show

A sizable majority of voters plan to watch or follow news reports about President Obama’s State of the Union speech tonight, but more voters than ever view the annual speech as just for show rather than setting an actual agenda.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 72% of Likely U.S. Voters are likely to watch or follow news reports about tonight’s State of the Union Speech. That’s virtually identical to last year’s findings  but down from the 79% who followed the speech in January 2011. Twenty-six percent (26%) are unlikely to watch or follow reports about the speech. This includes 45% who are Very Likely to watch or follow the speech and 10% who say it’s Not At All Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on January 25-26, 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.

59% Say Less Government, Not More, Would Help Close Income Gap

President Obama is expected to map out his agenda for reducing income inequality in his State of the Union speech tomorrow night. Most voters agree that income inequality is a serious problem in America today but don’t think government action is the best solution.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 69% of Likely U.S. Voters consider income inequality at least a somewhat serious problem in the United States today. That includes 45% who consider it a Very Serious problem. Twenty-eight percent (28%) don’t think income inequality is a serious problem, with 10% who say it’s Not At All Serious. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The surveys of 1,000 Likely Voters each were conducted on January 23-24, 2014 and January 11-12, 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.