General Politics

51% Think Ambassador’s Murder Will Hurt Obama At the Polls

Voters are now more critical of how the Obama administration has handled the situation in Libya, including the murder of the U.S. ambassador there, and most think it will hurt President Obama’s chances for reelection. However, they are slightly more confident in the president than Mitt Romney to handle events in the Middle East.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 35% of Likely U.S. Voters now rate the way the administration has responded to the situation in Libya as good or excellent. That’s down nine points from 44% in mid-September just after the murder of Ambassador Christopher Stevens. Forty percent (40%) view the administration’s Libya response as poor, up from 34% a month ago. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters nationwide was conducted on October 13-14, 2012 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.

Only 23% Say U.S. Spends Too Much on National Security

The level of defense spending has become a hot campaign issue with Republicans opposing scheduled upcoming military budget cuts. Just 23% of voters now say the United States spends too much on national security, the lowest finding over the past year of regular tracking.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% of Likely U.S. Voters say the country spends about the right amount on national security, while 27% say it does not spend enough. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on October 7-8, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC . See methodology.

48% Rate A Candidate’s Religious Faith Important to Their Vote

When John F. Kennedy ran for the presidency in 1960, many considered his Catholic faith a total disqualifier. Now fewer than half of voters regard a candidate’s religious beliefs as important at all to how they will vote, much less the deciding factor.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 48% of Likely U.S. Voters now rate a candidate’s religious faith as important to their vote, while slightly more (51%) do not.

These figures include only 19% for whom the faith of a candidate is Very Important. That’s down 16 points, though, from 35% in November 2006.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on October 3-4, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC . See methodology.

65% Think Media Reports More on Negative Campaigning Than on Issues

Most Americans already think there are more negative campaign advertisements on television this year, but they also feel the media focuses more on negative campaigning. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 65% of American Adults believe the media reports more on negative campaigning than on issues raised by candidates. Just 18% think the media reports on the issues more, but just as many (17%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 26-27, 2012 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.

55% See More Negative Political Ads On TV This Year

Most Americans are paying at least some attention to political advertising on TV this year and think it’s more negative than in previous years. But most also are less likely to vote for a candidate who runs a negative ad. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 55% of American Adults who watch television at least occasionally say they pay attention at least somewhat closely to political advertising. This includes 26% who follow the ads Very Closely. Forty-four percent (44%) aren’t following the televised ads, with 13% who don’t watch them at all. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 26-27, 2012 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.

46% Expect Romney, GOP To Cut Spending, Not So Sure on Taxes

Voters continue to think tax and spending hikes are more likely under President Obama and the Democrats than under President Romney and the Republicans. But most still don’t expect tax cuts if the GOP wins the White House and Congress, although spending cuts are now viewed as more likely.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 51% of Likely U.S. Voters think government spending will go up if Obama is reelected and Democrats win control of the entire Congress. Only 11% believe spending will go down, while 31% say it will stay about the same. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters nationwide was conducted on September 19-20, 2012 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.

64% Think Too Many Americans Dependent on Government Financial Aid

Americans strongly believe that there is too much government dependency in the country today. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 64% of Adults think there are too many Americans dependent on the government for financial aid. Just 10% think not enough Americans are dependent on the government, while 16% say the level of dependency is about right.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 18-19, 2012 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.

Republican Voters Love Eastwood, Democrats Not So Much

Clint Eastwood delivered one of the most unusual convention speeches in recent memory last week, and America’s Political Class didn’t know what to make of it. Most Democratic analysts panned the performance, while Republican officials offered a mixed assessment ranging from great to cringeworthy. But the 82-year old movie icon is still viewed in positive terms by the nation’s voters.

While Republican officials were uncertain about Eastwood, 78% of GOP voters have a favorable opinion of him. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that Democrats are evenly divided: 42% favorable and 44% unfavorable. Among those not affiliated with either major party, 58% view Eastwood favorably, and only 21% have a negative view. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 30-31, 2012 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.

27% Are Conservative on Both Fiscal and Social Issues, 15% Liberal

Voters remain more conservative on fiscal issues than on social matters. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% consider themselves conservative when it comes to fiscal issues such as taxes, government spending and business regulation. That's consistent with regular tracking since May of last year. Thirty-seven percent (37%) say they are fiscal moderates. Eighteen percent (18%) define themselves as liberal on fiscal matters, up four points from a month ago and the highest number of self-described fiscal liberals to date. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 24-25, 2012 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. 

44% See Political Conventions As Waste of Time and Money

The national political conventions are long past determining the presidential candidates of the major parties, and a lot of voters don’t have much use for them anymore.

In fact, a plurality (44%) of Likely U.S. Voters considers the conventions a waste of time and money. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 35% disagree, with 22% more who are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 24-25, 2012 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 Most Politicians Break the Rules for Big Contributors

Money talks as far as most voters are concerned. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 69% of Likely U.S. Voters believe most politicians break the rules to help people who give them a lot of money. That’s up slightly from 63% four years ago. Just 13% disagree and don’t think most politicians are for sale. Eighteen percent (18%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 18-19, 2012 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.

47% Say Media Bias Bigger Problem Than Campaign Contributions, 42% Disagree

Most voters continue to believe it is not possible to run for the presidency without help from lobbyists and special interest groups. A narrow plurality, however, continues to believe that media bias is a bigger problem than big campaign contributions.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 22% of Likely U.S. Voters believe it is possible to run for president in today’s world without having ties to any lobbyists and special interest groups. Fifty-seven percent (57%) disagree and say it is not possible to seek the presidency without ties to lobbyists and special interest groups. Twenty-one percent (21%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 18-19, 2012 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.

51% Expect Most Reporters To Help Obama; 9% Predict Most Will Help Romney

Most voters think President Obama has gotten better treatment from the media than Mitt Romney has, and they expect that biased coverage to continue. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 59% of Likely U.S. Voters believe Obama has received the best treatment from the media so far. Just 18% think his Republican challenger has been treated better. Twenty-three percent (23%) aren’t sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 8-9, 2012 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.

Only 27% Say It's Appropriate for Government to Invest in Private Industry

Most Americans don’t like the idea of the federal government playing favorites in the business world. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 55% of Likely U.S. Voters think it is not appropriate for the government to invest in private companies. Just half that many (27%) disagree and believe it is okay for the government to invest in the private sector. Eighteen percent (18%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 4-5, 2012 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.

58% Say Bombing Hiroshima, Nagasaki Was Good Decision

Sixty-seven years ago today, the U.S. military dropped a second atomic bomb on Japan, this time on the city of Nagasaki. Three days earlier, Hiroshima had been the target. Most Americans continue to feel the devastating bombings that killed thousands of Japanese civilians were a good idea and saved American lives. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 58% of American Adults think it was a good decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in World War II. Just 19% say it was a bad decision. Twenty-three percent (23%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on August 7-8, 2012 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.

87% Oppose Letting Government Officials Play Politics In the Marketplace

When the president of Chick-fil-A spoke out in support of traditional marriage in a recent interview, the mayors of Boston, Chicago and San Francisco angrily responded by saying the fast-food chain wasn’t welcome in their cities. But voters overwhelmingly believe those mayors should butt out.

Eighty-seven percent (87%) of Likely U.S. Voters say government officials should not be allowed to prohibit a business from opening if they disagree with the political views of the business owner. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only three percent (3%) think government officials should have the power to stop businesses because they disagree politically with the owners. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

61% Hold Favorable Opinion of Chick-fil-A

Ever since the president of Chick-fil-A volunteered his definition of marriage, the fast food chain has been the center of attention for friends and foes. While most voters view Chick-fil-A favorably, most don’t plan to change their eating habits because of the controversy.

Just 13% of Likely U.S. Voters are likely to participate in a boycott of Chick-fil-A restaurants, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Seventy-seven percent (77%) do not plan to boycott the Chick-fil-A restaurants because of the controversy. Ten percent (10%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Voters Are Less Insistent That Immigrants Adopt U.S. Culture

Most voters continue to believe that people who move to the United States should adopt American cultures, but that number has reached a new low this month. Two-thirds of Likely U.S. Voters (66%) now say people who move to America should adopt American culture and language, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. That’s down from 71% last month. Nineteen percent (19%) say immigrants should maintain the culture, language and heritage of their home country instead, consistent with surveying for much of this year. Nearly as many (15%) now are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 2-3, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC . See methodology.

48% Think Hillary Clinton Might Run for President in 2016

Will she or won’t she? Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said she has no further political ambitions, but a sizable number of voters think she may run again for the presidency.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 48% of Likely U.S. Voters believe it is at least somewhat likely that Mrs. Clinton will run for president in 2016, but that includes just 17% who say it’s Very Likely. Thirty-six percent (36%) think she is unlikely to make a bid for the White House four years from now, but only seven percent (7%) feel it’s Not At All Likely. Seventeen percent (17%) 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 August 2-3, 2012 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.

Only 32% Think Bill Clinton, Obama See Eye-to-Eye on Economy

Bill Clinton will have a prominent role at the upcoming Democratic National Convention to give a boost to President Obama’s reelection campaign, but voters aren’t sure if the two men agree on how to fix the economy.

Just 32% of Likely U.S. Voters believe Clinton and Obama hold similar views on how to fix the economy, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Slightly more (39%) think they have differing views on what’s needed, and another 29% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)