Politics

Voter Views of Benghazi Are Unchanged After House Hearings

Voter perceptions about the murder of the U.S. ambassador in Benghazi, Libya last year and how the Obama administration has explained it are basically unchanged despite last week’s high-profile congressional hearings on the incident.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 31% of Likely U.S. Voters rate the administration’s explanation of the events surrounding the murder of Ambassador Christopher Stevens as good or excellent. Forty-one percent (41%) think the administration has done a poor job explaining things. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

50% Think Most Immigrants Are Pursuing the American Dream

Most U.S. voters have a favorable opinion of immigrants who come to this country in pursuit of the American Dream, but only half think immigrants to this country have that goal in mind. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 50% of Likely U.S. Voters believe most immigrants work hard, support their families and pursue the American Dream. Only 24% disagree, but just as many (26%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on May 5-6, 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.

64% Who Favor More Gun Control Believe Gun Crime Has Gone Up

Most Americans recognize that there are more gun owners in the United States today than there were 20 years ago but don’t know that gun crime in the country has gone down in that same period of time.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just seven percent (7%) of American Adults believe there are fewer gun owners in this country now than 20 years ago. Sixty-three percent (63%) think there are more gun owners in America today, while 17% say the number is about the same. (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 Adults was conducted on May 8-9, 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.

64% Favor Social Security Taxes On All or Most of Earnings

Most voters favor raising the level of taxable income to keep Social Security solvent.

Currently, Americans pay Social Security taxes only on the first $113,700 earned each year, but 64% of Likely U.S. Voters think taxes should be paid on all or most of what a person earns annually. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 20% disagree.  Sixteen percent (16%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on May 7-8, 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.

73% Think U.S. Should Stay Out of Syrian Civil War

U.S. voters generally approve of Israel’s decision to bomb targets in Syria but still believe the United States should stay out of the conflict there.

Sixty-one percent (61%) of Likely U.S. Voters at least somewhat approve of Israel’s decision to bomb suspected missile storage facilities in Syria. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 29% disapprove. This includes 32% who Strongly Approve and 11% who Strongly Disapprove. (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 May 7-8, 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.

56% Think Illegals Outnumber Legal Immigrants Each Year

Most Americans believe in any given year that illegal newcomers outnumber legal immigrants to the United States. But very few recognize how many legal immigrants enter this country each year.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% of American Adults believe there are more illegal immigrants than legal immigrants in a typical year. Only 14% think there are more legal immigrants coming in. But 30% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on May 6-7, 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.

Only 38% Think Immigration Reform Law Even Somewhat Likely to Pass This Year

Voters aren’t overly optimistic that Congress will pass an overhaul of the nation’s immigration laws this year.  A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 38% of Likely U.S. Voters think it’s at least somewhat likely that the House and Senate will pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation and it will be signed into law by President Obama this year. But 52% consider that unlikely. This includes just eight percent (8%) who say major immigration reform is Very Likely this year and 15% who say it’s Not At All Likely. Ten percent (10%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on May 5-6, 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.

Enthusiasm for Rubio Slips Among GOP Voters

Senator Marco Rubio, a man with eyes on the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, remains popular with voters. But he has lost some ground while championing a comprehensive immigration reform plan.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 68% of Republican voters have a favorable opinion of Rubio, but that’s down slightly from 73% in mid-February. Only 10% of GOP voters have an unfavorable opinion of him while 23% are undecided. (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 May 5-6, 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.

Only 30% Think Government Likely to Secure Border If Reform Bill Passes

Support for a comprehensive immigration reform plan has fallen slightly, as more voters than ever question the willingness of the federal government to control the nation’s borders. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 55% of Likely U.S. Voters still favor the plan that would give legal status to those here now illegally who have otherwise obeyed the law as long as the government really secures the border to prevent future illegal immigration. Thirty percent (30%) oppose the plan even with the guarantee of tougher border security. Fifteen percent (15%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on May 5-6, 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.

54% Think Mexico Should Compensate U.S. for Costs of Illegal Immigration

President Obama met with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto late last week to discuss ways to reduce violence and drug trafficking along the border and stressed his continued support for immigration legislation that provides a pathway to citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants now in the United States.  However, fewer Americans than ever view Mexico as an ally of the United States, and most still don’t believe the Mexican government wants to stop the flow of illegal immigrants.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that just 30% of Americans view Mexico as an ally of the United States. Eight percent (8%) see the southern neighbor as an enemy. A bare majority (52%) thinks Mexico is somewhere in between the two. (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 Adults was conducted on May 2-3, 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.   

38% Favor Their State Blocking Federal Anti-Gun Laws

Kansas is the latest state to challenge the constitutionality of federal anti-gun laws. Voters are closely divided over whether states or the feds should be most responsible for setting gun laws and over whether states should be able to overrule federal laws they disagree with.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 40% of Likely U.S. Voters believe the federal government should be chiefly responsible for setting policies about gun ownership. Forty-nine percent (49%) think it should be a state or local issue. That includes (34%) who think state governments should determine gun ownership rules and 15% who think local governments should have that responsibility. Twelve percent (12%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on May 3-4, 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.

Voters Overwhelmingly Approve of Air and Water Quality

While only half give the overall environment a positive rating, voters are much more enthusiastic about the water they drink and the air they breathe.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 81% of Likely U.S. Voters rate the quality of drinking water where they live as good or excellent. Just four percent (4%) rate their local drinking water poorly. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on April 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.

After Flight Delays, Just 24% Think Sequester Cut Too Much

Even after last week’s highly publicized flight delays that were blamed on the sequester, voters tend to think the March 1 reduction in federal spending growth didn’t go deep enough.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 44% of Likely U.S. Voters think the sequester didn’t cut federal spending enough. Twenty-four percent (24%) think spending was cut too much. Eight percent (8%) say the level of cuts was about right, while 25% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on May 1-2, 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.

5% Say Congress Made Up of Best and Brightest

Most U.S. voters don’t think that members of Congress and their staffers are the sharpest tools in the shed. Perhaps that’s why most think they are overpaid.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only five percent (5%) of Likely Voters believe that Congress members and their staffs are the best and brightest in the nation.  Seventy-eight percent (78%) disagree. Seventeen percent (17%) are undecided.  (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 national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on April 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. 

Just 29% Say Boston Suspects Acted Alone

Prior to today's arrests of three more individuals connected to the Boston Marathon bombings, many voters already believed the Tsarnaev brothers had help.

Just 29% of voters think the Boston bombing suspects acted alone. Forty-nine percent (49%) feel it’s more likely that they were part of a larger conspiracy. Twenty-one percent (21%) are not sure.

Sixty-six percent (66%) of voters believe it’s likely that the Boston Marathon bombers received training, support and encouragement from terrorist organizations. That includes 40% who think it’s Very Likely. Just 18% say it’s not very or Not At Likely. Sixteen percent (16%) aren’t sure.

Obama Job Approval Among Gun Owners: 39%

Just about half of all Americans think the country needs stricter gun control laws, but the divide between gun owners and others is deeper than any single issue.

Among voters who are gun owners, just 39% approve of the way President Obama is doing his job, according to new Rasmussen Reports national telephone surveying. Sixty percent (60%) disapprove. The numbers are reversed among voters who don’t own a gun: 65% approve, and 32% disapprove.

(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. 

17% Favor More U.S. Involvement in Syria

Voters still oppose greater U.S. involvement in the political crisis in Syria and believe more strongly than ever that the United States should not help Syrian rebels militarily even if the government has attacked them with chemical weapons. The Political Class, however, disagrees.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 17% of Likely U.S. Voters think the United States should get more directly involved in the Syrian crisis. Fifty percent (50%) believe the United States should leave the situation alone. Thirty-three percent (33%) 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 April 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.

59% Favor Free Market Over Government Control To Reduce Health Care Costs

Voters have consistently said for years that cost is their biggest health care concern, and most still believe the free market, not government control, is the best way to keep those costs down. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 59% of Likely U.S. Voters think free market competition would do more to reduce health care costs than more government regulation. Only 23% disagree and believe more government intervention in the health care market is the better way to go. Eighteen percent (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 April 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.

56% Think Government Agencies Cut Popular Programs First

Last week’s airport delays prompted complaints that the federal government was targeting areas that hurt the public the most to increase opposition to government spending cuts. Most Americans agree and also think Congress’ quick response to the delays highlights how the legislators look out for themselves first.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% of American Adults think that when government agencies are forced to cut their budgets, they generally cut popular programs first to make the cuts seem more significant. Just 17% disagree, but 27% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on April 26-27, 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.

32% Think Obama Administration Has Done Good or Excellent Job Explaining Benghazi

Most voters believe the murder in Benghazi, Libya last year of the U.S. ambassador there was a terrorist act and needs to be thoroughly investigated. But they give the Obama administration lackluster marks for its explanations so far.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 78% of Likely U.S. Voters think it’s at least somewhat important to find out exactly what happened in the events surrounding the murder of Ambassador Christopher Stevens and others in Benghazi, Libya, last September. That includes 51% who regard it as Very Important. Seventeen percent (17%) don't feel a full investigation of what happened in Libya is important, but that includes only four percent (4%) who say it's Not At All Important. (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 April 25-26, 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.