Politics

Britain, Canada, Germany Are Seen As Top U.S. Allies

Regardless of what foreign policy situation the United States is involved in at the moment, Americans are consistent about which countries they consider the nation’s best friends.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 88% of American Adults view Canada as an ally of the United States. An identical number (88%) say the same about Great Britain. That again puts the two countries at the top of a list of 18 countries periodically tracked by Rasmussen Reports. Just one percent (1%) view those countries as enemies of the United States.

Five percent (5%) of Americans rate their neighbor to the north as somewhere in between an ally and an enemy of the United States; four percent (4%) say the same of Great Britain. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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Two surveys of 1,000 American Adults each were conducted on January 4-5 and 10-11, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error for each survey 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.

70% Think It’s Bad for the Country That Most in Congress Are Wealthy

“Get elected and get rich” seems to be the attitude of most American voters.

A new report says that for the first time more than half the members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are millionaires, but 70% of Likely U.S. Voters think it is bad for the country that most members of Congress are this wealthy.  A new Rasmussen Reports national survey finds that just four percent (4%) believe it’s good for the country, while 21% say it has no impact. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

48% Less Likely to Vote for Christie In 2016 If Retaliation Charges Are True

Roughly half of voters nationwide say they would be less likely to vote for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie for president if it turns out he retaliated against an elected official who refused to support his reelection.

Forty-eight percent (48%) of Likely U.S. Voters say they would be less likely to vote for Christie in 2016 if it is proven that his office retaliated against an official who refused to support him, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Thirteen percent (13%) say they would be more likely to vote for Christie if that is the case. Thirty-three percent (33%) say it would have no impact on their voting decision. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on January 9-10, 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.

56% in NJ Think Christie Should Resign If He Knew About Fort Lee Retaliation

Most New Jersey voters think it’s likely Governor Chris Christie was aware of the Fort Lee traffic lane closures before they happened and should resign if this is proven. But voters in the state still think the governor is doing a better job than President Obama.

A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey finds that 54% of Likely New Jersey Voters believe it’s at least somewhat likely that Christie was aware that traffic lanes onto the George Washington Bridge were being closed as retaliation for the mayor of Fort Lee’s refusal to support the governor’s reelection. Thirty-six percent (36%) think it’s unlikely Christie was aware beforehand. This includes 30% who say it’s Very Likely he was aware and 17% who say it’s Not At All Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The state survey of 800 Likely Voters in New Jersey was conducted January 9, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is  conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

39% Say Wars in Afghanistan, Iraq Have Increased Domestic Terrorist Threat

Voters strongly believe that radical Islam remains a threat to the United States, and a sizable number thinks the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have only made the problem worse.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 75% of Likely U.S. Voters consider radical Islamic terrorism at least a somewhat serious threat in this country, with 38% who considerate it a Very Serious one. Nineteen percent (19%) don't regard this terrorism as a serious threat, but that includes only three percent (3%) who say it’s Not At All Serious. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Likely U.S. Voters was conducted on January 7-8, 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.

25% Favor U.S. Military Action in Iraq or Syria If Al Qaeda Takes Over

One-in-four voters is now prepared to take military action against Iraq or Syria if al-Qaeda-led forces win control there.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 40% of Likely U.S. Voters oppose U.S. military action against Syria or Iraq if either of those countries is taken over by al Qaeda or related terrorists. Twenty-five percent (25%) favor military action given this scenario. A sizable 34% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

Some Old Foes Seen As U.S. Allies By Most Americans

The United States fought two major wars in the 20th Century and engaged in a lengthy Cold War for several decades. But most Americans now view U.S. relations with two of those former enemies, Germany and Japan, very positively, while they remain skeptical of Vietnam, Russia and China.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 72% of American Adults believe Germany is an ally of the United States. Just one percent (1%) still regard America’s foe in World War I and World War II as an enemy. Nineteen percent (19%) think Germany falls somewhere in between an ally and an enemy. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

55% Expect 'Noticeable' Change If Democrats Win Congress; 49% Say Same of GOP Win

With 11 months until Election Day, voters are closely divided over whether Democrats or Republicans will win full control of Congress, but most feel a Democratic takeover would have a bigger impact on their lives. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that a plurality (43%) of Likely U.S. Voters believes it is better for the country when one political party runs both the House of Representatives and the Senate.  Thirty-one percent (31%) disagree and say it is better when each chamber is run by a different party. But a sizable 27% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

56% See Keystone XL Pipeline As Good for the Economy

Secretary of State John Kerry is reportedly pushing hard for a new international global warming treaty, prompting speculation that this will further delay a government decision on the Keystone XL oil pipeline from western Canada to Texas. Most voters continue to favor building the pipeline and think it will be good for the economy, as they have in surveys since late 2011.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 57% of Likely U.S. Voters at least somewhat favor building the pipeline, while 28% are opposed. This includes 32% who Strongly Favor the Keystone project and 15% who Strongly Oppose it. Another 15% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
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The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on January 3-4, 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.

49% Favor Waiting Period Before Abortion

While most voters identify themselves as pro-choice, support for a mandatory waiting period prior to an abortion is at its highest level in over two years.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 49% of Likely U.S. Voters believe there should be a waiting period before a woman can get an abortion. This is up six points from October and the highest finding on this question in regular surveying since August 2011. Thirty-nine percent (39%) still oppose a waiting period requirement. Eleven percent (11%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here).

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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.

41% Favor Legalization of Pot in Their State

Colorado on Thursday began the public sale of marijuana for recreational use, but half of voters still aren’t ready to go that far in their state. However, most approve of the sale of pot for medicinal purposes.

Forty-one percent (41%) of Likely U.S. Voters favor the legalization of recreational marijuana use in their state, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Fifty percent (50%) are opposed. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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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.

28% Say Federal Government Should Increase Spending

Half of U.S. voters are worried that the federal government will not do enough to help the nation’s economic problems, and more than ever think it should increase spending to do so.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 28% of Likely U.S. Voters think that, in reacting to the nation’s current economic problems, the federal government should increase spending. That’s up two points from October and the highest level of support for spending increases in regular surveying since April 2012. Still, most voters (60%) think the government should cut spending to help the economy. Thirteen percent (13%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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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.

58% Have Favorable Opinion of Michelle Obama

Most voters continue to have a favorable opinion of Michelle Obama and view the first lady as a good role model for young Americans.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 58% of Likely U.S. Voters have at least a somewhat favorable impression of Mrs. Obama, including 39% with a Very Favorable opinion. Thirty-seven percent (37%) view her unfavorably, including 20% with a Very Unfavorable impression of the first lady. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 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 Assault Weapons Ban; 18% Want Handgun Ban, Too

Most voters still favor a ban on semi-automatic and assault-type weapons but strongly oppose outlawing handguns in the United States. Seven-out-of-10 would feel safer living a neighborhood where individuals could own a gun for self-defense.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 59% of Likely U.S. Voters think there should be a ban on the purchase of semi-automatic and assault-type weapons. Thirty-three percent (33%) disagree. (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 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.

49% Oppose Further U.S. Aid to Egypt

Most voters think Egypt is unlikely to assume a democratic course anytime soon, but they are slightly less opposed to further financial aid for the longtime U.S. ally. 

Egypt has largely been in political chaos since the United States helped pressure dictator Hosni Mubarak out of power in early 2011, and a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just seven percent (7%) of Likely U.S. Voters now think the changes in the government of Egypt over the past several years have been good for the United States. This finding has been steadily declining from a high of 29% in February 2011.

Forty-three percent (43%) believe those changes have been bad for this country, up from 20% in 2011. Twenty-seven percent (27%) say they have had no impact, but nearly as many (24%) 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 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.

49% Support U.S. Military Aid for Iraq

The Obama administration has been quietly supplying the Iraqi military with missiles and drones to help fight an al-Qaeda led insurgency that is ratcheting up the violence in that country. Half of U.S. voters approve of that military aid, but they overwhelmingly oppose the return of U.S. troops to Iraq.

Forty-nine percent (49%) of Likely U.S. Voters favor the U.S. government sending drones and missiles to Iraq to help fight the terrorist-led insurgents. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 29% oppose that military assistance, but another 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 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.

Just 29% Are Socially Liberal

Fewer voters now identify themselves as “socially liberal” than they have in the past.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 29% of Likely U.S. Voters now consider themselves liberal on social issues such as abortion, public prayer and church-state topics. That’s the lowest number of self-identified social liberals since early last year. Just as many (30%) consider themselves moderate on such issues, the highest since October 2012, while 37% say they are conservative, up four points from September. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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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.

43% Think NSA’s Domestic Spying Will Be Big News In A Year

More voters than ever think the National Security Agency’s secret monitoring of Americans’ phone calls and e-mail messages will be the controversy that outlasts the others dogging the Obama administration.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% of Likely U.S. Voters believe the NSA matter will still be a major news story a year from now. That’s a jump from 26% in early July just after the spying program was first disclosed  and 30% in September.

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 22, 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.

26% Favor Use of Drones to Deliver Commercial Packages

Most voters continue to support the U.S. government’s use of unmanned drones to kill terrorists overseas but remain wary of drones in American skies, even for delivery of commercial packages.

Jeff Bezos, the founder and CEO of Amazon, made headlines early this month with his proposal to use drones for commercial deliveries in this country. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 26% of Likely U.S. Voters favor the use of unmanned drone aircraft for commercial purposes such as package delivery, but nearly twice as many (50%) oppose that idea. Twenty-four percent (24%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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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.

29% Have Favorable Opinion of Federal Government

Unfavorable views of the federal government continue to climb.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 68% of Likely U.S. Voters now view the federal government at least somewhat unfavorably. That's up from 64% in October and 63% in November of last year. Just 29% view the feds favorably. This includes five percent (5%) who view the government Very Favorably and 29% 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 December 16-17, 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.