Politics

47% For, 38% Against Hagel Nomination When Told He Has Called for Defense Cuts

Most voters are aware that President Obama has nominated former Senator Charles “Chuck” Hagel to be secretary of defense, but a sizable number know little or nothing about him. A plurality would like their senators to vote for Hagel’s confirmation, with opinions both for and against his confirmation even higher when voters are told Hagel has called for reducing the military’s budget.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 57% of Likely U.S. Voters recognize that Obama has nominated Hagel to replace retiring Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. Seven percent (7%) think Hagel has been nominated to be secretary of State, and two percent (2%) say Hagel is the nominee for secretary of Commerce. Thirty-three percent (33%) are not sure what position he’s been nominated for. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

Americans Strongly Support Tougher Requirements for Gun Owners

Americans nationwide show overwhelming support for requiring strict background checks, waiting periods and safety courses for those wishing to obtain a gun.  The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 86% of American Adults believe a strict background check should be required for anyone looking to buy a gun. Ten percent (10%) don’t favor this requirement. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Currently, an FBI background check is only required for those seeking to buy a gun from a commercial gun dealer who has a federal license.

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on January 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.

36% Say Government Did Good Job Responding to Hurricane Sandy

Voters are much more critical now of the federal government’s response to the East Coast’s Hurricane Sandy but are generally satisfied with the amount of federal money going to the victims of the storm. Now, though, a plurality thinks state governments should bear most of the cleanup costs from a bad weather event.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 36% of Likely U.S. Voters now rate the way the federal government has responded to the areas affected by Sandy as good or excellent. That’s down 19 points from 55% in mid-November just after the storm.

Twenty-three percent (23%) now consider the government’s response to Sandy as poor, up from 15% two months ago. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

Just 8% Now Say They Are Tea Party Members

Views of the Tea Party movement are at their lowest point ever, with voters for the first time evenly divided when asked to match the views of the average Tea Party member against those of the average member of Congress.  Only eight percent (8%) now say they are members of the Tea Party, down from a high of 24% in April 2010 just after passage of the national health care law. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 30% of Likely U.S. Voters now have a favorable opinion of the Tea Party. Half (49%) of voters have an unfavorable view of the movement. Twenty-one percent (21%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

43% Give Obama Positive Marks for Energy Development

Voters are more positive about President Obama’s pursuit of renewable energy sources than they have been since the first year of his presidency, and they feel just as strongly about how he’s handling traditional energy development as well.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% of Likely U.S. Voters now rate the president’s handling of the development of alternative energy sources like wind and solar power as good or excellent. Twenty-nine percent (29%) view his performance in this area as poor. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 29-30, 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% Consider Obama Good or Excellent Leader

Over half of voters now give President Obama positive marks for leadership, his highest ratings since the early months of his presidency.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 55% of Likely U.S. Voters consider Obama a good or excellent leader, the highest finding since May 2009. This is up three points from last month, which was the first time the finding passed the 50% mark since June 2009.

One-out-of-three (33%) rate Obama as a poor leader, unchanged from December which marked the lowest finding in over three years. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

39% View EPA Favorably

Voters have a slightly less favorable opinion of the Environmental Protection Agency these days and still tend to consider it a drag on the economy. But they’re less enthusiastic about the need for congressional approval of EPA actions.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 39% of Likely U.S. Voters now have a favorable opinion of the EPA. Thirty-four percent (34%) view the agency unfavorably. Twenty-seven percent (27%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

Most Voters Oppose Lower Tax Rate for Capital Gains

The “fiscal cliff” deal keeps the tax rate on capital gains low compared to other income, but most voters don’t think that’s a good idea.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 55% of Likely U.S. Voters think capital gains should be taxed at about the same rate as other income. Thirteen percent (13%) believe capital gains should be taxed at a higher rate than other income. Twenty-five percent (25%) support the current policy of taxing those gains at a lower rate. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

New High: 51% Think U.S. Needs Stricter Gun Control Laws

For the first time, most Americans are calling for tougher anti-gun laws. Even more are calling for stricter enforcement of the gun control laws already on the books.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 51% of American Adults now support stricter gun control laws, the highest finding in over six years of tracking. Forty-two percent (42%) disagree and oppose tougher laws in this area. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on December 28-29, 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.

62% Favor Across-the-Board Spending Cuts, But 57% Think They’re Unlikely

Even as official Washington signs off on a “fiscal cliff” deal with $1 in spending cuts to every $41 in new taxes, most voters continue to favor across-the-board spending cuts but doubt they are likely to happen. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 39% of Likely U.S. Voters think it is even somewhat likely that government spending will be significantly reduced over the next few years. Fifty-seven percent (57%) see significant spending cuts as unlikely. This includes 11% who believe such cuts are Very Likely in the near future and 20% who say they are Not At All Likely. (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, 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.

Most Feel Safer with Armed Security Guard at Child's School

Fifty-four percent (54%) of American adults would feel safer if their child's school had an armed security guard. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 26% would feel safer if their child attended a school where no adults were allowed to have guns. Another 20% are undecided.

Among parents of school-aged children, support for armed guards is even higher. Sixty-two percent (62%) of such parents would feel safer with an armed security guard at the school, while 22% would feel safer if their child attended a gun-free school.  (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on December 28-29, 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.

60% Think Most Members of Congress Are Willing to Sell Their Vote

Voters continue to believe that most members of Congress are for sale and that their own representative is as guilty as the rest. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 60% of Likely U.S. Voters now believe that most members of Congress are willing to sell their vote for either cash or a campaign contribution.

While many in Washington dismiss such perceptions by claiming that people hate Congress but love their own representative, voters are skeptical of their own representative as well. In fact, 57) think it’s likely that their representative in Congress has traded votes for cash. That includes 28% who believe it’s Very Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 27-28, 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 25% Think Medicare Costs Can Be Reduced By Changing Medicare Alone

Most voters continue to hold a favorable opinion of Medicare, but they also believe it will take more than changes within the federal health care program for the elderly to bring down how much it costs. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 67% of Likely U.S. Voters view Medicare favorably, but that includes just 25% with a Very Favorable opinion. Still, only 24% regard the program unfavorably, with five percent (5%) who have a Very Unfavorable view of it. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 20-21, 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% Have Favorable Opinion of John Kerry

President Obama has nominated Massachusetts Senator John Kerry to replace retiring Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and 47% of Likely U.S. Voters have a favorable opinion of the prospective new Cabinet member. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 42% view the unsuccessful 2004 Democratic presidential candidate unfavorably. 

These findings include 17% with a Very Favorable opinion of Kerry and 23% with a Very Unfavorable one. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

52% Favor Reducing or Eliminating Tax Deductions for Wealthier Americans

Voters tend to think income tax deductions help wealthier Americans more than taxpayers in the middle class, and most favor reducing or eliminating those deductions for those who earn more than $250,000 a year. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 44% of Likely U.S. Voters believe tax deductions help upper-income Americans the most. Thirty-nine percent (39%) think those deductions are more beneficial to middle-class taxpayers. Sixteen percent (16%) 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 22, 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.

17% Say There Is Too Much Individual Freedom In America

The Bill of Rights was written to ensure every citizen in this country his or her personal freedoms, but 17% of Americans believe there is too much individual freedom in the United States today.

Sixty-six percent (66%) of Adults do not believe this to be true, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.  Another 18% are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The Rasmussen Challenge has a winner!   

The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on December 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.

71% Think Mentally Ill Should Be Under Stricter Observation

Following the recent horrific elementary school shooting in Connecticut, most Americans think the mentally ill should be monitored more closely. But a majority doesn’t think government officials should be allowed to ban movies and games that feature excessive violence.A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 71% of Adults believe people diagnosed with a mental illness should be placed under stricter control and observation. Just 11% disagree, but another 18% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

How did you do in the Rasmussen Challenge? Check the leaderboard to find out the winner.

(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 Adults was conducted on December 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.

46% Think America Overtaxed, 42% Disagree

Fewer voters than ever think the United States is overtaxed.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 46% of Likely U.S. Voters now believe the nation is overtaxed. But nearly as many (42%) disagree. Twelve percent (12%) 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 national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 16-17, 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.

55% Favor Assault Weapons Ban, But 62% Oppose Complete Gun Ban

Most Americans favor taking semi-automatic and assault-type weapons off the market but also are wary of a society in which only the government has guns. Very few would opt for a neighborhood where they couldn’t own a gun. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 55% of American Adults think there should be a ban on the purchase of semi-automatic and assault-type weapons. Thirty-six percent (36%) disagree and oppose such a ban. (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 Adults was conducted on December 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.

59% Believe Tougher Gun Control Laws Are Coming

Americans are now evenly divided over the need for stronger anti-gun laws following last week's elementary school massacre, and most think such laws are at least somewhat likely. They're much less confident that limits will be placed on violent movies and video games. 

A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of American Adults finds that 59% believe it’s at least somewhat likely that Congress and the president will create tougher gun control laws, but that includes just 22% who feel they are Very Likely.  Thirty-three percent (33%) view stricter anti-gun laws as unlikely, with 17% who say they are Not At All Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The Rasmussen Challenge winner will be posted tomorrow! Check back to find out how you did. 

The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on December 17-18, 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.