Politics

Voters Trust Bill Clinton More Than Obama, Romney When It Comes to Economy

Former President Bill Clinton recently got himself in hot water in his own party when he disagreed with the current occupant of the White House and called for an extension of the so-called Bush tax cuts. But most voters support extending those tax cuts and express more confidence in Clinton’s economic judgment than that of both President Obama and Mitt Romney.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 55% of Likely U.S. Voters trust Clinton’s judgment more than Obama’s when it comes to the economy. Just 26% trust the president’s judgment more. Twenty percent (20%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

49% View United Nations Unfavorably

Voters are a little less enthusiastic about the United Nations these days.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 42% of Likely U.S. Voters now view the international organization at least somewhat favorably. However, slightly more (49%) share at least a somewhat unfavorable opinion of it. This includes 10% with a Very Favorable view and 24% with a Very Unfavorable one. Another 10% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

61% in Colorado Favor Legalizing, Regulating Marijuana

Coloradoans will be voting whether to legalize marijuana this November, a ballot initiative that some say could impact the presidential race there. Most Colorado voters are in favor of legalizing the drug under certain conditions.

Sixty-one percent (61%) of Likely Voters in Colorado favor legalizing marijuana if it is regulated the way alcohol and cigarettes are. A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in the Centennial State shows that 27% of voters oppose legalization even with government regulation, while 12% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 500 Likely Voters in Colorado was conducted on June 6, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

37% Say It’s Bad For U.S. When Candidates Criticize President’s Foreign Policies

In the early years of the Cold War, most politicians subscribed to the adage that "politics stops at the water's edge," but since the Vietnam war, partisan sniping at a president's foreign policy has become commonplace. Just over a third (37%) of Likely U.S. Voters think it's bad for the country when candidates for the presidency criticize the foreign policy of the sitting president, but, not surprisingly, there's a partisan component to the findings.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 16% say such criticism is good for the United States, while 30% say it has no impact. Seventeen percent (17%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

49% Say Medicare Is a Good Deal for Working Americans

More voters than ever feel Medicare is beneficial to working Americans, but most still lack confidence that the government-run health insurance program will make good on all its promised benefits. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 49% of Likely U.S. Voters think Medicare is a good deal for working Americans today. Twenty-eight percent (28%) disagree, and 23% more are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

Voter Support for U.S. Involvement in Syria Remains Low

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton again today called on Syrian President Bashar Assad to step down as anti-government violence continues in his country. But most U.S. voters still think America should stay out of the situation in Syria.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that just 20% of Likely U.S. Voters believe the United States should get more involved in the Syrian crisis. Fifty percent (50%) say America should leave the situation there alone, although that’s down six points from February. Thirty percent (30%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on June 5-6, 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: 41% Favor One-Party Rule in Washington, D.C.

Partisan feelings are at an all-time high this election year: More voters than ever like the idea of one party running the whole show in Washington, D.C.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 41% of Likely U.S. Voters think it’s better for the country with one political party in charge of both the White House and Congress. Thirty-four percent (34%) disagree and feel the country is better off with each branch of government being run by a different party. One-in-four voters (25%) 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 U.S. Voters was conducted on June 3-4, 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.

Voters Think Obama, Dems More Likely To Raise Taxes, Spending Than Romney, GOP

Voters are much more convinced that taxes and spending will go up if President Obama is reelected and Democrats regain control of Congress than if Republicans win in November. But they’re not so sure the GOP will cut taxes and spending if it’s in charge. Fifty-one percent (51%) of Likely U.S. Voters think taxes will go up if Obama is returned to the White House and Democrats take over Congress, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Just 31% expect taxes to go up if Mitt Romney is elected and Republicans take control of the House and Senate. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

80% Oppose U.N. Control of the Internet

Russia, China and several Arab countries are pushing for international control of the Internet through the United Nations, but U.S. voters overwhelmingly oppose the idea.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just five percent (5%) of Likely U.S. Voters think an agency of the United Nations should be given the authority to regulate the Internet. Eighty percent (80%) oppose U.N. control of the international computer communications network. Fifteen percent (15%) 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 June 1-2, 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.

Clinton Remains the Most Popular Cabinet Member, Holder the Least

Hillary Clinton continues to be the most favored member of President Obama’s Cabinet, and she’s also the most well-known.

Fifty-three percent (53%) of Likely U.S. Voters have a favorable opinion of the secretary of State. Conversely, just seven percent (7%) hold a favorable view of the newest Cabinet member, Chief of Staff Jack Lew.

To see favorability ratings for all Cabinet members, click here.

Attorney General Eric Holder is the least-liked Cabinet member, with 47% of voters who share an unfavorable opinion of him. Holder has been at the center of several controversies while in office.

Clinton, Holder, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner are the only Cabinet members who are recognized by more than 50% of voters. In the case of all the other Cabinet members, the majority of voters do not know enough about them to formulate an opinion.

51% See Federal Government As Threat to Their Rights

Just over half  (51%) of Americans continue to believe that the government is more of a threat to individual rights than a protector of them.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that only 34% of Adults in this country regard the federal government more as a protector of individual rights. Fifteen percent (15%) 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 Adults was conducted on May 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.

24% Say States Have Right to Secede

While belief in the right of individual states to break away from the United States continues to rise, the likelihood of such a move remains doubtful to most Americans.

Twenty-four percent (24%) of Adults nationwide now think states have the right to leave the United States and form an independent country, according to a new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey. Most (59%) still disagree, but another 16% 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 Adults was conducted on May 29-30, 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.

52% See Romney As Mainstream, 45% Say Same of Obama

Most voters now see Mitt Romney as politically mainstream, but they're evenly divided over whether President Obama’s political views are mainstream or extreme. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Likely U.S. Voters finds that 52% say it’s more accurate to describe the putative Republican nominee’s views as mainstream, while 30% regard them as extreme. Eighteen percent (18%) are undecided. 

When it comes to the president's political views, 45% of voters say they're in the mainstream, but an identical 45% say it's more accurate to describe them as extreme. (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.

This national survey of 1,000 U.S. Likely Voters was conducted on May 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.

63% Think Current System Discourages Third Party Candidates

Most voters agree that the election system is stacked against third-party candidates and think the rules should be changed to level the playing field.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 63% of Likely U.S. Voters believe the current electoral setup discourages third party challenges. Just 24% disagree and say the system is not gamed to discourage third party runs. Thirteen percent (13%) 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 May 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.

15% Say Government Should Determine Pricing for Internet Use

Most Internet providers charge a flat rate to customers regardless of how long they are online or how much material they download. But the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission is now proposing usage-based Internet pricing. 

Just 15% of Likely U.S. Voters think the government should decide whether those who use the Internet more should pay more. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 74% think individual companies that provide Internet service should be allowed to decide pricing for themselves. 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 May 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.

Only 19% See Obama, Romney As Best Possible Presidential Candidates

Mitt Romney may have clinched the Republican nomination this week, but most voters aren't happy with the choices they now face in this year’s presidential election.

Just 19% of Likely U.S. Voters believe Romney and President Obama are the two best people running for the presidency. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 64% don’t believe they're the best possible nominees. 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 survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on May 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.

48% Agree With Romney on Issues, 46% Say Same of Obama

President Obama and Mitt Romney run neck-and-neck when voters are asked if they agree or disagree with the candidates on the issues.

Forty-eight percent (48%) of Likely U.S. Voters personally agree with Romney, while 46% agree with the president, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.

These figures include 38% who agree with the Republican challenger on most important issues and 10% who agree with him on just about everything. Obama’s total is made up of 32% who agree with him on most important issues and 14% who agree on nearly everything. (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 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% See Obama-Romney Race as Choice of Lesser of Two Evils

Most voters see serious differences of opinion between President Obama and Mitt Romney, but Democrats are a lot more excited about their candidate than Republicans are about theirs.

Fifty-six percent (56%) of Likely U.S. Voters think the president and the likely Republican presidential nominee disagree on most important issues, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Another 25% say they disagree on just about everything. Only six percent (6%) believe the two candidates agree on most important issues, with two percent (2%) more who say they agree on just about everything. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on May 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% Favor Welcoming Immigration Policy

Most voters continue to support a welcoming immigration policy but still feel the focus of immigration reform should be on gaining control of the border. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 55% of Likely U.S. Voters agree that the goal of immigration policy should be to keep out only national security threats, criminals and those who come to the United States to live off its welfare system. Twenty-nine percent (29%) disagree, while 16% are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on May 22-23, 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% Concerned Efforts To Identify Illegal Immigrants Will Violate Civil Rights

While voters remain concerned that efforts to deport illegal immigrants will inadvertently lead to civil rights violations, a majority still disagrees with granting automatic citizenship to children of illegal immigrants born in the United States. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 58% of Likely U.S. Voters are at least somewhat concerned that efforts to identify and deport illegal immigrants will also end up violating the civil rights of some U.S. citizens, including 24% who are Very Concerned.  Thirty-eight percent (38%) are not concerned a citizens' rights will be violated in this process, with 10% who are Not At All Concerned.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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