Politics

Following School Shooting, 86% Want More Action to Identify and Treat Mental Illness

Americans want something done following the horrific news from Sandy Hook Elementary School last week, and a plurality believes a greater emphasis on mental health issues will be the most effective way to prevent such tragedies.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 48% of Americans believe more action to treat mental health issues will do the most to prevent incidents like last Friday’s school shootings in Newtown, Connecticut. Twenty-seven percent (27%) think stricter gun control laws will do the most to prevent such shootings, while 15% put the emphasis on limits on violent movies and video games. Ten percent (10%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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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.

41% Think a Child Born in the U.S. to an Illegal Immigrant Should Be a Citizen

More voters than ever think that if a woman comes to the United States illegally and gives birth to a child here, that child should be a U.S. citizen. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 41% of Likely U.S. Voters share that view, up from September’s previous high of 37%. But 51% still disagree and do not think the child in that situation should be granted citizenship. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 14-15, 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.

41% Believe Economy is Fair to Middle Class, 56% Say It’s Not

Half of all voters believe the economy is fair to lower-income Americans but fewer think it is fair to the middle class.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 49% of Likely Voters believe the economy is at least somewhat fair to lower-income Americans, while 46% say it is not. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 12-13, 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.

47% Say U.S. Economy is Fair, 49% Disagree

American voters are evenly divided as to whether or not the economy is fair.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 47% believe the economy is fair and 49% disagree. Those figures include nine percent (9%) who say it is Very Fair and 13% who see the economy as Not at All Fair.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 12-13, 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.

40% Favor Single-Payer Health Care System, 44% Oppose

Voters are now almost evenly divided over the establishment of a single-payer health care system under which the federal government provides coverage for everyone.

Forty percent (40%) of Likely U.S. Voters favor a single-payer system, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Forty-four percent (44%) oppose the creation of such a system. Sixteen percent (16%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 10-11, 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.

Just 37% Now Call Themselves Fiscal Conservatives

Voters appear to be showing a slight ideological shift as fewer now consider themselves fiscal conservatives and more say they are both fiscal and social liberals.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 37% of Likely U.S. Voters now say they are conservative when it comes to fiscal issues such as taxes and government spending. That’s the first time that number has dipped below 40% in surveys dating back to November 2007. Thirty-nine percent (39%) consider themselves fiscally moderate. One-in-five (20%) now say they are fiscally liberal. That's up from 11% in January and the highest finding to date. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 6-7, 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% Favor A Health Care Exchange in Their State, 35% Don’t

Nearly half of all voters want their state to set up its own health care exchange to help implement President Obama’s national health care law. Roughly half the states, however, have already chosen not to do so. In those states, voters are evenly divided.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 46% of Likely U.S. Voters want their governor to support the implementation of the health care law in their state. But nearly as many (42%) want their governor to oppose the law’s implementation. Twelve percent (12%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 10-11, 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.

73% Think Health Care Law Likely to Cost More Than Projected

Voters are narrowly divided in their views of President Obama’s national health care law, but a sizable majority thinks the law is likely to cost taxpayers more than has been officially estimated.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 46% of Likely U.S. Voters have a favorable impression of the health care law, while 49% view it unfavorably. This includes 16% with a Very Favorable opinion and 35% with a Very Unfavorable one. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 10-11, 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 Federal Gov't As Threat to Rights, 45% As Protector

Voters take their constitutional rights very seriously and are evenly divided over whether the federal government protects or threatens those liberties.  A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 45% of Likely U.S. Voters now regard the federal government today as a protector of individual rights. But 46% consider the government a threat to those rights. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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(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 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.

56% Say American Society is Generally Fair and Decent

Most voters continue to feel America is a fair and decent country and that those who move here need to adopt the prevailing culture. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 56% of Likely U.S. Voters think American society is generally fair and decent. Thirty percent (30%) disagree and view it as unfair and discriminatory. Fourteen percent (14%) 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 6-7, 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.

Freedoms of Speech, Religion Top Freedoms of Press, Right to Bear Arms

Ask voters about some of their basic freedoms enshrined in the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution, and they rate freedom of speech as most important and the right to bear arms as the least. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 85% of Likely U.S. Voters consider freedom of speech Very Important. Another 14% consider it somewhat important while just one percent (1%) think it’s not very important. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

37% Thinks U.S. Spends Too Much on Defense

With cuts in defense spending on the "fiscal cliff" negotiating table, 37% of Likely U.S. Voters think the United States spends too much on the military and national security. That's up from 29% in early November, and the highest negative assessment of defense spending in over a year of regular tracking. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 23% of likely voters believe the country doesn't spend enough on the military and national security, while 33% feel the level of spending is about right. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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This national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 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.

45% Think U.S. Should Help Rebels if Syrian Government Resorts to Chemical Weapons

Voters now think Syria is slightly more likely to use chemical weapons against anti-government rebels, and a plurality continues to believe the United States should help the rebels if those weapons are used. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 57% of Likely U.S. Voters believe the Syrian government is likely to use chemical weapons against its opponents, with 18% who say it’s Very Likely. Just 23% think the government is unlikely to resort to these weapons to put down the growing protests, but that includes only five percent (5%) who say it’s Not At All Likely. Twenty percent (20%) 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 6-7, 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 17% Are Very Confident They'll Get Their Full Social Security Benefits

Sixty-five percent (65%) of Likely U.S. Voters now have at least a somewhat favorable opinion of Social Security, the highest in nearly a year.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 30% of voters have an unfavorable view of the federal retirement program. These findings include 28% with a Very Favorable opinion and 11% with a Very Unfavorable one. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

54% Put Economic Growth Ahead of Economic Fairness

Most voters still put growing the economy ahead of a level economic playing field, despite increasing calls for higher taxes on the wealthy. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 54% of Likely U.S. Voters think economic growth is more important than economic fairness. Thirty-seven percent (37%) disagree and put economic fairness first. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

52% Rate Obama as a Good or Excellent Leader

Most voters now consider President Obama a good or excellent leader.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 52% of Likely U.S. Voters now rate Obama that way, the highest finding since May 2009 and the first time that number has broken the 50% mark since June of that same year. Just 33% rate the president’s leadership as poor, the least critical assessment since January 2011. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

19% Favor New Government Spending to Stimulate Economy

President Obama is calling for $200 billion in economic stimulus spending in his proposal to avoid the “fiscal cliff,” but few voters believe increased government spending will stimulate the economy. Most think tax cuts are the better way to go.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 19% of Likely U.S. Voters believe the government should increase federal spending to help stimulate the economy. Sixty-two percent (62%) oppose new spending as an economic stimulus. Nineteen percent (19%) 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 December 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.

46% Favor Allowing Religious Exemption for Contraceptive Mandate, 41% Oppose

Voters are narrowly supportive of allowing businesses and religious organizations to opt out of government-mandated free birth control for their women employees if religious beliefs are at stake. As part of the new national health care law, the Obama administration has mandated that all companies must have health insurance coverage that provides no-cost contraceptives for women.  A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 46% of Likely U.S. Voters feel that if providing such coverage violates the deeply held beliefs of a church, religious organization or business owner, they should be allowed to opt out of providing coverage for contraceptives.

But nearly as many voters (41%) disagree and oppose anyone being allowed to opt out for religious reasons. Twelve percent (12%) 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 December 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.

Voters Strongly Support Individual Choice When It Comes to Health Insurance

Voters tend to agree with the federal government setting standards for health insurance coverage but think individuals should have the right to choose reduced coverage if it saves them money.  The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 39% of Likely U.S. Voters think the government should require every health insurance company and health insurance plan to cover the exact same set of medical procedures. Thirty-two percent (32%) disagree and oppose such a mandate. Twenty-nine percent (29%) 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 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.

Voters Think Obama More Willing to Deal on ‘Fiscal Cliff’ Than GOP

As the “fiscal cliff’ draws nearer, voters are more confident that President Obama is willing to agree to a deal with both spending cuts and tax increases than Republicans in Congress are.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 42% of Likely U.S. Voters believe the president is willing to accept a deal that includes both his tax increases and significant cuts in government spending. Nearly as many (40%) think Obama will insist on tax increases only.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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