Politics

Most Recent Releases

December 28, 2011President Obama's Job Approval Faith Gap
Opinions about President Obama are divided sharply along lines of faith and religious participation.
New Rasmussen Reports national telephone surveying of Likely U.S. Voters shows that the president earns a job approval rating of 58% among those who rarely or never attend church or religious services. However, among those who attend services every week or nearly every week, just 38% offer their approval. Among those who attend more than one service a week, approval is even lower at 31%.
The survey of 6,000 Likely U.S. Voters was conducted from December 12-22, 2011 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 1 percentage point with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/politics/general_politics/december_2011/60_see_extending_social_security_payroll_tax_cut_for_full_year_as_good_for_economy/646844-1-eng-US/60_see_extending_social_security_payroll_tax_cut_for_full_year_as_good_for_economy.jpg" />
                
                            December 27, 201160% See Extending Social Security Payroll Tax Cut for Full Year As Good for Economy
Most voters agree that extending a 2% cut in the Social Security payroll tax for all of 2012 will be beneficial for the economy but won’t significantly impact their financial plans for the year. Congress signed off on a two-month extension of the tax cut last week but are hoping to extend it for all of 2012 when they reconvene after the holiday.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 60% of Likely U.S. Voters believe that if the payroll tax cut is extended for the full year of 2012, it will help the economy at least a little. That includes 22% who think it will help the economy a lot. Only 10% feel extending the tax cut will hurt the economy, with just four percent (4%) who think it will hurt a lot. (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 26, 2011 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.

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/politics/general_politics/december_2011/60_still_see_government_as_the_problem_political_class_disagrees/646774-1-eng-US/60_still_see_government_as_the_problem_political_class_disagrees.jpg" />
                
                            December 27, 201160% Still See Government As The Problem, Political Class Disagrees
Political spats and elections come and go, but one thing most voters still agree on is that government is not the solution to their problems. Not surprisingly, the Political Class disagrees.
Ronald Reagan said it in his first inaugural address in January 1981: “Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem,” and a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 60% of Likely U.S. Voters agree with the iconic president. Only 29% disagree with Reagan’s assessment, while 11% are undecided.
December 26, 201153% Call for Repeal of Health Care Law
Most voters still want to repeal the national health care law, even though they tend to believe the law won’t force them to change their own health insurance coverage.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 55% of Likely U.S. Voters at least somewhat favor repeal of the health care law passed by Congress in March 2010, while 35% at least somewhat oppose repeal. The intensity remains on the side of the law’s opponents since these findings include 42% who Strongly Favor repeal versus 26% who are Strongly Opposed. (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 10-11, 2011 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.
December 24, 2011What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls - Week Ending December 24, 2011
The vast majority of Americans celebrate tomorrow as Christmas, and most of those folks recognize the day as a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.  It’s a time to pause momentarily even as the news hurtles on in places as remote as North Korea and as near as Iowa where the race for the presidency gathers steam.
For a sizable number of adults, the last couple days have been panic time. As of Friday morning, 38% hadn’t finished their holiday shopping, and 18% hadn’t even started yet. Still, there’d been a lot of shopping going since Monday when 57% hadn’t finished and 26% had yet to start. 
More toys may have been on the shopping list, too. Just 41% of American Adults are even somewhat concerned about the safety of most toys being sold this holiday season, down from 51% a year ago. 
The number of adults who expect to travel away from home during the holiday season has slowly increased in recent years, but half still say the current economy makes them less likely to do so.

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/politics/current_events/north_korea/12_see_change_of_leadership_in_north_korea_as_good_for_the_united_states/645774-1-eng-US/12_see_change_of_leadership_in_north_korea_as_good_for_the_united_states.jpg" />
                
                            December 23, 201112% See Change of Leadership in North Korea As Good for the United States
Voters are not optimistic about the change in leadership in communist North Korea, and many are concerned that it will lead to war between North Korea and South Korea.  Voters doubt that the change in leadership will produce major changes in North Korea. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 14% of Likely Voters think it is even somewhat likely that North Korea will become a free, democratic and peaceful nation over the next few years.
The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 20-21, 2011 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.

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/politics/general_politics/december_2011/60_say_u_s_society_fair_and_decent_28_disagree/645560-1-eng-US/60_say_u_s_society_fair_and_decent_28_disagree.jpg" />
                
                            December 22, 201160% Say U.S. Society Fair and Decent, 28% Disagree
Most voters continue to believe U.S. society is fair and decent but only a third think that President Obama agrees. 
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 60% of Likely Voters think society in this country is fair and decent. Twenty-eight percent (28%) disagree and feel American society is unfair and discriminatory.  Another 12% are not sure.

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/politics/elections/election_2012/election_2012_presidential_election/iowa/in_iowa_romney_tops_list_for_second_choice_support/645329-2-eng-US/in_iowa_romney_tops_list_for_second_choice_support.jpg" />
                
                            December 22, 2011In Iowa, Romney Tops List for Second Choice Support
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is leading in Iowa and he is also getting a bit more second choice support than other candidates.
Data released yesterday shows that Romney currently is on top in Iowa with 25% support followed by Texas Congressman Ron Paul at 20% and Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich at 17%. When asked in the same survey about their second choice, 16% pick Romney, 14% name Gingrich, 14% offer former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, and 13% say Texas Governor Rick Perry. Congresswoman Michele Bachmann is the second choice for 10%, Ron Paul for nine percent (9%) and Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman for four percent (4%).
December 21, 2011Iowa: Romney 25% Paul 20% Gingrich 17%
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and Texas Congressman Ron Paul are leading the pack in Iowa with just two weeks to go until Caucus Day. But large numbers of voters remain uncommitted and lots could change between now and January 3.
The new Rasmussen Reports survey of Iowa caucus participants shows Romney on top with 25% of the vote followed by Paul at 20% and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich at 17%. Texas Governor Rick Perry and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, both at 10%, are the only other candidates in double-digits.  Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann earns six percent (6%), former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman four percent (4%), while one percent (1%) prefer some other candidate and eight percent (8%) are not sure.

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/politics/current_events/healthcare/december_2011/45_consider_medicare_a_good_deal_for_working_americans/645126-1-eng-US/45_consider_medicare_a_good_deal_for_working_americans.jpg" />
                
                            December 21, 201145% Consider Medicare A Good Deal for Working Americans
Most voters continue to question whether they will get the Medicare benefits they are entitled to, and nearly one-out-of-three is willing to raise taxes to ensure that they do.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 30% of Likely U.S. Voters now favor raising taxes to make sure that Medicare has enough money to pay all promised benefits. Thirty-three percent (33%) think it’s better to raise the eligibility age for Medicare benefits while 14% feel cutting the promised level of benefits to ensure Medicare has enough money is the best option. A sizable 22% 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 18-19, 2011 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.

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/politics/current_events/immigration/34_oppose_welcoming_immigration_policy/645038-1-eng-US/34_oppose_welcoming_immigration_policy.jpg" />
                
                            December 21, 201134% Oppose Welcoming Immigration Policy
A third of American voters oppose an immigration policy that keeps out only criminals, national security threats and those who come to live off America’s welfare system because they don’t think it’s restrictive enough. 
Still, a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 52% of Likely U.S. Voters favor a welcoming immigration policy with only those restrictions.
December 20, 2011Election 2012:  Obama 45%, Generic Republican 44%
President Obama is now essentially tied with a generic Republican candidate in a hypothetical Election 2012 matchup for the week ending Sunday, Dec. 18. This is the closest margin between the two candidates in just over a month of weekly tracking.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Likely U.S. Voters finds Obama earning 45% support -- matching the highest level yet for him -- while a generic Republican picks up 44% of the vote.

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/politics/general_politics/december_2011/69_say_photo_id_voting_laws_are_not_discriminatory/644592-1-eng-US/69_say_photo_id_voting_laws_are_not_discriminatory.jpg" />
                
                            December 20, 201169% Say Photo ID Voting Laws Are Not Discriminatory
Attorney General Eric Holder signaled last week that the Justice Department will be closely examining new state laws that require showing a photo ID before voting for potential racial bias, but voters nationwide overwhelmingly favor such a requirement and reject the idea that it is discriminatory.
Seventy percent (70%) of Likely U.S. Voters believe voters should be required to show photo identification such as a driver’s license before being allowed to cast their ballot. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 22% oppose this kind of requirement. (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 18-19, 2011 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.

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/politics/current_events/afghanistan/just_29_now_think_u_s_can_win_war_in_afghanistan/644182-1-eng-US/just_29_now_think_u_s_can_win_war_in_afghanistan.jpg" />
                
                            December 19, 2011Just 29% Now Think U.S. Can Win War in Afghanistan
Confidence that the United States can win the war in Afghanistan has fallen to an all-time low. Most voters also are more worried that the United States will remain in Afghanistan too long but trust the military commanders on timing more than President Obama. 
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 29% of Likely U.S. Voters now think it is still possible for the United States to win the war in Afghanistan, down from 34% a year ago at this time and down from 51% in December 2009.
(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 nationwide was conducted on December 16-17, 2011 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.
December 17, 2011What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls - Week Ending December 17, 2011
It was a newsy week - with the Iraq war coming to a quiet close, the Obama administration’s fight against state anti-immigration efforts going to the U.S. Supreme Court and Newt Gingrich’s runaway train seeming to slow in the Republican presidential race.
The majority of U.S. voters believe Iraq is better off than when dictator Saddam Hussein was in power, but they're not so sure the war-torn country will become peaceful and democratic anytime soon. One thing for sure: If civil war breaks out in Iraq, voters strongly believe U.S. troops should not get involved.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday announced it will decide whether the law Arizona adopted last year to fight illegal immigration violates the Constitution as the U.S. Justice Department contends. But a new survey finds that most voters still support a similar immigration law for their own state. Seventy-three percent (73%) agree that government officials are not doing enough to stop illegal immigration, and 63% think a state should have the right to enforce immigration laws if it believes the federal government is not enforcing them.
Voters continue to believe strongly that the federal government’s actions are encouraging illegal immigration as the Justice Department ended the week announcing bias charges against a popular Arizona sheriff for his anti-immigration efforts.

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/politics/current_events/the_war_in_iraq/63_oppose_return_of_u_s_troops_to_iraq/642944-1-eng-US/63_oppose_return_of_u_s_troops_to_iraq.jpg" />
                
                            December 16, 201163% Oppose Return of U.S. Troops to Iraq
As U.S. troops formally leave Iraq bringing the nearly nine-year-old war to a close, the majority of U.S. voters believe that country is better off than when dictator Saddam Hussein was in power, but they're not so sure Iraq will become a peaceful, democratic nation anytime soon. If civil war breaks out in Iraq, voters strongly believe U.S. troops should not get involved.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Likely U.S. Voters shows that 61% believe the Iraqi people are better off today compared to when Hussein was in power.
(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 14-15, 2011 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.

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/politics/current_events/immigration/60_think_federal_government_encourages_illegal_immigration/642809-1-eng-US/60_think_federal_government_encourages_illegal_immigration.jpg" />
                
                            December 16, 201160% Think Federal Government Encourages Illegal Immigration
Voters continue to believe strongly that the federal government’s actions are encouraging illegal immigration even as the Obama administration announces bias charges against a popular Arizona sheriff for his anti-immigration efforts. Also this week, the U.S. Supreme Court sped up its review of the Justice Department’s legal challenge of state laws aimed at stopping illegal immigration.

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/politics/obama_administration/december_2011/voters_view_holder_more_negatively_amid_calls_for_resignation/642466-1-eng-US/voters_view_holder_more_negatively_amid_calls_for_resignation.jpg" />
                
                            December 15, 2011Voters View Holder More Negatively Amid Calls For Resignation
Amidst a House resolution calling for his resignation following a botched operation to investigate Mexican drug cartels, Attorney General Eric Holder’s unfavorable marks are at the highest level measured. But more than a third of voters still have no opinion of him.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Likely U.S. Voters shows that only 19% share at least a somewhat favorable opinion of Holder while 43% view him unfavorably.
The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 10-11, 2011 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.
December 15, 2011Iowa: Romney 23%, Gingrich 20%, Paul 18%, Perry 10%
For the fifth straight survey, the GOP field has a new frontrunner in Iowa.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Likely Iowa Republican Caucus Participants shows former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney with 23% of the vote, only slightly ahead of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich who has 20%. Texas Congressman Ron Paul is right behind with 18% of the vote. Texas Governor Rick Perry earns 10% support, with no other candidate grabbing double-digits.

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/politics/elections/election_2012/election_2012_presidential_election/iowa/iowa_romney_23_gingrich_20_paul_18/641962-3-eng-US/iowa_romney_23_gingrich_20_paul_18.jpg" />
                
                            December 15, 2011Iowa: Romney 23%, Gingrich 20%, Paul 18%
For the fifth straight survey, the GOP field has a new frontrunner in Iowa.  (video)