22% View Geithner Favorably
Following news reports that he may be leaving his post this fall, favorable ratings for U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner tie their lowest level to date.
Politics
Most Recent Releases
July 5, 2011
July 3, 2011
Full Month Approval Ratings for President Slip in June
When tracking President Obama’s job approval on a daily basis people sometimes get so caught up in the day-to-day fluctuations that they miss the bigger picture. To look at the longer-term trends, Rasmussen Reports compiles the numbers on a full-month basis, and the results can be seen in the graphics below.
July 2, 2011
What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls - Week Ending July 2, 2011
As the United States prepares to celebrate its 235th birthday, Americans still overwhelmingly agree with the ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence. Ninety percent (90%) agree that “we are all endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights, among them life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Americans also strongly support the beliefs that we are all created equal and the government’s derive their only just authority from the consent of the governed. Men tend to be stronger supporters of these views than women, but majorities of just about all demographic groups agree.
July 1, 2011
57% View Hillary Clinton Favorably
Globe-trotting Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who was in Hungary this week urging greater democratic freedoms, remains the most well-known and well-liked member of President Obama’s Cabinet among voters back at home.
July 1, 2011
Americans Under 40 Skeptical About Receiving Promised Social Security Benefits
Just 26% of voters under 40 believe it’s even Somewhat Likely they will receive all of their promised Social Security benefits. That includes only 5% who say it’s Very Likely those benefits will be paid.
July 1, 2011
51% Say Gov't Should Force Oil Companies To Use Profits To Develop Alternative Energy
Voters strongly believe the United States is not doing enough to explore alternative sources of energy, and most still think oil companies should devote big money to searching for those types of energy.
July 1, 2011
Americans Still Agree With Ideals Set Forth in the Declaration of Independence
The upcoming Fourth of July holiday marks the 235th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence's adoption by the Continental Congress, and most Americans still agree with the central tenets of the document that declared the nation's independence from Great Britain. Whether the United States meets those lofty goals is subject to debate.
June 30, 2011
Most Americans Give Constitution High Marks, Say Don't Change It
Most Americans still believe the U.S. Constitution has a positive impact on American life and think it should be left as is. But a sizable number also feels the document does not put enough restrictions on government.
June 30, 2011
65% Believe Americans Should Have Right to Pick Own Social Security Retirement Age
While politicians argue whether to increase Social Security taxes or raise the retirement age for eligibility, voters think such decisions should be made closer to home.
June 30, 2011
10% Would Base Their Vote On A Candidate’s Religion
Voters say overwhelmingly that they would not vote for or against a political candidate solely because of the religion he or she practices.
June 29, 2011
Most Americans Fear A Government That Is Too Powerful
As the nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day, more Americans than ever see danger in a government that is too powerful.
June 29, 2011
63% Say Medicare Costs Can Be Reduced Without Hurting Quality of Care
Most voters think it’s possible to cut Medicare costs without damaging the existing quality of care but believe it can’t be done unless the overall cost of health care in America comes down.
June 29, 2011
75% Say U.S. Not Doing Enough To Develop Its Gas And Oil Resources
Most voters continue to feel America needs to do more to develop domestic gas and oil resources. They also still give the edge to finding new sources of oil over reducing gas and oil consumption.
June 29, 2011
63% Favor Death Penalty, 47% Say It Deters Crime
Support for the death penalty remains high, and adults are a bit more confident that capital punishment helps deter crime than they were a year ago.
June 28, 2011
Generic Republican Candidate 46%, Obama 42%
A generic Republican candidate now holds a four-point lead over President Obama in a hypothetical 2012 election matchup. It's the fifth week in a row that the GOP candidate has been ahead and the widest gap between the candidates to date.
June 28, 2011
66% Say U.S. Society Fair and Decent
Most voters continue to believe U.S. society is generally fair and decent, but they aren’t quite as convinced that President Obama shares their views.
June 28, 2011
42% View Retiring Defense Secretary Gates Favorably
Defense Secretary Robert Gates, the only holdover from the Cabinet of President George W. Bush, is stepping down from his post this week with his favorables largely the same as they were when President Obama decided to keep him two-and-a-half years ago.
June 28, 2011
30% Favor Tax Hikes To Keep Social Security, Medicare Solvent
Voters are closely divided over whether increasing taxes or raising the eligibility age is the best way to keep the government’s retirement programs financially afloat.
June 28, 2011
47% See U.S. Justice System As Fair To Most Americans, 34% Don't
Less than half of adults nationwide believe the U.S. system of justice is fair to most Americans. But far more think the problem with the system is not that the innocent are treated unfairly but that the guilty go free.
June 27, 2011
73% Say Woman President Likely in Next 10 Years
Voters are more willing than ever to elect a woman president, and most think there’s a good chance a woman will win the White House in the next 10 years.
