Voters Put Democrats, GOP In Dead Heat Over Economy
After a month of major legislation by the White House and Congress to try to fix the struggling economy, more voters trust the Democratic Party to handle economic issues than they did a month ago.
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May 11, 2009
May 11, 2009
50% of GOP Voters in Arizona Say McCain Is Out of Touch
Arizona Republican voters don’t see Senator John McCain having much trouble winning the GOP Senate Primary next year, but 50% believe he has lost touch with his party’s base. Conservatives are even more critical of the longtime incumbent.
May 11, 2009
Just 49% Now Say Home Worth More Than Mortgage
The number of U.S. homeowners who say their house is worth more than the amount they still owe on their mortgage is down five percentage points from a month ago and down 12 points since December.
May 11, 2009
Congress Pushes Cap and Trade, But Just 24% Know What It Is
The gap between Capitol Hill and Main Street is huge when it comes to the so-called "cap-and-trade" legislation being considered in Congress. So wide, in fact, that few voters even know what the proposed legislation is all about.
May 11, 2009
81% Oppose Gas Tax Hike To Encourage Sales of More Efficient Cars
Given last year’s record-high gasoline prices and the still-fluctuating price at the pump, most Americans aren’t interested in the government tacking on any more, even in the name of fuel efficiency.
May 11, 2009
On Guns and Climate, the Elites Are Out of Touch By Michael Barone
Many years ago, political scientists came up with a theory that elites lead public opinion. And on some issues, they clearly do. But on some issues, they don't.
May 10, 2009
The Democrats' Dictionary By Debra J. Saunders
Doublespeak is alive as Democrats pull the strings in the White House and Congress 24 years after 1984. What do they mean when they engage in Democrat-speak?
May 9, 2009
66% Say Being a Mother Is A Woman's Most Important Role
This Mother’s Day, two-out-of-three adults (66%) believe that being a mother is the most important role for a woman to fill. Only 17% disagree and 16% are not sure.
May 9, 2009
What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls - Week Ending May 8, 2009
Government, government everywhere, that seems to be the sign of the times.
May 9, 2009
A Mother's Job By Susan Estrich
"You have so much responsibility. It's just hard work all the time," said Bristol Palin, the new spokeswoman for the Candie's Foundation to prevent teen pregnancy, at an "Event to Prevent" town hall on Wednesday.
May 8, 2009
42% Like Congress’ ‘Cash for Clunkers’ Car Plan
Americans give mixed reviews to Congress’ “Cash for Clunkers” plan to encourage the purchase of new, more fuel-efficient cars.
May 8, 2009
Winner of Our Prediction Challenge: Is It Possible for Israel & the Palestinians Live Side By Side in Peace?
Conflict between Israel and Iran still exists today. One of this week's Prediction Challenges asked predictors if it was indeed possible for Israel & the Palestinians live side by side in peace. The Rasmussen Reports survey found that 40% say Israelis, Palestinians can peacefully coexist.
May 8, 2009
40% Say Israelis, Palestinians Can Peacefully Coexist
With Israel and Iran turning up the bellicose language, U.S. voters are less confident than they were at the beginning of the year that Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace.
May 8, 2009
57% Expect Government Will Give GM, Chrysler Unfair Advantages
If the federal government becomes the majority owner of General Motors and Chrysler, most Americans (57%) believe it’s likely the government will pass laws and regulations giving those firms an unfair advantage over other car companies. That figure includes 37% who consider such preferential treatment Very Likely.
May 8, 2009
Health Care: Will Democrats Ride Camel or Horse? By Froma Harrop
A camel, the old saying goes, is a horse made by committee. We don't want camel health reform. We don't want Washington lawmakers debating whether it should have one hump or two. We want a horse -- a sleek machine that performs with efficiency.
May 8, 2009
Huge Crack in System of Drug Prosecution By Debra J. Saunders
When Congress passed the Anti-Drug Abuse Act in 1986, proponents boasted that stiff mandatory minimum sentences would be bad news for major drug traffickers. Ha. Over time, drug kingpins learned that they had little to fear from the law -- especially if they were dealing crack cocaine.
May 8, 2009
Presidency 2012: The Invisible Primary Begins By Larry J. Sabato
We at the Crystal Ball must beg your forgiveness. With fewer than 1,300 days left until the next general election for President, we have failed to offer a single analysis of this historic upcoming battle. With humility, and hoping for mercy, we submit this first update on 2012.
May 7, 2009
Predict Our Poll Results: Is American Consumerism to Blame for Many of Earth's Environmental Problems?
From May 7-8, 2009, Rasmussen Reports will ask 1,000 likely voters the following question "Is American consumerism to blame for many of the earth’s environmental problems?" We'd like you to please predict the percentage who will say "yes" consumerism in this country is to blame for many of our planet's environmental issues.
May 7, 2009
80% Say Life Experiences Teach More Than College
Eighty-percent (80%) of Americans believe that individuals learn more practical skills through life experience and work rather than through college. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 9% disagree and say more is learned in college.
May 7, 2009
Predict Who Will Be the Next Contestant Eliminated on 'American Idol'
Only three contestants remain in the eighth season of 'American Idol' and it's the guys' game now! Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey and Kris Allen are competing for the finals. We want you to predict who you think will be eliminated from the show on May 13th.
