What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls - Week Ending February 20, 2009
That was the week that was, and voters didn’t like much of what they saw.
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February 21, 2009
February 21, 2009
Most Think 'Slumdog Millionaire' Will Win Best Picture Oscar
The Oscars are just two days away, and our readers have made their predictions in this year’s three major categories.
February 21, 2009
Count on the Constitution By Michael Barone
All of America was watching Barack Obama on Jan. 20 as he promised to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." But few thought that, within a month, controversy would arise over the Constitution's census clause.
February 20, 2009
84% in Georgia Say More Crime Likely Due to Bad Economy
Eighty-four percent (84%) of Georgia voters say it is at least somewhat likely that increased crime in their communities is due to the poor economy. Fifty-nine percent (59%) say it is Very Likely in a new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in the state.
February 20, 2009
50% Give Obama Positive Marks on the Economy
Half (50%) of American voters give President Obama good or excellent marks on his handling of the economy at the close of a busy but turbulent week for the new chief executive.
February 20, 2009
43% Say China Helps America Succeed
As new Secretary of State Hillary Clinton meets with Chinese leaders for the first time, 43% of U.S. voters agree with her that China is not America’s adversary and that both countries help each other to succeed.
February 20, 2009
Pelosi Viewed Favorably by 35%, Tops Among Congressional Leaders
Thirty-five percent (35%) of U.S. voters have a favorable opinion of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.
February 20, 2009
Not Your Father's Democratic Congress By Rhodes Cook
The last two Democratic presidents have a lot in common. Like Bill Clinton before him, Barack Obama is a gifted 40-something politician, a strong orator with a high likeability quotient, and a successful candidate who captured the White House by running on a platform offering big change. And like Clinton, Obama begins his administration blessed with large Democratic majorities at the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue.
February 20, 2009
Senate 2010: A Three-Peat for Democrats or Comeback for the GOP? By Larry J. Sabato
Last week in the Crystal Ball , we looked at the historical background of off-year Senate elections and laid the groundwork for the earliest possible projection of the 36 contests on the ballot in 2010. This week we call the Senate roll among sitting Democrats to see who appears safe and who might be in trouble. Next week, in our final round-up, the Republican seats will be under the microscope.
February 19, 2009
Most Michigan Voters Favor Government Loans for GM & Chrysler
While voters across the country are opposed to the government providing additional taxpayer-backed loans to General Motors and Chrysler, 52% of voters in Michigan are in favor of it.
February 19, 2009
40% Say Marijuana Should Be Legalized
The marijuana debate has come a long way since “Reefer Madness.”
February 19, 2009
63% Say Housing Market Will Rise Only With Improved Economy
Sixty-three percent (63%) of Americans say the housing market will improve only when the overall U.S. economy gets better, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.
February 19, 2009
45% Oppose Government Mortgage Help for Troubled Homeowners
Forty-five percent (45%) of Americans oppose the federal government subsidizing mortgage payments for financially troubled homeowners, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.
February 19, 2009
Latino-American Dream on Hold By Froma Harrop
Open most any urban newspaper to the foreclosure notices, and you'll find the list heavy with Hispanic names. Times are tough for Americans of every demographic, but for Latinos they are grimmer still.
February 19, 2009
There Was No GOP "Victory" By Joe Conason
With President Obama's signature affixed to the economic stimulus bill, his landmark victory can be put in proper political context. Regardless of that bill's manifest imperfections and the messy legislative process, the new administration achieved a difficult objective on the tightest possible schedule.
February 19, 2009
The Celtic Tiger Hits Bad Times By Debra J. Saunders
The unemployment rate in Ireland is 9.2 percent and expected to climb, perhaps as high as 15 percent. A real estate market that, according to Bloomberg, quadrupled from 1997 to 2007, is crashing.
February 18, 2009
Most Voters Think Days Are Numbered for GM or Chrysler
Forget the national debate over more government loans for General Motors and Chrysler. Most U.S. voters (57%) say one of them is at least somewhat likely to go out of business over the next few years anyway.
February 18, 2009
64% Oppose Any More Loans for GM and Chrysler
General Motors and Chrysler are back this week seeking $22 billion more in federal help, but 64% of U.S. voters are opposed to providing any additional taxpayer-backed loans for the embattled automakers.
February 18, 2009
With All Due Respect By Susan Estrich
The purpose of being a columnist is not to win friends. It is not to provoke silent nods of agreement. The goal is to strike a chord, hit a nerve -- which is to say, at least sometimes, make people mad. Controversy is good, not bad.
February 18, 2009
28% Say America is Heading in Right Direction
Confidence in America’s future remains steady this week, as 28% of voters say the nation is heading in the right direction and 64% say it is going down the wrong track.
