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January 18, 2015

Fewer Voters Think Allies Should Follow America's Lead

Voters continue to show little optimism about America’s future and feel less strongly about this nation's leadership role.

Thirty-two percent (32%) of Likely U.S. Voters now think America’s best days are in the future, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. That’s down from 34% in October but still above the all-time low of 29% last July. Forty-six percent (46%) think America’s best days are already in the past, but that’s down from 51% in the previous survey and is the lowest finding in a year. Another 22% 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 national telephone survey of 800 Likely Voters was conducted by Rasmussen Reports on January 13-14, 2015. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

January 17, 2015

What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls: Week Ending January 17, 2015

Bob Dylan once declared, “Something is happening here, but you don’t know what it is.” That could well describe America’s response to radical Islam.

January 16, 2015

60% Think U.S. Society is Fair and Decent

The new year has voters feeling more positive about American society that they have in quite a while.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 60% of Likely U.S. Voters think American society is generally fair and decent. This finding is up six points from October’s seven-year low and is the highest finding since April 2013. Prior to 2013, belief that American society was fair and decent ran regularly in the low-to-mid 60s. Twenty-eight percent (28%) say American society is generally unfair and discriminatory, a near two-year low. Twelve percent (12%) 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 national telephone survey of 800 Likely Voters was conducted by Rasmussen Reports on January 13-14, 2015. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

January 16, 2015

Most Voters Still Wary of How Government Does Business

Voters are more convinced than ever that the government gives special treatment to companies with the most political connections, but they save some skepticism for the private sector as well. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 71% of Likely U.S. Voters believe most government contracts are awarded to the company with the most political connections rather than one that can provide the best service for the best price. That’s up from 63% a year ago and 66% in 2012. Just 18% disagree and think most government contracts go to the company that can provide the best service for the best price, down from 25% last year. Eleven percent (11%) 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 800 Likely Voters was conducted on January 13-14, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

January 16, 2015

Confidence in Race Relations Tumbles

Americans still believe most of their fellow countrymen aren’t racist but think race relations in this country have taken a decided turn for the worse.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 17% of American Adults now rate race relations in America today as good or excellent, down by half from 34% a year ago. Twenty-nine percent (29%) describe race relations as poor, compared to 19% who felt that way in January 2014. (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 and Facebook.

The survey of 800 Adults was conducted on January 14-15, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

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January 16, 2015

Why the Violent Extremists Welcome Attacks on Islam by Joe Conason

Whenever an act of horrific terror enrages the West, a predictable second act ensues. Furious commentators and activists on the right erupt with blanket denunciations of Islam, Muslims and their supposed plots to enslave us all under Shariah, urging that we ban the religion, stigmatize its faithful and restore the Judeo-Christian exclusivity of America. Sometimes a few even seek retribution in attacks on mosques, individual Muslims and anyone unfortunate enough to "look Muslim."

January 16, 2015

Feds Still Have Few Friends

Most voters don't like the federal government and think it should downsize. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 35% of Likely U.S. Voters have a favorable opinion of the federal government, while 62% view it unfavorably. This includes five percent (5%) with a Very Favorable opinion and 25% with a Very Unfavorable one. That's consistent with past surveys. (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 800 Likely Voters was conducted on January 11-12, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

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January 16, 2015

Protecting a Tolerant Society Against the Intolerance: A New --- and Old --- Challenge by Michael Barone

How far should a tolerant society tolerate intolerance? It's a difficult issue, one without any entirely satisfactory answer. And it's a current issue in the days after 40 world leaders and the U.S. ambassador to France marched together in Paris against the jihadist Muslim murderers who targeted the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.

January 15, 2015

Cash No Longer Reigns Supreme

Paper or plastic? A common question at the grocery store might now refer to your wallet rather than your shopping bags.

Over half (53%) of American Adults now say they’ve gone an entire week without paying for anything with cash or coins, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. That’s up from 49% a year ago and 43% in 2012. Thirty-nine percent (39%) have not, down six points from 2014. (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 and Facebook.

The survey of 800 Adults was conducted on January 12-13, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

January 15, 2015

Do Most Muslims See America As An Enemy?

Is there really a “clash of civilizations”? The jury is still out as far as most American voters are concerned.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 39% of Likely U.S. Voters believe most Muslims worldwide view the United States as an enemy. That’s down slightly from 41% last July and a high of 49% in August 2013. Nearly as many (37%) think most Muslims around the world do not view the United States as an enemy. A sizable 24%, however, 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 800 Likely Voters was conducted on January 11-12, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

January 15, 2015

Voters Agree The Rich Get Richer

As the old saying goes, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

Fifty-six percent (56%) of Likely U.S. Voters agree, according to the latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Forty percent (40%) disagree and believe most Americans benefit as economic conditions improve. (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 800 Likely Voters was conducted on January 13-14, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

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January 15, 2015

Gilded Youth and Their Pain By Froma Harrop

A Hollywood-handsome Princeton grad recently shot his hedge-fund-founder father to death. The alleged reason: Thomas Gilbert Sr.'s plan to cut his allowance by $200 a month. You can imagine what the tabloids are doing with the story. 

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January 15, 2015

Harry Reid & The Senate Survivors By Geoffrey Skelley

If history is any indication, it would be hard to pick against Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) if he runs for another term next year. His races are often close, but he has shown a remarkable amount of resilience over the years, frustrating Republican attempts to dislodge him. In fact, by some measures Reid has had a tougher time retaining his seat than any of the longest-serving senators during the century-long era of popular Senate elections. He is, in many ways, the heartiest of the “Senate survivors.”

January 15, 2015

Voters Repeat: Cut Spending to Help Economy

Voters still want the government to do more to help the economy, and what they want it to do is cut spending.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 42% of Likely U.S. Voters now worry the federal government will do too much to try to help the economy, up five points from December and the highest level of concern since September 2013. But 50% worry the government won’t do enough, generally in line with surveys over the past year-and-a-half. (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 800 Likely Voters was conducted on January 9-10, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

January 14, 2015

Americans Don't Expect Record Low Gas Prices to Last

Gas prices are hitting near-record lows around the country, but Americans suspect the rock-bottom prices won’t last for long.

Ninety percent (90%) of American Adults say they are paying less for a gallon of gas than six months ago, but 69% think it’s at least somewhat likely those prices will go up again over the next six months, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Just 19% believe they are unlikely to be paying more in six months' time. These findings include 40% who say it’s Very Likely a gallon of gas will cost more and only three percent (3%) who say it’s Not At All Likely. (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 800 Adults was conducted on January 10-11, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

January 14, 2015

Ever Lose Credit or Debit Information Online?

President Obama is pushing new legislation that would prod businesses to be more forthcoming when they are hit with an Internet breach, but most Americans who have been affected by such a breach rate the response positively.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 40% of Americans say they have had credit card or debit card information stolen, and 45% of these adults say they have lost this information through a major data breach at a retailer they’ve bought things from. (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 and Facebook.

The survey of 800 Adults was conducted on January 12-13, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

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January 14, 2015

The Better Option by John Stossel

It's easy to "fire" a business that rips you off. Just go to a different one. It's a lot easier to patronize another business than to get government to fix the problem.

January 14, 2015

Voters Are Even Less Supportive of Obama Acting Alone

Most voters continue to believe the federal government should only do what President Obama and Congress agree on. They also still think a president should not be able to change laws passed by Congress on his own, even as congressional Republicans plan to challenge Obama's decision not to enforce the deportation of up to five million illegal immigrants

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% of Likely U.S. Voters believe that when it comes to dealing with issues the president considers important to the nation, the government should only do what he and Congress agree on. Thirty-one percent (31%) think Obama should take action alone if Congress does not approve the initiatives he has proposed. Thirteen percent (13%) 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 800 Likely Voters was conducted on January 7-8, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

January 13, 2015

Americans Still Aren't in a Car-Buying Mood

While several economic indicators suggest the U.S. economy may finally be recovering, car buying doesn't appear to be one of them.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 26% of American Adults say it’s at least somewhat likely they will buy or lease a car in the next year, including 11% who say it's Very Likely. That compares to 27% who intended to do so last year, with 13% who said it was Very Likely. (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 800 Adults was conducted on January 10-11, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

January 13, 2015

Americans Think Islam Needs To Clean Up Its Act

Most U.S. voters agree Islam needs to put the emphasis on peace.

The Muslim president of Egypt is calling for a revolution in his religion, saying that some of its beliefs have made it “a source of worry, fear, danger, murder and destruction to all the world.” Seventy-five percent (75%) of Likely U.S. Voters agree that Islamic religious leaders need to do more to emphasize the peaceful beliefs of their faith, according to the latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Just seven percent (7%) disagree, while 17% 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 800 Likely Voters was conducted on January 11-12, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.