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September 23, 2014

Ending Life on Your Terms By Froma Harrop

The low point of the Obamacare debate -- and there was much probing of the floor -- had to be the "death panel" charge. It was the creepiest in a volley of lies aimed at killing health care reform.

What was the fuss about? A proposal to pay doctors for time spent talking to patients about the kind of care they wanted in their last days. Such conversations would be entirely voluntary.

September 23, 2014

48% See Immediate Need to Fight Global Warming

Americans agree that an international agreement to fight global warming is more likely to hurt rather than help the U.S. economy, but they still tend to favor such an agreement even if it dictates to businesses in this country how they must operate.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that nearly half (48%) of American Adults believe we must take immediate action to stop global warming. Thirty-six percent (36%) say we should wait a few years to see if global warming is real before making major changes. Sixteen percent (16%) 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 American Adults was conducted on September 20-21, 2014 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.

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September 23, 2014

Why has Immigration Shifted? By Michael Barone

What should we do about immigration policy? It's a question many are asking, and some useful perspective comes from an article in Foreign Affairs by British-born, California-based historian Gregory Clark, unhelpfully titled, "The American Dream Is an Illusion."

September 23, 2014

Voters See Less Economic Fairness for Those Who Work Hard

Voters increasingly think the U.S. economy is unfair to small business owners and those willing to work hard.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 37% of Likely U.S. Voters think the U.S. economy is at least somewhat fair to small business owners, including just seven percent (7%) who think it’s Very Fair. That overall figure is down from 42% in May and is the lowest finding since we began asking this question early last year. Fifty-three percent (53%) don’t think it’s fair to small business owners, with 15% who say it’s not at all fair. (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 September 17-18, 2014 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.

September 22, 2014

Kansas Governor: Davis (D) 47%, Brownback (R) 43%

The gubernatorial race in Kansas is tighter than it’s been all year.

The race now shifts from Solid Democrat to a Toss-Up on the Rasmussen Reports 2014 Gubernatorial Scorecard. (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 750 Likely Voters in Kansas was conducted on September 16-17, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

September 22, 2014

Iowa Governor: Branstad (R) 46%, Hatch (D) 40%

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad is still ahead in his bid for reelection but not by nearly as much.

A new Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey of Likely Iowa Voters finds Branstad with 46% support to Democratic challenger Jack Hatch’s 40%. Three percent (3%) like another candidate in the race, and 10% 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 750 Likely Voters in Iowa was conducted on September 17-18, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

September 22, 2014

Iowa Governor: Branstad (R) 46%, Hatch (D) 40%

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad is still ahead in his bid for reelection but not by nearly as much.

A new Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey of Likely Iowa Voters finds Branstad with 46% support to Democratic challenger Jack Hatch’s 40%. Three percent (3%) like another candidate in the race, and 10% 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 750 Likely Voters in Iowa was conducted on September 17-18, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

September 22, 2014

Generic Congressional Ballot: Democrats 40%, Republicans 40%

Democrats and Republicans are tied on the latest Generic Congressional Ballot.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey for the week ending September 21 finds that 40% of Likely U.S. Voters would vote for the Democrat in their district’s congressional race if the election were held today, while the same number (40%) would choose the Republican instead.

(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 3,500 Likely Voters was conducted by Rasmussen Reports from September 15-21, 2014. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 2 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

September 22, 2014

Voters See Obama As More Hurt Than Help in Upcoming Elections

Even Democrats don’t think a campaign visit by President Obama to their state this fall is a good idea for their party's candidates.

Just 22% of Likely U.S. Voters describe Barack Obama’s presidency as a success, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Nearly twice as many (42%) think the Obama presidency has been a failure. Thirty-three percent (33%) rate it somewhere in between. (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 September 19-20, 2014 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.

September 22, 2014

Voters Still Expect Health Care System to Suffer Under Obamacare

Voters continue to give lackluster reviews to the U.S. health care system despite positive opinions of their own insurance coverage and care. Half still think the system will get worse under the new health care law.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 32% of Likely U.S. Voters rate the nation’s health care system as good or excellent. Just as many (32%) give it poor marks, up from 29% in August but still below the 35% who felt that way in June. (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 September 19-20, 2014 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.

September 21, 2014

Massachusetts Governor: Baker (R) 42%, Coakley (D) 42%

The race to be the next governor of Massachusetts is tied.

A new Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey finds Democratic Attorney General Martha Coakley and Republican Charlie Baker each picking up 42% support among Likely Massachusetts Voters. Five percent (5%) prefer some other candidate, while 10% 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 750 Likely Voters in Massachusetts was conducted on September 16-17, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

September 20, 2014

What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls -- Week Ending September 19, 2014

Do most Americans really know or care about the rest of the world?

September 19, 2014

Georgia Governor: Deal (R) 45%, Carter (D) 44%

The gubernatorial race in Georgia is still neck-and-neck.

Republican Governor Nathan Deal now picks up 45% of the vote to Democratic challenger Jason Carter’s 44% in a new Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey of Likely Georgia Voters. Three percent (3%) prefer some other candidate in the race, while eight percent (8%) 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 750 Likely Voters in Georgia was conducted on September 15-16, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

September 19, 2014

Iowa Senate: Ernst (R) 43%, Braley (D) 43%

The Iowa Senate race remains dead even.

Iowa continues to be a Toss-Up in the Rasmussen Reports 2014 Senate Balance of Power rankings as it has been since June. At stake is the seat held by retiring Democratic Senator Tom Harkin, and Republicans view a win in the state as critical to their hopes of taking control of the Senate. (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 750 Likely Voters in Iowa was conducted on September 17-18, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

September 19, 2014

Kansas Senate: Orman (I) 45%, Roberts (R) 40%

The Kansas Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that Democrat Chad Taylor's name should be removed from the ballot, clearing up a situation that could have potentially changed the outcome of the state's U.S. Senate race this November.

Taylor earlier this month withdrew from the race, but the state's Republican secretary of State refused to allow his name to be taken off the ballot. Rasmussen Reports' latest statewide telephone survey of Likely Kansas Voters taken just prior to the court ruling shows how that might have played out.

With Taylor still on the ballot, incumbent Republican Senator Pat Roberts picks up 39% of the vote, while Independent candidate Greg Orman has 38% support. Taylor earns nine percent (9%). Two percent (2%) say they prefer some other candidate in the race, and 12% 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 750 Likely Voters in Kansas was conducted on September 16-17, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

September 19, 2014

Voters Think Overworked U.S. Troops Will Soon Be Fighting In Iraq

Most voters believe the U.S. military has too many missions these days and think it’s likely that fighting in Iraq will soon be another job for it to do. But while President Obama is reportedly sending 3,500 military personnel to Africa to fight Ebola, voters say patrolling the border to prevent illegal immigration would be a better use for those forces.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 55% of Likely U.S. Voters believe the U.S. military is overstretched these days. Just 31% think the military can adequately handle the number of missions it has. Fourteen percent (14%) 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 September 17-18, 2014 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.

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September 19, 2014

American Amnesia: Why the GOP Leads on National Security by Joe Conason

If the latest polls are accurate, most voters believe that Republican politicians deserve greater trust on matters of national security. At a moment when Americans feel threatened by rising terrorist movements and authoritarian regimes, that finding is politically salient -- and proves that amnesia is the most durable affliction of our democracy.

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September 19, 2014

Which Is the Weaker Party? Your Call by Michael Barone

Which of our two great political parties is the stronger? Maybe it makes more sense to ask which of the two is weaker.

September 19, 2014

Americans Say Buying House is Best Investment

Americans continue to say buying a home is a family’s best investment, but they are closely divided over whether now is the opportune time for someone in their area to sell their house.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone surveys finds that 53% of American Adults say that buying a home is a family's best investment. But only 37% say that now is a good time for someone in their area to sell their house, up slightly from the previous two months and consistent with findings for the past year.(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 American Adults was conducted on September 14-15, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

September 18, 2014

Massachusetts Senate: Markey (D) 49%, Herr (R) 31%

Democrat Ed Markey is well ahead in his bid for a full U.S. Senate term in Massachusetts.

A new Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey of Likely Massachusetts Voters shows Markey with 49% support to 31% for his Republican challenger Brian Herr. However, five percent (5%) prefer some other candidate, and a surprisingly large 15% 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 750 Likely Voters in Massachusetts was conducted on September 16-17, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.