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June 18, 2014

55% Expect Government Spending to Go Up Under Obama

Most voters still think government spending will increase under President Obama, but the number who expect tax hikes during the remainder of his second term remains at its recent low. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 37% of Likely U.S. Voters expect their own personal taxes to go up under the Obama administration. That is unchanged from March and ties the lowest level measured since November 2012. A year ago, 47% expected taxes to increase. Still, just nine percent (9%) now expect their taxes to go down under Obama, while 44% predict that they will stay about the same. (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 June 14-15, 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.

June 17, 2014

52% Still Trust America's Banks

Americans remain slow to recover their faith in the nation's banks since 2008's financial meltdown.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 52% of American Adults are at least somewhat confident in the stability of the nation’s banks again this month, including eight percent (8%) who are Very Confident. Forty-three percent (43%) are not confident in the banking industry, with 12% who are Not At All Confident. (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 June 15-16, 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.

June 17, 2014

39% Expect Their Home’s Value to Go Up in Next Year

Homeowners remain confident in the short-term housing market, while long-term confidence is at its highest level this year.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 60% of American homeowners feel the value of their home is more than what they still owe on their mortgage. That’s up slightly from 58% in May, but generally consistent with views since last October. Twenty-nine percent (29%) now say their home is not worth more than they owe. 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 survey of 649 Adult Homeowners was conducted on June 13-14, 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.

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June 17, 2014

Obama Follows Polls in Foreign Policy but Public Turns Against Him By Michael Barone

Polls show that most Americans wanted the United States to withdraw from Iraq. Barack Obama did indeed withdraw U.S. forces from Iraq, not troubling to negotiate a readily negotiable status of forces agreement that would have left a contingent of American soldiers there.   

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June 17, 2014

So Mixed Up on Immigration By Froma Harrop

Right-wing primary voters booted Eric Cantor over signs he might back "amnesty" for illegal immigrants, it is said. If so, the partisans are once again taking a position totally opposed to what they claim to want. Legalizing the status of most undocumented foreigners is the condition for closing the door on future illegal immigration. There is no other politically passable road to get there.

One may err in assuming that the hard right actually desires to solve the problem, punishing others being the more satisfying activity. The targets would include both Republicans not dancing to the right's dissonant tune and brown people in general.

June 17, 2014

31% Favor Increasing Legal Immigration If Border Is Secured

Americans are slightly more supportive of increasing the number of legal immigrants allowed into the United States if the federal government can fully secure the border first to prevent future illegal immigration. But most still want to decrease legal immigration or keep it about the same.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 31% of American Adults now think the government should increase the number of immigrants allowed to legally enter the country if it actually secures the border and prevents illegal immigration. That’s up from 26% a year ago

But nearly as many (29%) want to decrease the level of legal immigration instead, while another 29% prefer to leave things unchanged. This compares to 38% who wanted to decrease legal immigration in May of last year and 24% who felt things should stay the same. (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 Adults nationwide was conducted on June 11-12, 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.

June 16, 2014

Generic Congressional Ballot: Democrats 39%, Republicans 37%

Democrats lead Republicans by two points on the Generic Congressional Ballot for the week ending Sunday, June 15.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 39% of Likely U.S. Voters would vote for the Democrat in their district’s congressional race if the election were held today, while 37% would choose the Republican instead.

Democrats led by four points – 41% to 37% - the week before and have been ahead for most weeks this year, with support ranging from 38% to 42%. This is the first time since late April that Democratic support has dipped below 40%. Support for the GOP has ranged from 35% to 41% since January 1.  Democrats and Republicans were tied at 39% a year ago.

(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 June 9-15, 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.

June 16, 2014

Economy, Health Care Are Still Most Important Voting Issues

The economy and job creation are now most important to voters on the list of 15 major issues regularly tracked by Rasmussen Reports.

Seventy-six percent (76%) of Likely U.S. Voters consider the economy Very Important in terms of how they will vote in the next congressional election, according to a new national telephone survey. (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 surveys of 1,000 Likely Voters each were conducted on June 4-5, 8-9 and 10-11, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error for each survey 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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June 16, 2014

Voters List Economy, Health Care, Spending As Top Issues

The economy continues to be the top issue on voters’ minds, but government spending has now worked its way into the top three on the list of 15 major issues regularly tracked by Rasmussen Reports.

Seventy-two percent (72%) of Likely U.S. Voters say the economy is Very Important in terms of how they will vote in the next congressional election, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. (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 surveys of 1,000 Likely Voters each were conducted on June 4-5, 8-9 and 10-11, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error for each survey 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.

June 16, 2014

46% Favor U.S. Airstrikes in Iraq to Fight al Qaeda

As the Obama administration deliberates on how to respond to the rapidly escalating insurgency in Iraq, several Republican lawmakers are calling for U.S. airstrikes. A plurality of U.S. voters support such airstrikes in Iraq, but most agree with the administration’s stance to not put U.S. boots on the ground.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 46% of Likely U.S. Voters favor the United States making military airstrikes in Iraq to help its government fight the al Qaeda-led insurgency. Thirty-two percent (32%) oppose such action. Twenty-two percent (22%) 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 survey of 1,000 Likely U.S. Voters was conducted on June 12-13, 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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June 16, 2014

As Iraq Implodes, Hawks Still Have No Plan -- Except 'Blame Obama' By Joe Conason

Divided between neoconservative ultra-hawks and libertarian isolationists, today's Republican Party is hardly a steady influence on American foreign policy. But there is one thing that can be reliably expected from every right-wing faction in Washington: Whenever disaster threatens, they eagerly cast blame on President Barack Obama -- and utter any falsehood that may be used to castigate him.

June 16, 2014

New High: 67% Think U.S. Economy Unfair to Middle Class

More voters than ever think the current U.S. economy is unfair to all Americans.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 35% of Likely U.S. Voters now think the economy is at least somewhat fair today, down from 41% in April and the lowest finding in regular surveying since the beginning of 2013. Sixty-one percent (61%) consider the economy unfair, up from 55% and a new high. These findings include six percent (6%) who think the economy is Very Fair and 24% 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 June 12-13, 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.

June 16, 2014

48% Think Quality of Care Will Suffer Under Obamacare

Voters still aren’t convinced that the new national health care law will improve the quality of care or address their number one concern, how much it costs.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 42% of Likely U.S. Voters still share a favorable opinion of Obamacare, while 54% view it unfavorably. This includes 15% with a Very Favorable view of the law and 39% with a Very Unfavorable one. (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 June 6-7, 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.

June 15, 2014

68% Consider Fatherhood A Man’s Most Important Role

Father’s Day ranks lower than ever in terms of importance to Americans, but most still agree on the importance of fatherhood itself.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 10% of American Adults consider Father’s Day one of America’s most important holidays. Twenty-six percent (26%) rate it as one of the least important holidays, while 61% place it somewhere in between the two. (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 Adults was conducted on June 9-10, 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.

June 14, 2014

What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls Week Ending June 14

Fortunately for us, the Founding Fathers weren’t worried about offending the British, and we still enjoy the resulting freedoms to this day. Or do we? A surprising number of Americans aren’t so sure.

June 13, 2014

Most Think School Children Should Honor the Flag Every Day

Most Americans say their families regularly display the U.S. flag on holidays, and even more believe children should honor the flag every morning in school. They also think school children should say the Pledge of Allegiance each day, including the phrase that America is one nation "under God."

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 60% of American Adults say they or someone in their family displays the flag on most national holidays, up from 56% in August of last year Thirty-six percent (36%) do not. (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 June 7-8, 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.

June 13, 2014

Virginia Senate: Warner (D) 53%, Gillespie (R) 36%

Incumbent Democrat Mark Warner has opened up a slightly larger lead over Republican challenger Ed Gillespie in Virginia’s U.S. Senate race.

Warner now picks up 53% of the vote to Gillespie’s 36%, according to a new Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey of Likely Virginia Voters. Three percent (3%) prefer some other candidate, while nine percent (9%) 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 Virginia was conducted on June 11-12, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

June 13, 2014

Virginia Senate: Warner (D) 53%, Gillespie (R) 36%

Incumbent Democrat Mark Warner has opened up a slightly larger lead over Republican challenger Ed Gillespie in Virginia’s U.S. Senate race.

Warner now picks up 53% of the vote to Gillespie’s 36%, according to a new Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey of Likely Virginia Voters. Three percent (3%) prefer some other candidate, while nine percent (9%) 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 Virginia was conducted on June 11-12, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

June 13, 2014

63% View Quick Fixes to Obamacare Unlikely

Voters still doubt the problems with Obamacare will be fixed in the near future but also remain closely divided over how the new health care law will influence their vote in the November congressional election.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 63% of Likely U.S. Voters think it is unlikely that most of the current problems with the health care law will be fixed within the next year. This finding has inched up from 59% in December after the troubled rollout of the law and 60% in February. Thirty-five percent (35%) believe the law is likely to be fixed by then. These findings include 12% who say most of the law’s problems are Very Likely to be fixed within a year and 35% 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 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on June 8-9, 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.

June 13, 2014

65% Would Rather Be Called A Good Citizen Than A Patriot

Americans would rather be seen as good citizens than patriots and are closely divided on the role of the government in bringing about needed change.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 25% of American Adults rate being a patriot ahead of being a good citizen. Sixty-five percent (65%) would rather be called a good citizen instead. Surveys of likely U.S. voters have found this sentiment on the rise from 52% in May 2010 to 62% two years ago. (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 June 9-10, 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.