Specter of Iraq Hovers over Syria Deliberation By Michael Barone
Hovering over the congressional debate on whether to authorize the use of military force in Syria is the specter of Iraq.
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September 10, 2013
September 10, 2013
31% Think al Qaeda Weaker Now Than Before 9/11 Attacks
While the debate continues over the presence of al Qaeda fighters among the Syrian rebels, Americans’ confidence in the weakening of that terrorist organization has fallen to levels not seen since before the killing of Osama bin Laden. Most Americans also continue to worry more about a domestic terror attack than one from outside our borders.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 31% of American Adults now believe al Qaeda is weaker than it was before the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack. Belief that al Qaeda was weaker jumped from a low of 25% on the 9/11 anniversaries in 2009 and 2010 to 48% in May 2011 following bin Laden's death. It rose to 50% in September of that year. This finding was still at 48% a year ago.
Twenty-nine percent (29%) now believe al Qaeda today is stronger than it was before 9/11. Another 29% say the group’s strength hasn’t changed since the attacks 12 years ago. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 7-8, 2013 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 9, 2013
Generic Congressional Ballot: Democrats 39%, Republicans 39%
Democrats and Republicans are tied on the Generic Congressional Ballot for the week ending September 8.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows 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 another 39% would choose the Republican instead. The week before, the Democrat held a two-point advantage, 39% to 37%. For much of the summer, neither party has hit the 40% mark, suggesting a high level of voter unhappiness.
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The national telephone survey of 3,500 Likely Voters was conducted by Rasmussen Reports from September 2-8, 2013. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 2 percentage point with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.
September 9, 2013
Game On: An Insider Look At This Year's Super Bowl Predictions
Five things football fans are thinking as the 2013 football season begins:
September 9, 2013
49% In Virginia Now Approve of Governor McDonnell’s Job Performance
Republican Governor Bob McDonnell now earns his lowest level of approval yet among Virginia voters. A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey finds that 49% of Likely Virginia Voters now at least a somewhat approve of the job McDonnell is doing as governor. That’s down from 59% in early June and 64% in July 2010. Forty-four percent (44%) disapprove, up from 34% in June. The latest figures include 16% who Strongly Approve of the governor’s job performance and 20% who Strongly Disapprove.
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The survey of 998 Likely Voters in Virginia was conducted on September 3-4, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.
September 9, 2013
Rasmussen Reports Announces New Vision for “What America Thinks”
Rasmussen Reports today announced that the company’s syndicated television show “What America Thinks with Scott Rasmussen,” which ended its nationwide television station distribution in July 2013, will re-launch later this Fall in online video format, further enriching the digital content available at www.RasmussenReports.com.
The new digital online video program, entitled “What America Thinks,” will offer insights into current events and the public-opinion surveys for which Rasmussen Reports is well known.
September 9, 2013
47% Favor U.S. Military Action Against Syria If Other UN Countries Involved
Despite the strong advocacy of President Obama and other top administration officials, most voters oppose U.S. military action against Syria but are much more supportive if other United Nations member countries are involved. Voters are now more critical of the administration’s handling of Syria.
Just 27% of Likely U.S. Voters favor U.S. military action against Syria in retaliation for that government's use of chemical weapons against its own people. Fifty-nine percent (59%) are opposed to U.S. military action. Fourteen percent (14%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
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(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 6-7, 2013 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 9, 2013
Most Voters Still Don't Know If Their State Has A Health Care Exchange
Less than one month before government health care exchanges nationwide are scheduled to begin accepting applicants for health insurance, most voters still don't know if their state has created an exchange or not.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 45% are aware that their state has agreed to set up a health care exchange. Twenty-nine percent (29%) say they don't know if their state has such an exchange, and 26% more are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
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How did you do in this summer’s Rasmussen Challenge? Check the leaderboard.
(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 6-7, 2013 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 9, 2013
John Budek is the Newest Rasmussen Challenge Winner
More than 5,000 people participated in the 2013 summer Rasmussen Challenge,with an average of 2,100 people playing weekly. The winner for this edition of the challenge is John Budek of Long Island City, NY.
September 8, 2013
49ers Once Again Early Super Bowl Favorites In A Crowded Field
For the second year in a row, football fans predict the San Francisco 49ers will win Super Bowl XLVIII.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 25% of Football Fans say the 49ers, last year’s runner-up, will win the Super Bowl. In a distant second are the Denver Broncos with 14%. The New England Patriots are seen as this year’s eventual champions by nine percent (9%), while nearly as many (8%) think the Green Bay Packers will win it all. Seven percent (7%) say the same of the Seattle Seahawks and the Washington Redskins. No other team surveyed reached five percent (5%) support. (Please click here to find out the rest of the teams surveyed).
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The national survey of 1,000 Football Fans was conducted on September 3-4, 2013 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 7, 2013
What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls - Week Ending September 7, 2013
Congress is back in session this coming week with three critical issues demanding its attention – Syria, the October 1 deadline to raise the federal debt ceiling and immigration reform. Voters have pretty strong opinions on all three.
September 6, 2013
48% Say Government Workers Earn More Than Those in Private Sector
Americans continue to believe that government workers have it better than those employed in the private sector, but those sentiments are a bit softer this month.
Forty-eight percent (48%) of American Adults believe the average government worker earns more annually than the average private sector worker, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Just 25% don’t believe that to be true, while 28% more are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 1-2, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error for the 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.
September 6, 2013
70% Say They Are in Good Health
Most Americans believe they are healthy, although just over one-in-three admits to being overweight.
Seventy percent (70%) of American Adults rate their own overall health as good or excellent, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. This is generally unchanged from surveys for the past three years. Just seven percent (7%) say they are in poor health. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
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(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 Adults was conducted on August 30-31, 2013 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 6, 2013
Virginia Governor: McAuliffe (D) 45%, Cuccinelli (R) 38%
Democrat Terry McAuliffe has opened up a seven-point lead over Republican Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli as the Virginia gubernatorial race enters the post-Labor Day stretch.
The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Virginia Voters finds McAuliffe with 45% support to Cuccinelli’s 38%. Seven percent (7%) prefer some other candidate, while 10% remain unsure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
Special Offer: Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!
(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 998 Likely Voters in Virginia was conducted on September 3-4, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.
September 6, 2013
Obama's 'Red Line' Undermines U.S. Power By Michael Barone
Blunder after blunder. That's been the story of President Barack Obama's policy toward Syria.
In April 2011, Obama said dictator Bashir al-Assad "had to go." But he did little or nothing to speed him on his way.
September 6, 2013
Congress Is Least Favorable Profession
Entrepreneurs and small business owners rate highest in the public's mind, while members of Congress are still at the other end of the scale.
When Rasmussen Reports asks Americans their opinion of nine major professions, 54% express a Very Favorable opinion of people who start their own businesses, according to a new national telephone survey. Nearly as many (52%) say the same of small business owners. Just two percent (2%) view each of these professions Very Unfavorably. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
Special Offer: Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!
(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 3-4, 2013 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 5, 2013
40% Think Government Should Do Nothing for Long-Term Unemployed
More adults than ever think the government should step back from aiding those who can’t find work after an extended period of time.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 19% of American Adults think the government should help out the long-term unemployed in a big way, with nine percent (9%) who say their unemployment benefits should be extended indefinitely and 10% who say the government should just hire them. Twenty-five percent (25%) prefer the short-term government solution of paying for their retraining, the lowest level of support since October 2011.
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(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 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 1-2, 2013 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 5, 2013
18% Think Federal Government Should Regulate School Food
With school back in session for most children, first lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign is back in the spotlight, but only 18% of Americans think the federal government should have a say in nutritional standards at schools.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 52% of Adults believe school nutritional standards should be set locally, with 36% who feel parent-teacher groups should do it and 16% who believe it should be up to local governments. This marks a seven-point shift in favor of local control from 45% in March who favored parent-teacher groups or local governments making the call. Fourteen percent (14%) think state governments should set the standards. Fifteen percent (15%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
Special Offer: Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!
(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 Adults was conducted on August 30-31, 2013 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 5, 2013
7% Think Congress Is Doing A Good or Excellent Job
Congress can’t win: It leaves Washington, DC for its August recess, and its job performance ratings still drop. Most senators and congressmen spent at least some of the recess at home, but voters’ opinions of them remained just as low.
Just seven percent (7%) of Likely U.S. Voters think Congress is doing a good or excellent job. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 62% rate the legislators’ performance as poor. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
Special Offer: Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!
(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 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on September 2-3, 2013 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 5, 2013
76% Think Unvaccinated Children Will Cause Health Problems For Others
As children across the country head back to school, vaccinations are another requirement many parents have to address along with books and supplies. Most parents continue to report their children are up-to-date on their vaccinations, but half of Americans remain concerned about the safety of these preventative measures.
Fifty-two percent (52%) of all American Adults say they are at least somewhat concerned about the safety of vaccinations for children, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. That includes 28% who are Very Concerned. Forty-four percent (44%) are not as concerned about childhood vaccines, including 17% who are Not At All Concerned. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
Special Offer : Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!
(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 August 28-29, 2013 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.
