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August 6, 2013

Baseball Fans Predict Detroit Tigers Will Win World Series

The second half of the Major League Baseball season is underway, and the Detroit Tigers are now the favorite to win the World Series. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 22% of Baseball Fans think the Detroit Tigers will redeem themselves from last year’s series loss, while nearly as many (18%) believe the St. Louis Cardinals will win the World Series.  Eleven percent (11%) say the Boston Red Sox will win it all. 

Seven percent (7%) of fans predict the Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves will be this year’s champions, followed by the Oakland Athletics (6%).  This year’s preseason favorite, the Los Angeles Dodgers, come in at four percent (4%).  No other team reaches four percent (4%).  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Win an iPadA new Rasmussen Challenge starts today!

The national survey of 745 baseball fans was conducted on July 17-18, 2013 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.

August 6, 2013

32% Say Child Born in U.S. to Illegal Immigrant Should Receive Automatic Citizenship

The August recess will allow members of Congress to hear concerns from constituents and other interests on some major legislation before next year’s mid-term elections, perhaps the biggest being immigration reform.  A majority of voters continue to see border security as the most important goal but also value a welcoming immigration policy that only excludes criminals and those looking to cheat the system. Fewer voters, however, favor automatic citizenship for children born to illegal immigrants.

Fifty-three percent (53%) of Likely Voters believe gaining control of the border is more important than legalizing the status of undocumented workers already living in the United States, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. While a majority of voters have felt this way for years, that finding ties the lowest level measured to date.  Thirty-six percent (36%) say it’s more important to legalize the status of undocumented workers in the United States. (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 August 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. 

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August 6, 2013

Reading from Reagan’s Book By Mark Meckler

Ronald Reagan had a vision for the future of the country and an incredible ability to communicate it.

August 6, 2013

74% Rarely or Never Use Mass Transit

Most Americans seldom, if ever use mass transit, but they still tend to believe the government should back mass transit projects as long as they don’t lose money.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just six percent (6%) of American Adults use mass transit services such as buses, subways, trains or ferries every day or nearly every day. Seven percent (7%) use these services at least once a week. Four percent (4%) ride them two or three times a month, while another seven percent (7%) characterize their use as once every few months.

But three-out-of-four Americans (74%) say they rarely or never use mass transit. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Win an iPad:  A new Rasmussen Challenge starts 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 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.

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August 6, 2013

Democrats Own Obamacare, and Its Political Cost Keeps Rising By Michael Barone

Nothing is free in politics, but there is some question when you pay the price.

That's been a saying of mine for many years, though I may have unconsciously plagiarized it from someone else. I think it applies to Obamacare.

My American Enterprise Institute colleague Norman Ornstein has been shellacking Republicans for trying to undercut the implementation of the Obama health care legislation. He calls it "simply unacceptable, even contemptible."

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August 6, 2013

Hillary Clinton Is Leading Favorite – And Unfavorite – in Democratic Presidential Pack

Hillary Clinton is the Democrat voters most want to see win her party’s presidential nomination in 2016 – and least want to see win that nomination, too. Among Democrats, she’s the overwhelming favorite.  A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 63% of Likely Democratic Voters would choose Clinton if the 2016 Democratic presidential primary were held in their state today. Vice President Joe Biden is a distant second with 12% support. Several other prominent Democrats muster five percent (5%) or less support from voters in their own party. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Win an iPad: A new Rasmussen Challenge starts today!

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 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.

August 5, 2013

Generic Congressional Ballot: Republicans 41%, Democrats 38%

Republicans now hold a three-point lead over Democrats on the Generic Congressional Ballot for the week ending August 4.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 41% of Likely U.S. Voters would vote for the Republican in their district’s congressional race if the election were held today, while 38% would choose the Democrat instead. The week before, Democrats led by one - 39% to 38%.

(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 July 29-August 4, 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.

August 5, 2013

65% of Working Americans Consider Themselves Middle Class

Only a third of all Americans believe the economy is fair to the middle class, but working Americans strongly believe they fall in that income group.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Employed Adults finds that 65% consider themselves middle class, with another 18% who say they are upper middle class. Just four percent (4%) see themselves as wealthy.  Thirteen percent (13%) regard themselves as among the working poor.  (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

Win an iPadA new Rasmussen Challenge starts tomorrow!

(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 623 Employed Adults was conducted on July 31 – August 1, 2013 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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August 5, 2013

50% See U.S. Involvement in Middle East as Bad for U.S.

An unprecedented 19 U.S. embassies and consulates remain closed today throughout the Middle East and North Africa in response to a terrorist threat from al Qaeda.  While the Middle East has been a major focus of U.S. policy for decades, pluralities of U.S. voters say the country’s involvement in Middle East politics has had a negative effect on both sides. In addition, more voters than ever believe most Muslims view the United States as an enemy.

Thirty-seven percent (37%) of Likely U.S. Voters believe that U.S. involvement in Middle Eastern politics hurts stability in that region, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Just 25% believe it helps stability. Nineteen percent (19%) believe U.S. involvement has had no impact on that region, while just as many (19%) aren’t sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Win an iPad: A new Rasmussen Challenge starts tomorrow!

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 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.

August 5, 2013

48% Still Want Their Governor To Fight Health Care Law

Voters remain closely divided over whether their state should have its own health care exchange, but roughly half still want their governor to oppose implementation of President Obama’s national health care law.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 40% of Likely U.S. Voters now want their governor to support implementation of the health care law in their state, but 48% want their governor to oppose implementation instead. 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 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 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.

August 4, 2013

Most Americans Think There Are Jobs Available

Most Americans continue to believe there are jobs available for those who want them but remain pessimistic about the road to success.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 52% of American Adults believe it is possible for anyone who really wants to work to find a job. Thirty-four percent (34%) do not think it’s possible for anyone to find work, but 14% are not sure. This is in line with findings since April and reflects more consistent optimism than Americans have expressed about the job market in several years. (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 nationwide was conducted on July 25-26, 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.

August 3, 2013

What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls - Week Ending August 3, 2013

In this 50-50 nation, Americans remain closely divided over whether government is the problem or the solution.

August 2, 2013

22% Say Stock Market Will Be Stronger In A Year

Despite big gains made in the stock market in July, few Americans believe the market will be higher in the near future.  A plurality also still thinks housing prices will take more than three years to recover.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 22% of American Adults think the stock market will be higher than it is today a year from now.  Just as many (23%) disagree and believe the market will be lower. Thirty-eight percent (38%) think it will be about the same.  Seventeen percent (17%) are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

How did you do in this week’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 American Adults was conducted on July 25-26, 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

August 2, 2013

29% Are Looking For Work Outside Their Current Company

More American workers are looking for employment outside of their current companies, but they remain closely divided as to whether staying or leaving offers them the best career opportunities.

Twenty-nine percent (29%) of Working Americans are now looking for work outside of their current company, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. That’s up nine points from last month and is the highest finding measured since March 2011. Sixty-one percent (61%), however, are not looking for a job outside of their current company. Ten percent (10%) 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 623 Employed Adults was conducted on July 31 – August 1, 2013 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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August 2, 2013

Forget the Old South: Trayvon Martin Was No Emmett Till By Michael Barone

Why are so many people so desperate to hold onto the idea that America is as racist as it has ever been?

August 2, 2013

10% Rate Congress As Good or Excellent

Voters aren’t exactly singing Congress’s praises, but they’re giving it ever-so-slightly more positive ratings this month.

A new Rasmussen Reports national survey finds that 10% of Likely U.S. Voters now rate Congress’s performance as good or excellent. That’s up from seven percent (7%) at the beginning of July and the first time Congress' positives have reached double digits this year. Still, two-thirds (66%) of voters give Congress poor marks. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

How did you do in this week’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 July 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.

August 2, 2013

To See Where Country is Heading, Ignore Washington by Scott Rasmussen

It's no secret that both political parties are struggling to connect with voters. Strategists dream up marketing plans to increase their party's appeal to this constituency or that group. Sometimes they work, and sometimes they don't. But they never establish a deep and lasting connection with voters.

That's because most of what the parties talk about is yesterday's news and is largely irrelevant to the realities of the 21st century.

August 1, 2013

33% Say Economy Will Be Stronger In A Year, 39% Say Weaker

Americans remain slightly more confident in long-term economic recovery than in the short-term. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 33% of American Adults believe the U.S. economy will be stronger in a year, generally in line with findings over the past couple years.  But slightly more (39%) still feel the economy will be weaker one year from now, showing little change from last month but down from a recent high of 50% in November.  Seventeen percent (17%) expect it to stay about the same.  Eleven percent (11%) are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

How did you do in this week’s Rasmussen Challenge?  Check the leaderboard

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on July 25-26, 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.

August 1, 2013

President Obama’s Full-Month Approval Rating Stays at 47%

When tracking President Obama’s job approval on a daily basis, people sometimes get so caught up in the day-to-day fluctuations that they miss the bigger picture. To look at the longer-term trends, Rasmussen Reports compiles the numbers on a full-month basis, and the results can be seen in the graphics below.

President Obama’s total job approval held steady at 47% in July, tying the president’s lowest approval rating since December 2011. The president’s ratings for the past two months are more in line with his approval during most of his first term in office.

(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.

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August 1, 2013

We Don't Need Political Mini Royals By Froma Harrop

Can Huma save Anthony Weiner? Why Huma "stands by her man." What is Huma thinking? These and other pseudo questions top our political news these days.