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                            July 18, 201321% Think Justice Department Should Charge Zimmerman With a Hate Crime
Most Americans don’t believe George Zimmerman was motivated by racism and do not believe he should be charged with a hate crime for shooting black teenager Trayvon Martin. But as with nearly every question regarding this case, there is wide racial disagreement.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 24% of all American Adults believe Zimmerman’s actions that led to Martin’s death were motivated primarily by racism. Fifty-four percent (54%) think the Hispanic Neighborhood Watch volunteer was chiefly motivated instead by a concern about burglaries in the neighborhood.  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 survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on July 15-16, 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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                            July 17, 201330% Say U.S. Heading in Right Direction
Thirty percent (30%) of Likely U.S. Voters now say the country is heading in the right direction, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey taken the week ending Sunday, July 14.
(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 on July 8-14, 2013. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 2 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

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                            July 17, 201359% Favor Government Subsidies to Keep Student Loan Costs Down
As Congress continues to struggle over a plan for government-backed student loans, most Americans think the government should be providing subsidies to keep those costs lower for students. Adults also feel more strongly that student loans should cover the cost of any college a student chooses.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 59% of American Adults believe government subsidies should be used to keep costs lower on student loan interest rates. Thirty percent (30%) think student loan interest rates should be the same as for regular loans. Another 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 1,000 Adults was conducted on July 13-14, 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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                            July 17, 201336% Think America’s Best Days Are in the Future
Americans remain pessimistic about the nation's future.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 36% of Likely U.S. Voters think America’s best days are still to come, generally unchanged from April but down from a recent high of 47% last September. Nearly half of voters (49%) think the nation’s best days are in the past. This ties the highest level of pessimism in nearly a year. Fifteen percent (15%) are not sure. (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 July 14-15, 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. 
July 17, 2013Strangling Life By John Stossel
There are now 175,000 pages' worth of federal laws. Local governments add more.
I'm not so cynical that I think politicians pass laws just to control us. Someone always thinks: "This law is needed. This will protect people."
July 17, 2013Curse of the Full-Time Job By Froma Harrop
Free time is the great hunger for so many productive Americans, often trumping money. Studies show a huge desire for more self- and family-time, especially among parents. But Americans remain stuck in work schedules drawn up early last century. That doesn't make sense today, so why do we continue punching the old time clocks?

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                            July 17, 201348% Agree with Zimmerman Verdict, 34% Disagree
Reactions to the jury decision in the shooting of Trayvon Martin vary sharply along racial lines.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 48% of American Adults agree with the jury’s verdict that Hispanic neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman is not guilty of murder in the shooting death of the black teenager.  Thirty-four percent (34%) disagree with the Florida jury’s verdict. Eighteen percent (18%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on July 15-16, 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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                            July 17, 201343% Blame Spike in Food Stamp Recipients on Easier Government Rules
Americans now blame looser government eligibility requirements nearly as much as the bad economy for the big jump in people on food stamps. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 49% of American Adults still believe the large increase in the number of people currently receiving food stamps is primarily due to tough economic times. But nearly as many (43%) now think the spike in food stamp recipients is chiefly because government rules have made it easier to get food stamps. (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 July 13-14, 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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                            July 16, 201356% Say Gov Investing in Alternative Energy May End Foreign Oil Dependence
Most voters think it's possible for the United States to achieve energy independence through shale oil development and government-funded programs to promote alternative energy sources. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 58% of Likely U.S. Voters now believe it is at least somewhat likely that the development of domestic shale oil reserves would end U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Twenty-three percent (23%) consider that unlikely. This includes 28% who think it’s Very Likely and just four percent (4%) who think it’s Not At All Likely. One-in-five (20%), though, are not sure. This has changed little since March of last 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 Likely Voters was conducted on July 10-11, 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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                            July 16, 201353% Believe Availability of Student Loans Has Driven Up College Tuitions
Last week the U.S. Senate was unable to pass a bill that would have returned subsidized Stafford Loans for low- and middle-income college students to a lower interest rate that expired July 1. But most Americans think lower tuitions are better for college students than easier access to student loans, and they blame those loans for pushing up college costs.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 81% of American Adults believe that lowering tuition costs would do more to help college students than giving them easier access to student loans. Just nine percent (9%) take the opposite view and think easing access to loans would be more helpful. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on July 13-14, 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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                            July 16, 2013Voters Like Coal Industry More Than the EPA
Voters view the U.S. coal industry more favorably than the Environmental Protection Agency and are closely divided when asked if the Obama administration’s ultimate goal is to kill that industry.
Fifty-one percent (51%) of Likely U.S. Voters view the U.S. coal industry at least somewhat favorably. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that just 29% hold an unfavorable opinion of it. (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 July 14-15, 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.
July 16, 2013Obama Finds Foreign Affairs Do Not Bend to His Whims By Michael Barone
Foreign policy is hard. That's a lesson Barack Obama has been learning throughout his presidency. The world is not responding as he expected.  

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                            July 16, 201360% Put Checks and Balances Ahead of Government Efficiency
Politicians are often frustrated by the system of checks and balances built into American government, but voters continue to strongly support that protection.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 60% of Likely U.S. Voters think it is more important to preserve our constitutional system of checks and balances than it is for government to operate efficiently. Twenty-eight percent (28%) place more importance on efficiency, while 12% are not sure. (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 July 12-13, 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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                            July 15, 2013Generic Congressional Ballot: Republicans 39%, Democrats 38%
Republicans still hold a one-point lead over Democrats on the Generic Congressional Ballot for the week ending July 14, 2013.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 39% 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. Last week, Republicans also led by one—40% to 39%. 
(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 8-14, 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.

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                            July 15, 201353% Believe Boston Bombing Suspect May Receive Death Penalty
Accused Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev pleaded “not guilty” last week to 30 charges stemming from the April 15 terrorist attack and subsequent manhunt that left four people dead and more than 260 injured. Most Americans continue to favor the death penalty for Tsarnaev if he is convicted, but slightly fewer adults believe this punishment is likely.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 59% of American Adults believe the Boston Marathon bombing suspect should receive the death penalty if he is convicted. Twenty-two percent (22%) do not think Tsarnaev should get the death penalty, while nearly as many (19%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on July 11-12, 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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                            July 15, 201344% Favor Ending Senate Filibuster, 38% Oppose
Voters narrowly favor changing the rules in the U.S. Senate to end the filibuster, and half think every presidential nominee should get a straight up-or-down vote in the Senate.
In the Senate, a filibuster can prevent a vote from taking place unless 60 senators override it. Some Democrats want to change the Senate results so that a vote must be held whenever a majority of senators agrees, effectively eliminating the filibuster, and 44% of Likely U.S. Voters think that’s a good idea. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 38% oppose changing the rules to eliminate the filibuster. Eighteen percent (18%) 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 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 12-13, 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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                            July 15, 201345% View Health Care Law Favorably, 50% Unfavorable
Voters continue to believe that the president’s health care law will increase the federal deficit and cost more than projected.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 45% of Likely Voters now view the health care law favorably, including 15% who view it Very Favorably. Fifty percent (50%) have an unfavorable opinion of the law, with 38% who view it Very Unfavorably. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 12-13, 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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                            July 15, 20138% Think Applicant’s Word Is Enough When Seeking Federal Health Insurance Subsidies
The Obama administration has temporarily made it easier for low-income Americans to qualify for health insurance subsidies under the president’s new health care law, but voters overwhelmingly believe that trusting the applicant’s word is not enough.
The health care law provides subsidies for low-income Americans who don’t have access to health insurance from their employer, and 86% of Likely U.S. Voters think these individuals should be forced to prove they are eligible by documenting their income and their lack of access to insurance. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only eight percent (8%) believe it should simply be assumed that all applicants are giving honest information on their applications. (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 July 10-11, 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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                            July 14, 2013Obama’s Positives On Leadership Continue To Fall
Positive assessments of President Obama's leadership have fallen to their lowest level in over a year of regular tracking.  
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% of Likely Voters now consider the president a good or excellent leader.  Thirty-eight percent (38%) give the president poor marks for leadership.  (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 July 10-11, 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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                            July 13, 201356% Rarely or Never Eat Fast Food
Most Americans say they don’t eat fast food during a typical week, but those that do say it’s mostly about convenience.
Fifty-six percent (56%) of American Adults say they rarely or never eat a meal from a fast food restaurant during a typical week, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Forty-three percent (43%) say they eat fast food at least once a week, with 16% who say they eat it more than once a week. Very few adults (1%), though, say they eat fast food meals more than three times a week. (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 July 9-10, 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.