What if Obamacare Software Crashes and Burns? By Michael Barone
Amid all the tussling over the government shutdown and the debt ceiling, a couple of bombshells went off in the blogosphere that may prove of more enduring importance.
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October 18, 2013
October 18, 2013
44% Give Obama Positive Marks on Health Care, 47% Poor
With funding for the new health care law the focus of the government shutdown and the law's health insurance exchanges stumbling into existence, President Obama's positives - and negatives - have jumped when it comes to his handling of the health care issue.
Forty-four percent (44%) of Likely U.S. Voters now rate Obama's performance in this area as good or excellent, up nine points from 35% last month but in line with most previous surveys this year. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that slightly more (47%) give the president poor marks for his handling of health care. That's an eight-point increase from September and a high for the year to date. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on October 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.
October 17, 2013
56% Feel Americans Less Tolerant of Others’ Political Views
Given the anger over the political stalemate of the past few weeks, it’s not surprising that most Americans believe their fellow citizens are less tolerant of others’ political views these days. But what is surprising is that fewer Americans than ever feel this way.
Fifty-six percent (56%) of American Adults still believe their fellow citizens are less tolerant of other people’s political opinions than they were in the past, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. But that’s down 15 points from last October and the lowest finding in surveying since 2010. Just 17% believe Americans have grown more tolerant of others’ political views, a finding that has changed little over the years. Twenty-three percent (23%) believe the level of tolerance is about the same. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on October 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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October 17, 2013
59% of Homeowners Feel Their Homes Worth More Now
Even more homeowners are confident that their homes have increased in value since they purchased them.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 59% of American homeowners feel that their home is worth more now than when they bought it. That's a three-point increase from 56% in June and the highest level of confidence since October 2011. Twenty-one percent (21%) believe their home is worth less today, consistent with findings since last December. Eighteen percent (18%) think the value of their home is about the same as when they purchased it. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
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The survey of 699 Homeowners was conducted on October 13-14, 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.
October 17, 2013
Voters Don’t See Much Bipartisanship in Washington, D.C.
As far as voters are concerned, neither side in Washington, D.C. is much interested in bipartisanship, but Republicans in Congress are the most partisan.
Only 21% of Likely U.S. Voters think Republicans are acting on a bipartisan basis these days, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Sixty-one percent (61%) believe they are acting like partisan Republicans. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
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The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on October 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.
October 17, 2013
77% Think Americans Are Getting Ruder
How rude! Most Americans think their fellow citizens are becoming ruder, and half say they have even confronted someone over their behavior.
Just 10% of American Adults believe those around them are becoming kinder and gentler. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 77% think their fellow Americans are becoming ruder and less civilized. Thirteen percent (13%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on October 11-12, 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.
October 16, 2013
Fashion Can't Be Tech's New Big Thing By Froma Harrop
I never cared much for the tarted-up Burberry. The upscale British clothier sells its wares at prices for which one might reasonably demand a classic style lasting through several monarchies. But that's just me talking. Burberry is said to have turned its traditionalist label around thanks to fashion innovation. So that's just me talking.
Apple Inc. has hired Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts to apply her fashion smarts to updating its 400 stores and online shopping experience. On this I feel better equipped to predict success or failure.
A number of tech businesses are now getting mixed up with fashion. That's a dangerous trend, for tech.
October 16, 2013
Five-year Low: 13% Say U.S. Heading in Right Direction
The number of U.S. voters who feel the country is heading in the right direction has fallen to the lowest level of the Obama presidency.
Just 13% of Likely U.S. Voters now say the country is heading in the right direction, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey for the week ending October 13. That's down from 17% the week before and the lowest finding since the week of October 20-26, 2008, when George W. Bush was still president.
Confidence in the country's direction has fallen 15 points since the government shutdown began two weeks ago and is down from a high of 43% the week before Election Day last fall.
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The national telephone survey of 3,500 Likely Voters was conducted by Rasmussen Reports on October 7-October 13, 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.
October 16, 2013
Confidence in Future Home Values Reaches New Highs
Homeowners are more confident than ever in both the short- and long-term values of their homes, and more now say their home is worth more than what they still owe on their mortgage.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 38% of U.S. Homeowners now believe the value of their home will go up over the next year, the highest finding since Rasmussen Reports began regular tracking in April 2009. Just 14% think their home will be worth less in a year, down six points from last month and the lowest since July. Nearly half (46%) think the value of their home will remain about the same over the next year. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
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The survey of 699 Homeowners was conducted on October 13-14, 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.
Additional information from this survey and a full demographic breakdown are available to Platinum Members only.
Please sign up for the Rasmussen Reports daily e-mail update (it's free) or follow us on Twitter or Facebook. Let us keep you up to date with the latest public opinion news.
October 16, 2013
78% Want To Throw Out Entire Congress and Start Over
If the next congressional election were held today, it would be bad news for the current members of Congress from both major parties.
Just eight percent (8%) of Likely U.S. Voters would vote to keep the entire current Congress. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 78% would vote instead to get rid of the entire Congress and start over again. That’s a 10-point jump from the previous high of 68% in May of last year. Fourteen percent (14%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on October 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.
October 16, 2013
Longing to be a Victim: A Commentary by John Stossel
These days, being seen as a victim can be useful. You immediately claim the moral high ground. Some people want to help you. Lawyers and politicians brag that they force others to help you.
This turns some people into whiners with little sense of responsibility.
October 16, 2013
30% Consider Significant Spending Cuts Likely Over Next Few Years
As the deadline for raising the federal debt ceiling approaches, most voters still want lawmakers to consider spending cuts in all federal government programs - without exceptions - but don’t expect any significant cuts to be made.
Sixty-three percent (63%) of Likely U.S. Voters believe thoughtful spending cuts should be considered in every program of the federal government, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Twenty-four percent (24%) disagree, while 13% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
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The national telephone survey of 1000 Likely Voters was conducted by Rasmussen Reports from October 10-11, 2013. 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.
October 15, 2013
53% Think More Competition, Less Regulation Better for U.S. Financial System
Americans aren't impressed with the federal government's current regulation of the U.S. financial system and think less regulation is the better way to go. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 12% of American Adults consider the federal government's oversight of the banking industry as good or excellent. Forty-two percent (42%) rate this oversight as poor. (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 telephone survey of 1000 American Adults was conducted by Rasmussen Reports from October 7-8, 2013. 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.
October 15, 2013
53% Think School Bullying A Bigger Problem Than in the Past
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and most Americans still think bullying in schools is a bigger problem than it was in the past.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 53% of American Adults say bullying in schools is a bigger problem today, down from 61% three years ago. Just nine percent (9%) say bullying in schools is less of a problem today, while 32% think it’s about as much of a problem as before. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on October 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.
October 15, 2013
New Low: 19% Believe U.S. Can Still Win War in Afghanistan
As the war in Afghanistan continues into its 13th year, voter confidence in U.S. efforts there is lower than ever. Most voters now want U.S. troops out of the embattled country immediately.
Just 19% of Likely U.S. Voters believe it’s still possible for the United States to win the war in Afghanistan, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Fifty-four percent (54%) don’t think it’s possible for the United States to win the war. Twenty-seven percent (27%) 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 October 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.
October 15, 2013
The Generations Rock On - A Commentary by Froma Harrop
The baby boomers are not dead yet. Someday they will be dead, as will be Generation X, the millennials and all the above' great-great-grandchildren -- barring, of course, a medical cure for mortality.
But you'd think the large cohort born between 1946 and 1964 were already consigned to American memory, given man members' oozy nostalgia and declarations of surrender to younger folk. If your time warp is 1968, that's your call. But 2013 is also an interesting time.
October 15, 2013
What to do About America's Low-Skill Workforce By Michael Barone
Some bad news for America, not on the political front this time, but on what corporate executives call human resources.
October 15, 2013
46% Want Democrats to Control Congress, 45% Prefer GOP In Charge
After two weeks of a partial government shutdown, ask voters which party they want in charge of Congress, and - it’s a draw.
Right now, Democrats control the U.S. Senate, and Republicans have the majority in the House of Representatives. Forty-six percent (46%) of Likely U.S. Voters would vote for the Democratic Party to be in charge of the entire Congress if their vote in next year’s elections was the determining factor. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just as many (45%) would vote for the Republican Party to be totally in control. (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 October 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.
October 14, 2013
Generic Ballot: Democrats 45%, Republicans 38%
As the federal government shutdown continues without an end in sight, Democrats have lost their lead of the last two weeks and are again running even with Republicans on the Generic Congressional Ballot.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey for the week ending Sunday, October 6, shows 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 another 40% would choose the Republican instead.
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The national telephone survey of 3,500 Likely Voters was conducted by Rasmussen Reports from October 7-October 13, 2013.
Democrats have jumped to a seven-point lead over Republicans on the Generic Congressional Ballot as the government shutdown and the debate over raising the federal debt ceiling drag on.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey for the week ending Sunday, October 13, shows that 45% of Likely Voters would vote for the Democrat in their district’s congressional race if the election were held today, while 38% would choose the Republican instead.
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.
October 14, 2013
58% Think America Should Still Honor Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus is widely regarded as the explorer who discovered America, immortalized for elementary school students in the rhyme, “In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” That line seems to have stuck with adults since most think America should still honor Columbus with a national holiday.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 58% of American Adults think we should still celebrate Columbus Day which officially falls today. One-in-four adults (26%) disagree, and 16% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on October 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.
