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February 27, 2013

86% Think Fair Employers Attract Best Workers

Most Americans (86%) agree that companies that treat their employees fairly attract the best workers.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just five percent (5%) disagree, while another nine percent (9%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Win an IPad: Take the Rasmussen Challenge!  Answers will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 27.

(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.

This national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 23-24, 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.

February 27, 2013

54% Say Raising Taxes More Likely To Hurt Economy Than Spending Cuts

Most voters continue to see raising taxes as worse for the nation’s economy than cutting government spending. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 54% of Likely Voters think raising taxes is more likely to hurt the economy than cutting government spending. Twenty-seven percent (27%) see cutting spending as worse, while 11% say neither will hurt the economy. (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 February 24-25, 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.

February 27, 2013

Only 41% View Economy As Fair to Those Willing to Work Hard

Most Americans may believe a middle-class lifestyle is within reach, but they still question the fairness of the economy to those who are willing to work hard. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 41% of Likely U.S. Voters think the U.S. economy is at least somewhat fair to people who are willing to work hard, while 53% disagree. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Win an IPad: Take the Rasmussen Challenge! Answers will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 27.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 24-25, 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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February 27, 2013

Libertarians' Awkward Bedfellows By John Stossel

Last week, Conservative pundit Ann Coulter told me and a thousand young libertarians that we libertarians are puss- -- well, she used slang for a female body part.

We were in Washington, D.C., at the Students for Liberty conference, taping my TV show, and she didn't like my questions about her opposition to gay marriage and drug legalization.

"We're living in a country that is 70 percent socialist," she says. "The government takes 60 percent of your money. They take care of your health care, your pensions ... who you can hire ... and you (libertarians) want to suck up to your little liberal friends and say, oh, we want to legalize pot? ... If you were a little more manly, you'd tell liberals what your position on employment discrimination is."

February 27, 2013

48% Think Health Care Law Will Hurt Economy More Than Spending Cuts, 29% Disagree

Despite the inside-the-Beltway warnings about the economic impact of the impending sequester spending cuts, voters are more worried about what President Obama’s new health care law will do to the economy. Forty-eight percent (48%) of Likely U.S. Voters think the health care law is more likely to hurt the economy than cutting government spending. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 29% believe spending cuts will hurt the economy more. Fifteen percent (15%) think neither will hurt economically. (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 February 24-25, 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.

February 26, 2013

46% Think Obama's Policies Are Too Hostile Toward Small Business

Voters continue to feel President Obama is friendlier toward big business than small business.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just two percent (2%) of Likely U.S. Voters believe the president's policies are too friendly to small business, compared to 19% who say they are too friendly to big business. Thirty-four percent (34%) think his policies are too hostile toward big business, but nearly half (46%) believe that to be true of his policies toward small business. (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 February 24-25, 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.

February 26, 2013

86% Believe Individuals Make Their Own Success

Most Americans do not believe it’s possible for anyone in the United States to work hard and get rich, but they feel overwhelmingly that good decisions and hard work are likely to lead to a middle-class lifestyle.  

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 88% of American Adults think it’s at least somewhat likely that someone who works hard and makes good decisions will enjoy a middle-class lifestyle, including 38% who say it’s Very Likely.  Just 10% believe this is not very or not at all likely.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Win an IPad: Take the Rasmussen Challenge

(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.

This national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 23-24, 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.

February 26, 2013

67% Think Private Companies, Not Government Help, Will Lead to Non-Gas Cars

Most Americans believe the free market, not government subsidies, will produce the eventual replacement for gas-powered cars.  A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 67% of American Adults believe that when a replacement for gas-powered cars is eventually developed, it is more likely to be developed by private companies. Just 19% believe it is more likely to be developed through government subsidies and investments. Fourteen percent (14%) more 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 February 21-22, 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.

February 26, 2013

45% Think Deficit Should Be Reduced By Spending Cuts Alone

A plurality of voters continues to believe spending cuts alone are the best way to reduce the federal deficit. But even among those who favor a “balanced approach” of tax hikes and spending cuts instead, a sizable number want more emphasis on spending cuts.

Forty-five percent (45%) of Likely U.S. Voters think, generally speaking, that the long-term federal budget deficit should be reduced by cutting spending, according to the latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Only six percent (6%) feel the deficit should be reduced by raising taxes alone. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Win an IPad: Take the Rasmussen Challenge!

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 24-25, 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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February 26, 2013

Price-gouging in 'Free Market' Medicine By Froma Harrop

When folks pan the Affordable Care Act for being nearly 3,000 pages long, here's a sensible response: It could have been done in a page and a half if it simply declared that Medicare would cover everyone.

The concept of Medicare for All was pushed by a few lonely liberals. And it would have been, ironically, the most conservative approach to bringing down health care costs while maintaining quality.

February 26, 2013

Most Voters Still Understand Sequester Cuts Aren’t Cuts in Current Spending

The longer and louder the political debate in Washington, D.C. gets, it seems the less voters know. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that nearly one-in-four Likely U.S. Voters (23%) now think the automatic government spending cuts scheduled to take effect on Friday will cut the current level of federal spending. That’s up six points from 17% at the beginning of this month.

Fifty-four percent (54%) recognize that the so-called sequester cuts will merely reduce the growth of future spending. That’s down slightly from 58% in early February. Twenty-three percent (23%) still aren’t 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 February 22-23, 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.

February 25, 2013

Generic Congressional Ballot: Democrats 43%, Republicans 38%

Democrats hold a five-point lead over Republicans on the Generic Congressional Ballot for the week ending February 24.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 43% of Likely U.S. 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.

(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 February 18-24, 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.

February 25, 2013

43% Rate Obama’s Handling of Gun Control as Good or Excellent

President Obama continues to earn mixed reviews on the issues of gun control and immigration, with distinctly partisan differences of opinion in both cases.  

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% of Likely U.S. Voters rate the way the president is handling issues related to gun control as good or excellent. Thirty-four percent (34%) think he is doing a poor job in this area.

Similarly, 43% give the president good or excellent marks on his handling of immigration issues, while 35% rate his job performance in this area as poor. (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 February 22-23, 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.

February 25, 2013

19% Say Today’s Electric Cars Are Practical For Most Drivers

Americans aren’t yet sold on the power, affordability and safety of electric cars compared to their gas-powered counterparts. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that just 19% of American Adults believe electric cars today are practical for most drivers. Sixty percent (60%) disagree and think electric cars are not practical for most drivers. 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 February 21-22, 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.

February 25, 2013

40% Want Congress, President to Stop Sequester Cuts, 32% Don’t

Voters remain closely divided over whether Congress and the president should stop the automatic spending cuts scheduled to kick in on Friday, but Democrats are more worried than Republicans and unaffiliated voters. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 40% of Likely U.S. Voters now think President Obama and Congress should stop the so-called sequester spending cuts from going into effect on March 1. Thirty-two percent (32%) disagree and don’t think they should stop the automatic cuts. Twenty-eight percent (28%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Win an IPad: Take the Rasmussen Challenge!

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 22-23, 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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February 25, 2013

Calvin Coolidge Gets New Deal in Revisionist History By Michael Barone

For years, most Americans' vision of history has been shaped by the New Deal historians. Writing soon after Franklin Roosevelt's death, Arthur Schlesinger Jr. and others celebrated his accomplishments and denigrated his opponents.

They were gifted writers, and many of their books were bestsellers. And they have persuaded many Americans -- Barack Obama definitely included -- that progress means an ever bigger government

February 25, 2013

75% Think Health Care Law Likely to Cost More Than Projected

Most voters still believe President Obama’s national health care law will cost more than official estimates and expect it to drive up the cost of health care in America.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds, too, that voters remain closely divided in their opinions of the law. Forty-five percent (45%) of Likely U.S. Voters have at least a somewhat favorable opinion, while 48% view it unfavorably. This includes 17% with a Very Favorable view of the law and 35% 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 February 22-23, 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.

February 24, 2013

54% Think Their Home Is Worth More Now

Most homeowners are confident they know how much their homes are worth in today’s market, and they think that value is higher than when they purchased the home originally. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 54% of homeowners believe their home is worth more than when they bought it. Twenty-two percent (22%) say their home is worth less, while 20% think it’s worth about the same amount. (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 675 Homeowners nationwide was conducted on February 19-20, 2013 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.

February 24, 2013

50% Think Medicare Costs Can Be Cut Without Hurting Quality of Care

Voters are less certain that Medicare costs can be reduced without hurting the quality of care, but most are not confident that they will get their full promised benefits anyway. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 50% of Likely U.S. Voters think it is possible to reduce the cost of Medicare without hurting the quality of health care for senior citizens. Twenty-four percent (24%) disagree, while just as many (26%) 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 February 20-21, 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.

February 23, 2013

40% Give Obama Positive Marks for Job Creation

While a sizable number of U.S. voters see job creation and issues affecting small business as very important, they're narrowly divided over how President Obama is performing in these areas.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 40% of Likely U.S. Voters rate the president’s handling of issues related to job creation as good or excellent.  Forty percent (40%) also give him a poor rating in this area.

On issues related to small business, the president also gets good or excellent ratings from 40%, while another 40% think he is doing a poor job.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

For a look at how all voters rate the president’s performance in a number of key areas, look here.   

How did you do in the new Rasmussen Challenge? Check the leaderboard to find out.

(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 February 20-21, 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.