Public Content

Most Recent Releases

July 23, 201346% Say U.S. Justice System Fair to Blacks, Hispanics
Following the George Zimmerman verdict, voters still believe the U.S. justice system is fairer to blacks and Hispanics than it is to Americans in general. But black voters don't see it that way.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 46% of Likely Voters think the U.S. justice system is generally fair to black and Hispanic Americans.  Thirty-six percent (36%) say that is not the case, while 18% are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.) 
Win an iPad: A new Rasmussen Challenge starts today!
The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 18-19, 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.

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/archive/mood_of_america_archive/generic_congressional_ballot/july_2013/generic_congressional_ballot_democrats_40_republicans_38/46515-340-eng-US/generic_congressional_ballot_democrats_40_republicans_38.jpg" />
                
                            July 22, 2013Generic Congressional Ballot: Democrats 40%, Republicans 38%
Democrats have regained their lead over Republicans on the Generic Congressional Ballot for the week ending July 21, 2013.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey 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 38% would choose the Republican instead. Last week, Republicans 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 15-21, 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.

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/politics/current_events/media/71_view_rolling_stone_s_terrorist_cover_photo_as_a_publicity_stunt/946095-1-eng-US/71_view_rolling_stone_s_terrorist_cover_photo_as_a_publicity_stunt.jpg" />
                
                            July 22, 201371% View Rolling Stone's Terrorist Cover Photo As A Publicity Stunt
Rolling Stone magazine sparked outrage last week when it released an image of its August issue cover featuring a flattering photograph of accused Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. The magazine’s editors maintain that the photo properly reflects the article’s message and “falls within the traditions of journalism." Most Americans don’t see the decision as an example of good journalism and agree with retailers who have pulled the magazine off the stands, but they also recognize that Rolling Stone has a right to publish what it chooses.
Seventy-one percent (71%) of American Adults believe Rolling Stone’s decision to put Tsarnaev on its cover was simply a publicity stunt, according to a Rasmussen Reports national survey. Just 10% believe the decision was an example of good journalism. Eighteen percent (18%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
Win an iPad: A 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 1,000 Adults was conducted on July 19-20, 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.

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/politics/general_politics/july_2013/45_favor_stand_your_ground_laws_32_oppose/946063-1-eng-US/45_favor_stand_your_ground_laws_32_oppose.jpg" />
                
                            July 22, 201345% Favor Stand Your Ground Laws, 32% Oppose
Florida’s “stand your ground” self-defense law, although ultimately not a part of the George Zimmerman trial, has now become a target for those unhappy with the verdict in that case. Americans tend to favor such a law in their state, although half are not sure if their state already has one or not. But they are evenly divided over whether such a law is good or bad for public safety.
Forty-five percent (45%) of American Adults favor having a stand your ground law in their state, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Thirty-two percent (32%) are opposed to such a law in their state. Twenty-two percent (22%) are undecided. (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 17-18, 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.

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/archive/health_care_update_archive/july_2013/61_expect_health_care_in_u_s_to_get_worse_over_next_two_years/299184-183-eng-US/61_expect_health_care_in_u_s_to_get_worse_over_next_two_years.jpg" />
                
                            July 22, 201361% Expect Health Care in U.S. To Get Worse Over Next Two Years
Voters continue to give high marks to the health care they now receive but are more pessimistic than ever about the short-term future of the health care system in this country.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 24% of Likely U.S. Voters now expect the U.S. health care system to get better over the next couple of years. Sixty-one percent (61%) think that system will get worse. That’s up four points from a month ago and up 13 points since February.  (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 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.

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/politics/current_events/environment_energy/38_think_government_is_best_bet_for_alternative_energy_development/945951-1-eng-US/38_think_government_is_best_bet_for_alternative_energy_development.jpg" />
                
                            July 21, 201338% Think Government Is Best Bet for Alternative Energy Development
While President Obama continues to push for government-funded research to promote alternative energy sources, Americans continue to express more confidence in the private sector to develop those sources. Forty-eight percent (48%) of Likely U.S. Voters believe research by private businesses seeking a profit will do more to meet the U.S. need for affordable energy sources than research by the government, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Thirty-eight percent (38%) believe government research seeking alternative energy sources will do more to meet this need. Fourteen percent (14%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
How did you do in the 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 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.

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/archive/weekly_update_archive/july_2013/what_they_told_us_reviewing_last_week_s_key_polls_for_the_week_ending_july_20_2013/943855-67-eng-US/what_they_told_us_reviewing_last_week_s_key_polls_for_the_week_ending_july_20_2013.png" />
                
                            July 20, 2013What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls - For The Week Ending July 20, 2013
Reactions to the George Zimmerman verdict highlight how wide the racial divide remains in America.

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/archive/obama_rotations/44_rate_obama_s_handling_of_health_care_positively/947271-1-eng-US/44_rate_obama_s_handling_of_health_care_positively.jpg" />
                
                            July 19, 201344% Rate Obama’s Handling of Health Care Positively
President Obama earns slightly better marks from voters this month when it comes to health care and Social Security.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 44% of Likely U.S. Voters now rate the president's handling of health care issues as good or excellent. That's up from&nbsp;June’s low of 38%&nbsp;but consistent with regular surveying prior to that since&nbsp;February. Forty-three percent (43%) now rate the president poorly on health care, also generally in line with previous surveys. (To see survey question wording,&nbsp;click here.)
(Want a&nbsp;free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).&nbsp;Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;or&nbsp;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&nbsp;Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See&nbsp;methodology.&nbsp;

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/archive/obama_rotations/44_rate_obama_s_handling_of_health_care_positively2/893754-41-eng-US/44_rate_obama_s_handling_of_health_care_positively.jpg" />
                
                            July 19, 201344% Rate Obama’s Handling of Health Care Positively
President Obama earns slightly better marks from voters this month when it comes to health care and Social Security.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 44% of Likely U.S. Voters now rate the president's handling of health care issues as good or excellent. That's up from June’s low of 38% but consistent with regular surveying prior to that since February. Forty-three percent (43%) now rate the president poorly on health care, also generally in line with previous surveys. (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. 

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/archive/mood_of_america_archive/war_on_terror/39_say_u_s_safer_today_than_before_9_11_36_disagree/47000-168-eng-US/39_say_u_s_safer_today_than_before_9_11_36_disagree.jpg" />
                
                            July 19, 201339% Say U.S. Safer Today Than Before 9/11, 36% Disagree
Confidence in the nation’s safety against terrorism is at its lowest level in several years.
Thirty-nine percent (39%) of Likely Voters believe the United States today is safer than it was before the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national survey. Nearly as many (36%) disagree and say the country is not safer. Another 25% are undecided. (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 16-17, 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.

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/politics/general_politics/july_2013/32_have_favorable_opinion_of_zimmerman_48_unfavorable/945794-1-eng-US/32_have_favorable_opinion_of_zimmerman_48_unfavorable.jpg" />
                
                            July 19, 201332% Have Favorable Opinion of Zimmerman, 48% Unfavorable
Despite a Florida jury’s verdict that George Zimmerman is not guilty of murder in the shooting death of black teenager Trayvon Martin, just 32% of Americans have a favorable opinion of the Hispanic neighborhood watch volunteer, while 48% view him unfavorably. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 44% now agree with the not guilty verdict. That's down slightly from earlier in the week.
(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 17-18, 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 19, 2013A Better System for Picking Presidential Candidates By Michael Barone
You can get agreement from almost all points on the political spectrum that the worst aspect of our political system is the presidential nomination process. It is perhaps no coincidence that it is the one part of the system not treated in the Constitution.
That's because the Founding Fathers abhorred political parties and hoped that presidents would be selected by something like an elite consensus. But we have political parties, the oldest and third oldest in the world, and they are not going away.
July 19, 2013The Pitfalls of Public Exercise By Froma Harrop
The most memorable scene in Alfred Hitchcock's "North by Northwest" is Eva Marie Saint hanging from the side of Mount Rushmore in a perfectly tailored red suit, sheer stockings and pumps. The character hadn't planned for that situation, but her dress was nonetheless deemed proper, circa 1959, for touring South Dakota's Black Hills. In the previous Chicago and New York City shots, she, Cary Grant and most everyone else wore business or evening attire. No shorts, no flip-flops, not even jeans without rips.

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/political_commentary/commentary_by_scott_rasmussen/confronting_america_s_racial_divide/945609-1-eng-US/confronting_america_s_racial_divide.jpg" />
                
                            July 19, 2013Confronting America's Racial Divide By Scott Rasmussen
Sixty-four percent of Americans say that it's possible to have an honest discussion about race in America. I would like to believe that, but I am skeptical.  

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/politics/general_politics/july_2013/32_say_american_society_is_unfair_and_discriminatory/945592-1-eng-US/32_say_american_society_is_unfair_and_discriminatory.jpg" />
                
                            July 18, 201332% Say American Society is Unfair and Discriminatory
Roughly a third of voters now see American society as unfair and discriminatory, the highest level of pessimism in nearly six years.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 57% of Likely U.S. Voters now consider American society generally fair and decent. That's down six points from April and the lowest finding since December. Thirty-two percent (32%) disagree and think American society is generally unfair and discriminatory. That’s up from 26% in the previous survey and the highest finding since late July 2007. Twelve percent (12%) 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 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. 

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/lifestyle/general_lifestyle/july_2013/75_prefer_traditional_book_to_electronic_reading_device/945560-1-eng-US/75_prefer_traditional_book_to_electronic_reading_device.jpg" />
                
                            July 18, 201375% Prefer Traditional Book to Electronic Reading Device
Three-out-of-four Americans still prefer a traditional book over an electronic book-reading device and continue to reads books that way.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 75% of American Adults would rather read a book in a traditional print format than on an electronic book-reading device like a Kindle. Fifteen percent (15%) prefer reading on an electronic device. Ten percent (10%) are undecided. (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 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. 

                    <img src="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/var/plain/storage/images/_aliases/wide_266/public_content/politics/current_events/abortion/44_favor_ban_on_abortion_after_20_weeks_41_oppose/945495-1-eng-US/44_favor_ban_on_abortion_after_20_weeks_41_oppose.jpg" />
                
                            July 18, 201344% Favor Ban on Abortion After 20 Weeks, 41% Oppose
Several states including Texas and Wisconsin are advancing new restrictive abortion laws that would, among other things, ban abortions after 20 weeks and require doctors that perform abortions to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals. Voters nationwide are almost evenly divided on the 20-week ban but are more supportive of additional doctor requirements.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 44% of Likely U.S. Voters favor a ban on abortion after 20 weeks. Forty-one percent (41%) oppose such a ban. Another 15% are undecided. (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 Likely Voters was conducted on July 16-17, 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 18, 2013Not Listening: What Republicans Could Learn From George W. Bush By Joe Conason
During most of the Obama presidency, George W. Bush has maintained a decorous silence. Keeping quiet may not always have been easy for Bush, watching his successor repudiate and unwind his legacy, from Iraq to Afghanistan and beyond, but his discretion was wise under the circumstances. Suddenly, however, he is speaking out to urge a "positive resolution" to the debate over immigration reform -- and the time to listen to him has surely arrived.
July 18, 2013It’s Time for Another Constitutional Convention By Mark Meckler
For many years there has been heated debate in this country about the need for an Article V convention to amend the U.S. Constitution.  On both sides of the American political spectrum, there have been calls for - and a great fear of - such a gathering.
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.