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March 12, 201259% View Obama As More Liberal Than They Are
The number of voters who consider President Obama more liberal than they are has risen this month to its highest level since last October.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 59% of Likely U.S. Voters now think, in political terms, that the president is more liberal than they are. That's up from 52% last month and an all-time low of 51% in December.  In March 2011, a high of 61% felt the president was more liberal.
Eleven percent (11%) feel the president is more conservative than they are, and 25% say his views are about the same as their own.  (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 nationwide was conducted on March 7-8, 2012 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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                            March 12, 201233% Think Employers Have Right to Fire Those Who Post Inappropriate Facebook Content
Some companies and colleges are requiring applicants to provide full access to their Facebook pages, and most Americans don’t like the idea. However, one-in-three think it's okay for employers to fire workers who post inappropriate content on the social networking site.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that only 19% believe it would be appropriate for a potential employer to ask for access to their Facebook page as part of the hiring process. Most (69%) don’t believe this is appropriate, while 12% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on March 8-9, 2012 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.
March 12, 201237% Say Their Views More Like Obama’s; 53% Pick One of GOP Contenders
Ask voters which presidential contender’s views are more like their own, and just 37% say President Obama. Most (53%) say they think more like one of the four Republican presidential hopefuls. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 16% of Likely U.S. Voters say when it comes to the important issues facing the nation, their views are more like former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney’s. An identical number (16%) say they think more like Rick Santorum. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters nationwide was conducted on March 9-10, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.
March 12, 2012Romney May Recapture Upscale Whites for the GOP By Michael Barone
In the cold, gray numbers of election returns and exit poll percentages, a reader with some imagination can find clues to people's deep feelings, their hopes and fears, their self-images and moral values.

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                            March 12, 201252% Worry Government Will Do Too Much Trying To Help Economy
Amidst signs the economy is reviving at least slightly, most voters now fear the government may mess things up by getting too involved.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 52% of Likely U.S. Voters now worry the federal government will do too much in reacting to the nation’s current economic problems. Thirty-six percent (36%) are more concerned that the government will not do enough. Twelve percent (12%) now 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 national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters nationwide was conducted on March 9-10, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 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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                            March 11, 2012One Week in America
Americans were pretty busy last week.
Rasmussen Reports asked Americans what they did the previous week, and this is what our new national telephone survey found out. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
Eighty-four percent (84%) of American Adults watched the news on television.
Seventy-one percent (71%) went out to eat.
Sixty-seven percent (67%) played a sport or did some kind of physical activity.
The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on March 4-5, 2012 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.
March 11, 2012Voters Evenly Divided On Obama’s Handling of Economy
The number of voters who give President Obama positive marks for his handling of the economy is at its highest level in over two years of regular tracking.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 42% of Likely U.S. Voters rate the president’s handling of economic issues as good or excellent, up two points from a month ago and his best showing since mid-February 2010.  Forty-two percent (42%) still rate Obama’s performance in this area as poor, but that's the lowest level of criticism since last June. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on March 5-6, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 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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                            March 10, 201234% See Daylight Saving Time As An Energy Saver
Tonight's the night to change the clocks for Daylight Saving Time (DST), and Americans continue to have decidedly mixed feelings about the need for that change.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 45% of American Adults think DST is worth the hassle, but nearly as many (40%) disagree. Fifteen percent (15%) 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 March 6-7, 2012 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.
March 10, 2012What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls - Week Ending March 9, 2012
Following Super Tuesday, the perception is growing that Mitt Romney will be the Republican presidential nominee. By week’s end, Romney had moved ahead of the president in head-to-head polling.
In Alabama, the GOP Primary race is essentially a three-way tie, while Romney leads by eight in Mississippi.  Nationally, Romney now leads Rick Santorum by 12 points.  Regardless of who they want to win, 80% of Republican Primary Voters believe Romney will be the party's nominee.
Romney leads Obama by five points in a hypothetical 2012 matchup. Saturday's numbers show Romney at 48%, Obama at 43%. That’s Romney’s largest lead since December and it comes at a time when the president’s job approval has been slipping a bit. Matchup results and the president’s Job Approval ratings are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update).
This is taking place as the economy remains far and away the most important thing on voters' minds this election season.  Eighty-two percent (82%) of Likely U.S. Voters see the economy as a Very Important issue in terms of how they will vote in the next election. Nothing else comes close.

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                            March 9, 2012New High: 50% View Boehner Unfavorably
House Speaker John Boehner is less liked than ever, but voters still reserve their lowest opinions for Democratic congressional leaders Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 32% of Likely U.S. Voters share at least a somewhat favorable opinion of Boehner. But 50% now view the Ohio Republican at least somewhat unfavorably, up seven points from last month and his highest unfavorable rating since he took over as speaker of the House in January of last year. Eighteen percent (18%) still don’t know enough about him to venture an opinion. The new findings include eight percent (8%) with a Very Favorable opinion of Boehner and 26% with a Very Unfavorable one. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on March 5-6, 2012 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.
March 9, 2012Obama Leads Romney, Santorum in Core Four States (FL, NC, OH, VA)
President Obama now holds modest leads over Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum in combined polling of key swing states Florida, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia. The numbers mark a shift from late February when Obama was tied with both candidates in the four states. 
Obama is now ahead of the former Massachusetts governor 46% to 42%. Six percent (6%) prefer some other candidate in this matchup, and six percent (6%) 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 500 Likely Voters in Florida, Ohio, North Carolina and Virginia was conducted on March 3-8, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4.5 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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                            March 9, 2012Mississippi Primary: Romney 35%, Santorum 27%, Gingrich 27%, Paul 6%
Rasmussen Reports’ first Republican primary survey in Mississippi shows former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney leading his closest competitors by eight points. A new statewide telephone survey of Likely GOP Primary Voters in the Magnolia State shows Romney with 35% of the vote, while former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich each draw support from 27%. Texas Congressman Ron Paul runs last with six percent (6%). One percent (1%) prefers some other candidate, and four percent (4%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
This Mississippi survey of 750 Likely Republican Primary Voters was conducted on March 8, 2012 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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                            March 9, 2012Alabama GOP Primary: Gingrich 30%, Santorum 29%, Romney 28%, Paul 7%
Alabama Republicans are up to bat next, and right now it’s a near three-way tie going into next Tuesday’s primary.
The first Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Republican Primary Voters in Alabama finds Newt Gingrich barely ahead with 30% support to 29% for Rick Santorum and 28% for Mitt Romney. Texas Congressman Ron Paul trails with seven percent (7%) of the vote. One percent (1%) prefers some other candidate, and six percent (6%) remain 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.
This Alabama survey of 750 Likely Republican Primary Voters was conducted on March 8, 2012 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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                            March 9, 201256% Think America Is Overtaxed
Most voters still say this country is overtaxed, and half think any federal tax increase should be submitted to the public for a vote.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% of Likely U.S. Voters believe America is overtaxed. But that’s down from 66% two years ago and 64% last year. One-out-of-three (33%) now believe the country is not overtaxed, while another 12% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on March 7-8, 2012 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.
March 9, 2012After Snowe, Is Brown Next? By Froma Harrop
To many New Englanders, Olympia Snowe had come to resemble Marilyn of "The Munsters" TV family. The senator from Maine seemed a normal Northeast Republican surrounded by party leaders sprouting fangs and cooing at bats -- but who regarded her as the odd one.
"You can't be too careful these days," Herman Munster, a Frankenstein-monster clone, would tenderly advise the wholesome Marilyn. "There are a lot of strange people in this world."

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                            March 9, 2012The Real 'Entitlement Mentality' That Is Bankrupting America By Scott Rasmussen
Many Republicans talk of an entitlement mentality that threatens the character and finances of the United States. In their view, the problem is that too many voters feel entitled to goodies provided by the government and financed by taxpayers.
March 8, 201264% Have No Opinion of Energy Secretary Steven Chu
Energy Secretary Steven Chu assured a congressional committee Thursday that the Obama administration wants to lower gas prices after  comments he made last week suggested that the administration is more interested in reducing oil dependence than in lowering the price at the pump. Yet despite his central role in dealing with one of the country's current economic priorities, most voters still don't know enough about Chu to have any kind of opinion of him.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 14% of Likely U.S. Voters have at least a somewhat favorable opinion of Chu, while 21% view him unfavorably. This includes four percent (4%) with a Very Favorable view of the Nobel Prize-winning Cabinet secretary and 12% with a Very Unfavorable one. However, even though Chu has been a member of President Obama's Cabinet for over three years now, 64% have no opinion of him. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on February 26-27, 2012 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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                            March 8, 201243% Expect To Earn More Money A Year From Now
An increasing number of working Americans expect to earn more money a year from now.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% of Employed Adults think they will be earning more money a year from today, up from an all-time low of 30% in January and the highest level measured since November 2010.  Thirteen percent (13%) believe they will earn less in a year’s time, while 38% expect to be making 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 606 Employed Adults was conducted on March 2-3, 2012 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.

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                            March 8, 201215% View Russia’s Putin Favorably
Vladimir Putin’s back as president of Russia following Sunday’s elections, but that doesn’t mean Americans like him any more than they did when he was out of office.
Sixty-one percent (61%) of American Adults, in fact, share at least a somewhat unfavorable opinion of Putin, while just 15% view him at least somewhat favorably, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. This compares with unfavorables of 52% and favorables of 11% last September. But back then 36% had no opinion, compared to 23% now.
The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on March 6-7, 2012 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.
March 8, 2012What America Thinks - Now Airing on More Than 60 Stations Nationwide
What America Thinks is now available on over 60 stations across the country.  Please check your local guide for air times.