Most Americans still expect interest rates to be higher a year from now. But they're less likely to say they are paying higher interest rates than they were a year ago, and fewer owe more money than they did back then.
Over the years, the daily tracking of the Rasmussen Consumer Index has shown that a single factor generally tends to drive consumer confidence. In the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks, national security was the primary factor moving consumer confidence. At other times, it has been things like job creation or gas prices.
Confidence in America's conduct of the war on terror has fallen to its lowest level in four-and-a-half years.
Republicans hold a six-point lead over Democrats on the Generic Congressional Ballot for the week ending April 10, 2011.
A majority of voters still favor repeal of the health care law, but support for repeal has fallen to its lowest level since October. Confidence that the law will be repealed is down to its lowest point since the first of the year.
Just under half of voters understand that making major cuts in government spending over the long haul will require substantial changes in three of the most politically sensitive areas of the federal budget.
One of the things that fascinate me about American politics is how the voices of the voters as registered in elections and polls are transformed into changes in public policy. It's a rough-and-ready process, with plenty of trial and error. But for all its imperfections, the political market seems to work.
Confidence in the stability of the U.S. banking system is up a bit this month but still remains at discouraging levels.
Americans feel more strongly than ever that the lack of immigration law enforcement directly effects poverty in the country.
President Obama has dedicated his time in office to soaking up applause and shifting blame. Last year, when Democrats owned the White House, the House and the Senate, Congress didn't even bother passing a budget. Obama didn't seem to mind. But when Republicans put together a stopgap measure to fund the military and prevent a government shutdown, Obama promised to veto it. Obama called the measure "a distraction from the real work that would bring us closer to a reasonable compromise for funding the remainder of fiscal year 2011."
Washington shutdown fears are sinking the U.S. dollar, according to some news reports. Surely there's something to this, as investor confusion rises and confidence falls, and as Washington seems to be gridlocked over a few billion dollars.
The Who's last major hit was a catchy tune called "Who Are You," and it might well pertain to most members of a presidential Cabinet.
It’s the economy, stupid. Remember that one? It was the political mantra that propelled Bill Clinton into the White House. President Obama would do well to remember it now that he’s declared his candidacy for a second term.
Some Republican members of the House are crafting legislation that would include a work requirement for those who receive food stamps. Most Americans are on board with that plan.
As President Barack Obama, Senator Harry Reid, and House Speaker John Boehner struggle to prevent partisan politics from forcing a partial shutdown of the federal government, 60% of voters nationwide expect the partisan bickering to get even worse over the coming year.
Concern about inflation is increasing, as Americans say overwhelmingly that they are now paying more for groceries and expect to pay even more for them in the future.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% of Adults are Very Concerned about the threat of inflation. That’s up from 52% a month ago and 48% at the first of the year.
What the meteoric career of Paul Ryan demonstrates is how easily impressed we are whenever a politician purports to restore solvency by punishing the poor and the elderly (while coddling the rich).
Despite Southwest Airlines’ recent high-profile safety incident when a hole suddenly ripped open in an airliner fuselage, it remains the favorite among four top air carriers as far as Americans are concerned. But among those who travel by air once a month or more, it’s the least favorite of the group.
The latest public poll showing Donald Trump running right behind Mitt Romney in the race for the Republican presidential nomination suggests some very serious problems on the Republican side.
President Obama this week declared his intention to seek reelection, but just over one-quarter of voters say they share the same political views as the president.
