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What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls: Week Ending December 27

Did you get what you wanted this Christmas? Sony Pictures didn’t, or did they?
 
Most Americans disagree with Sony’s initial decision not to release the film, “The Interview,” which depicted a fictionalized assassination of North Korea’s leader, after alleged computer attacking and terror threats from the republic. In fact, the news surrounding the controversial film has made 26% of Americans want to see it even more. The film, which was set to open nationwide on Christmas Day, has been released in a limited number of theaters and online.
 
Most adults believe the United States should get involved if it is proven that the North Koreans were behind the computer attacks and threats against Sony Pictures, but are more hesitant in calling such a cyberattack an act of war.

Most U.S. voters consider North Korea an enemy, but don’t think it is seeking war with the United States.

The North Korea flap wasn’t the only foreign policy news this week. President Obama announced plans to “normalize” relations with Cuba, and voters feel more strongly than ever that the United States should lift the embargo that was put in place during the Eisenhower and Kennedy administrations.

It’s been nearly a year since Colorado began the public sale of marijuana for recreational use, and more voters than ever now support similar legislation in their state. Fifty-three percent (53%) disagree with Nebraska and Oklahoma’s decision to sue Colorado over its marijuana laws.

Despite the week’s hard news, the vast majority of Americans celebrated Christmas with their loved ones. Christmas Day is still regarded by Americans as one of the nation’s most important holidays, though slightly more now celebrate it as a secular holiday compared to past years.

A quarter of Americans will be traveling this holiday season and most will be visiting family and friends, but more adults will be hosting guests than last year.

However, one-in-five Americans still hadn’t started gift shopping yet just days before Christmas.

In other surveys last week:

-- Voters continue to give Congress dismal reviews.

-- Even as children unwrapped their Christmas presents, toy safety was not concern for most American Adults.

-- Fewer voters than ever have a favorable opinion of the Environmental Protection Agency, and a plurality says that its regulations and actions hurt the economy.

-- Most voters continue to hold a negative opinion of Obamacare and remain committed to the belief that consumers should have choices when it comes to health insurance. They also still strongly belief employers and individuals should be able to buy health insurance across state lines.

-- Americans strongly believe the Taliban, the Islamic fundamentalist group in Afghanistan who last week took credit for the murder of 130 school children, does not truly represent its faith.

-- Republicans continue to hold a slight lead on the Generic Congressional Ballot.

-- Twenty-seven percent (27%) of Likely U.S. Voters think the country is heading in the right direction.

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