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Half of Voters Say America’s Best Days Are in the Past
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Half of voters (50%) believe America’s best days have already come and gone. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 33% say the nation’s best days are still in the future while 18% are not sure.

That’s a decidedly more pessimistic outlook than found last month. In February, just 43% said the nation’s best days were in the past. Last month’s survey also found 38% took the more optimistic view. A related survey found that just 19% of American voters believe the nation is better off than it was four years ago.

Men are more pessimistic than women. Fifty-five percent (55%) of men believe the best days have come and gone, a view shared by 45% of women.

The most dramatic differences can be seen among races. Over half (53%) of White voters say the country’s best days are in the past. But, 63% of African-Americans say the nation’s best days are still in the future.

In terms of partisan demographics, over half of Republicans (54%) believe the best days are over along with 46% of Democrats. Thirty percent (30%) of Republicans are more optimistic along with 36% of Democrats.

Sixty-percent (60%) of voters say American society is generally fair and decent. Another 27% disagree and call it unfair and discriminatory, while 12% are not sure. Last month, 62% said society is fair and decent.

The overwhelming majority (80%) of American voters feel people who move to America should adopt the culture of their new home. Only 10% say they should maintain their home country’s culture.

Most voters (61%) favor fewer government services and lower taxes, while 28% would rather have more government services with higher taxes.

When it comes to foreign relations, 44% of voters believe the United States’ allies should do what the U.S. wants more often. Twenty-five percent (25%) take the opposite view and say the U.S. should follow the lead of our allies more often.

Crosstabs and Historical Data available for Premium Members only.

Rasmussen Reports is an electronic publishing firm specializing in the collection, publication, and distribution of public opinion polling information.

The Rasmussen Reports Election Edge™ Premium Service offers the most comprehensive public opinion coverage available anywhere.

Scott Rasmussen, president of Rasmussen Reports, has been an independent pollster for more than a decade.

Survey of 1,200 Likely Voters
March 7-9, 2008

American Society is....

Fair and Decent

60%

Unfair and Discriminatory

27%

Not sure

12%

America's Best Days....

Future

33%

Past

50%

Not sure

18%

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