If it's in the News, it's in our Polls. Public opinion polling since 2003.

General Lifestyle

Most Recent Releases

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October 24, 2007

71% Say Middle Schools Shouldn't Hand Out Birth Control Pills

King Middle School in Portland, Maine recently joined the small group of middle schools that distribute birth control pills to their students.

October 13, 2007

53% Say Internet Has Been Good for Journalism

Newspaper circulation has been eroding, television audiences shrinking, and reporters sent looking for work. But, while mainstream journalists and their companies struggle with the realities of an online world, consumers of journalism are pleased with the results.

September 16, 2007

Google Challenge: 75% Expect Private Company Will Land Vehicle on Moon Within Five Years

Google (GOOG) is offering prizes totaling $30 million for a private company that can land a vehicle on the moon and transmit video back to earth within five years.

August 24, 2007

School Has Come Again

It’s that time of year yet again! Time for parents to stock up on supplies, pack lunches and send their children off to one of the most dreaded days of the year—the first day of school.

August 24, 2007

59% Give Thumbs Up to Summer of 2007

Six percent (6%) of Americans rate the summer of 2007 as the best ever and another 53% said this summer was good or excellent.

August 16, 2007

Americans Over 50 Say TV is Best Source of News, Those Under 40 Cite Internet

Americans over 50 name television as the best way to get news and information in today’s world. A Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that adults under 40 name the Internet as the best source while 40-somethings are divided between those two worlds.

August 1, 2007

57% Better Off Than Four Years Ago, Just 26% Say Nation is Better Off

Americans are fairly upbeat about their own lives, but far more pessimistic when assessing the state of the nation.

July 8, 2007

Skeptical of Performers’ Motives, Public Tunes Out Live Earth Event

The Live Earth concert promoted by former Vice President Al Gore received plenty of media coverage and hype, but most Americans tuned out.

June 24, 2007

Poll: 24% Rent Movies at Least Once a Week

Two-thirds of American adults (65%) at least occasionally rent movies for home viewing. Twenty-four percent (24%) say that they watch a movie at home at least once a week.

June 20, 2007

Poll: 66% Believe Stem Cell Research May Lead to Cures

On Wednesday, President Bush is prepared to veto stem cell research legislation, the second time he has used the veto pen for that purpose.

June 16, 2007

70% Say Being a Father is Important Role for Man to Play

Seventy percent (70%) of Americans say that being a father is the most important role for a man to fill in today’s world.

June 15, 2007

Most Americans Very Concerned About Profanity, Sex, Violence on TV

By a 57% to 35% margin, American adults believe that protecting children from indecency is more important than freedom of speech.

June 14, 2007

57% Believe Life on Other Planets Likely

Fifty-seven percent (57%) of Americans say it is Somewhat or Very Likely that life exists on other planets. A Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 35% say life is Not Very Likely or Not at All Likely.

May 31, 2007

Hurricane Season: 33% Think U.S. Better Prepared than Last Year

As the hurricane season begins, 33% of American adults believe the U.S. is better prepared this year than last year.

May 25, 2007

Poll: 76% Have Favorable Opinion of the Military

This Memorial Day, 76% of Americans have a favorable opinion of the U.S. military. Just 14% have an unfavorable opinion. The celebrations hit close to home for millions of Americans. Sadly, 30% know someone who has given their life while serving the country.

May 21, 2007

23% Agree with Pope on Denying Communion to Pro-Choice Politicians

Pope Benedict XVI is viewed favorably by 44% of American adults and unfavorably by 26%. The latest Rasmussen Reports survey found that 30% have no opinion one way or the other.

May 16, 2007

US Postal Service Gets Favorable Reviews Despite Higher Price of Stamps

The U.S. Postal Service is holding its own in the era of e-mail and instant messaging—at least in the court of public opinion.

May 3, 2007

Only 27% Are "Very Confident" Grocery Food is Safe

Seventy-seven percent (77%) of adult Americans are at least somewhat confident that their grocery food is safe, but only 27% are Very Confident.

April 11, 2007

Poll: Americans Believe They’re Paying More Than Fair Share of Taxes

Half (50%) of American adults believe that those who earn twice as much as they do pay less than twice as much in taxes. Just 7% believe that those who earn more pay more than their pro rata share while 19% believe that those who earn twice as much pay twice as much. Twenty-four percent (24%) are not sure.

March 30, 2007

Poll: 25% Have Found Mistakes on Wikipedia

The emergence of online video is increasing the gap between the Internet community and those who don’t go online.