General Politics

70% Want Navy to Protect U.S., Not Be 'Global Force for Good'

New recruiting commercials present the U.S. Navy as "a global force for good," a description that aggravates some policy analysts.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that it doesn’t do too well in the court of public opinion either. Seventy percent (70%) of Likely U.S. Voters nationwide believe the Navy’s primary mission is to protect and defend the United States. Only 20% prefer having the Navy serve as a global force for good. (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 was conducted on January 31-February 1, 2013 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.

57% Say Economic Concerns Bigger Threat Than Terrorists, Military Attack

While politicians in Washington wrangle about the new secretary of Defense and a reduction in growth of the military budget, most voters see economic concerns as a much bigger threat to the nation. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 57% of Likely U.S. Voters believe economic challenges represent the biggest threat to the United States. Half as many (27%) see terrorist attacks as the biggest threat. Only six percent (6%) believe the biggest concern comes from conventional military attacks. (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 was conducted on January 29-30, 2013 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.

75% View Hagel’s Confirmation As Likely

Despite his weak performance at last week’s Senate confirmation hearings, opinions of Secretary of Defense nominee Chuck Hagel are little changed, and most voters think he is likely to be confirmed.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 33% of Likely U.S. Voters have a favorable opinion of Hagel, while 32% view him unfavorably. Thirty-five percent (35%) still don’t know enough about the former Republican senator from Nebraska to venture any kind of opinion. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

How did you do in the new Rasmussen Challenge? Check the leaderboard to find out. 

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 2-3, 2013 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.

60% Think U.S. Society Fair and Decent

Most voters continue to believe America is a fair country and feel those who move here should adopt its culture.

Sixty percent (60%) of Likely U.S. Voters think American society is generally fair and decent, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Just 28% disagree and view the country as unfair and discriminatory. Twelve percent (12%) 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 Likely Voters was conducted on January 21-22, 2013 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.

51% See More Corruption in Companies That Do Most of Their Business With Gov't

Voters are suspicious of companies that do a lot of business with the government. Fifty-one percent (51%) of Likely U.S. Voters think a company that earns most of its revenue from government is likely to be more corrupt than a company that earns most of its revenue from serving customers. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 17% believe a company that earns most of its revenue from serving customers is likely to be more corrupt. A sizable 31% 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 Likely Voters was conducted on January 27-28, 2013 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.

Only 32% Think Their Member of Congress Deserves Reelection

Voters aren’t just unhappy with Congress in general. They don’t think much of the member of Congress from their home district either.

Just 32% of Likely U.S. Voters now believe their local congressional representative deserves to be reelected, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Thirty-nine percent (39%) think their local congressman does not deserve reelection. Twenty-nine percent (29%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Play this week’s Rasmussen Challenge ! Answers due by 11:59pm ET on Jan. 30.  

(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 was conducted on January 27-28, 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.

59% Favor Stricter Regulation of Companies Mostly Dependent on Gov't

Voters strongly believe that companies that generate most of their income from the government should face more oversight than those that don’t. But voters tend to oppose the government’s involvement in the management of companies it does that much business with. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 59% of Likely U.S. Voters think a company that earns most of its revenue from the government should be more strictly regulated than companies who earn most of their money by serving consumers. Twenty-two percent (22%) disagree, and 19% more are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Play this week’s Rasmussen Challenge! Answers due by 11:59pm ET on Jan. 30.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on January 25-26, 2013 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.

59% Favor Full Combat Roles for Women

Most voters think women in the military should be able to fight in combat just like men do. But they still believe overwhelmingly that women need to pass the same physical tests as men if they’re in special forces like the Green Berets and Navy SEALs.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 59% of Likely U.S. Voters now feel that women in the military should be allowed to fight on the front lines and perform all the combat roles that men do. That’s up five points from February of last year when we first asked the question. Thirty-two percent (32%) disagree and oppose full combat roles for women. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on January 25-26, 2013 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.

68% Support Five-Year Lobbying Ban for Congress

It’s known as Washington’s “revolving door”:  When members of Congress lose their seat or resign, many end up still working the halls of Capitol Hill but doing it as lobbyists.

But 68% of Likely U.S. Voters believe members of Congress should be banned from lobbying for five years after they leave office. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 14% disagree, while 17% more 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 survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on January 19-20, 2013 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.

79% Expect A Woman President In Next 25 Years

Some think it's already long overdue, but voters strongly believe that it won’t be long before this country has a woman president.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 79% of Likely U.S. Voters think a woman will be elected president of the United States in the next 25 years. Only eight percent (8%) disagree. Fourteen percent (14%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

How did you do in the new Rasmussen Challenge? Check the leaderboard to find out.

(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 national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on January 17-18, 2013 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.

36% View Marco Rubio Favorably

Immigration reform will be a major focus of both parties in Washington this year, and voters still have mixed feelings about the senator leading the charge on the issue from the Republican side. Meanwhile, a prominent GOP figure on federal budget matters is viewed less favorably than before his unsuccessful bid for the vice presidency.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 36% of Likely Voters view Florida Senator Marco Rubio favorably, including 16% who view him Very Favorably. Thirty-two percent (32%) share an unfavorable opinion of the senator, including 12% with a Very Unfavorable one. Another 32% are undecided about the man many see as a contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. (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 was conducted on January 17-18, 2013 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.

49% Think U.S. Should Withdraw Troops from Europe

As Congress and the president consider possible cuts in defense spending, half (49%) of Likely U.S. Voters think the United States should withdraw its troops from Western Europe.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 31% disagree. One-in-five (20%) 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 national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on January 13-14, 2013 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.

58% Plan to Watch At Least Some of Obama Inauguration Live

Nearly six-out-of-10 voters plan to watch at least some of President Obama’s second inauguration live on Monday, but that’s a smaller crowd than planned to tune in four years ago.

The 58% of Likely U.S. Voters who plan to watch on Monday include 18% who intend to watch all of the inauguration, 14% who’ll watch most of it and 26% who’ll watch at least some. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 41% do not plan to watch any of the president’s second inauguration live. Just two percent (2%) haven’t made up their minds yet. (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 national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on January 15-16, 2013 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.

53% Still Think Neither Party Represents the American People

Most voters think the Democratic Party has an agenda for the future, and the Republican Party does not. But the majority also still thinks neither party represents the American people.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 55% of Likely U.S. Voters think the Democratic Party has a plan for where it wants to take the nation. Just 28% disagree, and 17% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Win an IPad: Take the Rasmussen Challenge. This week’s answers will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. ET tonight.

This national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on January 13-14, 2013 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.

40% Think U.S. Spends Too Much on National Security

With government spending cuts on the negotiating table, more voters than ever believe the United States spends too much on defense.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 40% of Likely U.S. Voters now think America spends too much on the military and national security. Twenty-two percent (22%) disagree and feel the country does not spend enough in this area. Thirty-two percent (32%) believe the amount spent on defense is about right. (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 national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on January 13-14, 2013 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.

44% Favor Limits on Violent Movies and Video Games

As Americans continue to process last month’s school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, they are now evenly divided when asked if the United States needs to place limits on violent movies and video games.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that 44% favor such limits, while 45% are opposed. Eleven percent (11%) 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 January 10-11, 2013 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.

63% of GOP Voters Think Republicans in Congress Out of Touch

Most GOP voters continue to believe that congressional Republicans are out of touch with the party base, while Democrats are happier than ever with how their team is performing in Washington, DC.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 30% of Likely Republican Voters believe Republicans in Congress have done a good job representing their party’s values over the past several years. Sixty-three percent (63%) of GOP voters think congressional Republicans have lost touch with the party’s base throughout the nation. (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 was conducted on January 13-14, 2013 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.

52% Think It's Possible To Watch Mentally Ill Closer Without Violating Their Rights

Following last month's elementary school massacre, Americans strongly support more action to identify the mentally ill, and most think those individuals can be kept under stricter observation without their personal freedoms being violated. Americans are closely divided over whether families or medical professionals are most responsible for that observation.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 81% of American Adults think the United States needs to take more action to identify and treat mental health issues. Only 12% don’t think more action is necessary. (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 January 10-11, 2013 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.

75% Don’t Know Much About Likely Treasury Secretary Jack Lew

Like many presidents embarking on a second term, President Obama is shuffling people in and out of his Cabinet, but most of these high-level decision makers continue to labor in varying degrees of anonymity.

Consider the president’s chief of staff, Jack Lew, now the president’s nominee to be the next secretary of Treasury. Right now, he’s viewed favorably by 10% of Likely U.S. Voters, and that includes only one percent (1%) with a Very Favorable opinion. Fourteen percent (14%) share an unfavorable view of Lew, with six percent (6%) Very Unfavorable. But 75% don’t know enough about him to voice any kind of opinion.

(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.

Voters Still Think Economy Fairer to Lower Income Americans Than to Middle Class

The recent “fiscal cliff” deal raised taxes on wealthier Americans, but voter attitudes about the fairness of the U.S. economy have changed little.