Obama Administration

81% Think Congress Should Take Big Pay Cut Until Budget is Balanced

Voters overwhelmingly believe members of Congress should take a pay cut until the federal budget is balanced, and a plurality thinks the president should do the same. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 81% of Likely U.S. Voters feel members of Congress should take a 25% pay cut until the federal budget is balanced. Only 12% disagree.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national 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.

41% Think U.S. President Most Powerful Person in the World, 44% Disagree

As President Obama formally begins his second term today, voters are almost evenly divided as to whether or not the president of the United States is the most powerful person in the world, but half think he has the right amount of power.

Twenty-one percent (21%) of Likely U.S. Voters believe the U.S. president doesn’t have enough power, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. A slightly larger number (28%) think the president has too much power. A plurality (47%) rates his level of power as about right. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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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.

55% Consider Obama Good or Excellent Leader

Over half of voters now give President Obama positive marks for leadership, his highest ratings since the early months of his presidency.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 55% of Likely U.S. Voters consider Obama a good or excellent leader, the highest finding since May 2009. This is up three points from last month, which was the first time the finding passed the 50% mark since June 2009.

One-out-of-three (33%) rate Obama as a poor leader, unchanged from December which marked the lowest finding in over three years. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 29-30, 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.

52% Rate Obama as a Good or Excellent Leader

Most voters now consider President Obama a good or excellent leader.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 52% of Likely U.S. Voters now rate Obama that way, the highest finding since May 2009 and the first time that number has broken the 50% mark since June of that same year. Just 33% rate the president’s leadership as poor, the least critical assessment since January 2011. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

42% Give Obama Positive Marks on the Economy

Confidence in President Obama’s handling of the economy has fallen back to pre-Election Day levels, but support for how he’s doing on the national security front remains constant.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 42% of Likely U.S. Voters now think the president is doing a good or excellent job handling economic issues. Just as many (41%) rate his performance in this area as poor. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on November 26-27, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage point with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

48% Consider Obama a Good or Excellent Leader

Just days after his reelection, nearly half of American voters see President Obama as a good leader.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 48% of Likely U.S. Voters rate Obama as a good or excellent leader. Thirty-eight percent (38%) think he is a poor leader. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on November 7, 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.

Swing State Tracking: Romney 50%, Obama 46%

The full Swing State tracking update offers Rasmussen Reader subscribers a combined view of the results from 11 key states won by President Obama in 2008 and thought to be competitive in 2012. The states collectively hold 146 Electoral College votes and include Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin. If you do not already have a Rasmussen Reader account, subscribe now.

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In the 11 swing states, Mitt Romney earns 50% of the vote to Obama’s 46%.  Two percent (2%) like another candidate in the race, and another two percent (2%) are undecided.

55% of Independents Still See Presidential Race As Choice Between Lesser of Two Evils

Most unaffiliated voters are still unenthusiastic about the choice between President Obama and Mitt Romney this November. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 59% of all Likely U.S. Voters are excited about the choice between the two men, but 37% say they will be simply voting for the lesser of two evils. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on September 15-16, 2012 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.

48% Give Obama Good or Excellent Marks for Leadership

President Obama continues to earn positive marks for leadership from nearly half the nation’s voters, but there’s a wide partisan difference of opinion on this question.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 48% of Likely U.S. Voters rate the president’s leadership as good or excellent. Forty percent (40%) think he’s doing a poor job. It’s important to note that these attitudes were measured prior to his prime-time speech Thursday night to the Democratic National Convention. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on September 5-6, 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.

44% Give Obama Poor Marks on His Handling of Economy

The economy is still the number one issue on voters’ minds this election season, and a plurality continues to give President Obama poor marks in this area. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 35% of Likely Voters believe the president is doing a good or excellent job handling economic issues. Forty-four percent (44%) give Obama a poor rating in this area.  (To see survey question wording, click here.

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 28-29, 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.

40% Have Unfavorable View of Janet Napolitano

Now the subject of a lawsuit claiming sexual harassment and discrimination against male employees in the highest levels of her department, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano remains one of the most unpopular members of President Obama's Cabinet. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 40% of Likely Voters have an unfavorable opinion of the former Arizona governor, including 25% with a Very Unfavorable view of her. Just 27% regard Napolitano favorably, with nine percent (9%) who view her Very Favorably. One-out-of-three voters (34%) don’t know enough about Napolitano to offer any kind of opinion of her. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 10-11, 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.

Just 23% Have a Favorable Opinion of Geithner

Despite receiving criticism for his potential involvement in the manipulation of a key global interest rate, slightly more voters share a favorable opinion of Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner this month.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 23% have at least a somewhat favorable opinion of Geithner, up from 18% in April. Thirty-seven (37%) hold at least a somewhat unfavorable view of the Secretary of the Treasury, down from 45% in April. This includes six percent (6%) with a Very Favorable opinion and 22% with a Very Unfavorable one. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 21-22, 2012 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.

47% Rate Obama’s Leadership Good Or Excellent

Although President Obama’s ratings on the economy are at the lowest level since last November, a strong plurality of voters continues to give him positive marks for his leadership. Not surprisingly, there's also still a wide partisan difference of opinion on this question.

Forty-seven percent (47%) of Likely U.S. Voters say Obama is a good or excellent leader, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Thirty-seven percent (37%) describe his leadership is poor. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters nationwide was conducted on July 5-6, 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.

31% Give Obama Positive Marks on Handling Economic Issues

The economy has been the most important issue to voters for years, but ratings for the president’s performance in that area are at their lowest level since last November.  A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows just 31% of Likely Voters believe President Obama is doing a good or excellent job handling economic issues, including 12% who say he is doing an excellent job. Forty-eight percent (48%) believe Obama is doing a poor job in this area. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters nationwide was conducted on June 25-26, 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.

Views on Holder Unchanged: 40% Think Attorney General Should Resign

While much of the nation was reacting to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on President Obama’s health care law last week, the House of Representatives voted to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress for withholding information wanted for an ongoing investigation. It was the first vote of its kind against a sitting Cabinet member but hasn’t changed any minds about Holder.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 1-2, 2012 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.

40% Think Holder Should Resign As Attorney General

The Justice Department’s Fast and Furious operation was conceived as a way to catch illegal gun runners but instead put guns in the hands of Mexican drug criminals.  Congress wants to know why and has been battling with Attorney General Eric Holder for more information. A sizable number of voters now think Holder should resign.

In fact, a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 27% of Likely U.S. Voters oppose Holder’s resignation. Forty percent (40%) are in favor of the attorney general stepping down, but another 33% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on June 13-14, 2012 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.

Clinton Remains the Most Popular Cabinet Member, Holder the Least

Hillary Clinton continues to be the most favored member of President Obama’s Cabinet, and she’s also the most well-known.

Fifty-three percent (53%) of Likely U.S. Voters have a favorable opinion of the secretary of State. Conversely, just seven percent (7%) hold a favorable view of the newest Cabinet member, Chief of Staff Jack Lew.

To see favorability ratings for all Cabinet members, click here.

Attorney General Eric Holder is the least-liked Cabinet member, with 47% of voters who share an unfavorable opinion of him. Holder has been at the center of several controversies while in office.

Clinton, Holder, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner are the only Cabinet members who are recognized by more than 50% of voters. In the case of all the other Cabinet members, the majority of voters do not know enough about them to formulate an opinion.

Voters Still Trust Their Own Economic Judgment Over Romney's, Obama's

Voters may trust Mitt Romney's economic judgment more than President Obama's, but they continue to have a lot more confidence in themselves than in either presidential contender. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 64% of Likely U.S. Voters trust their own judgment over the president’s when it comes to the economic issues facing the nation.  Just 29% say they trust Obama’s judgment over their own. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

This national survey of 1,000 U.S. Likely Voters was conducted on May 10-11, 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.

37% Give Obama Positive Marks on Economic Issues

Voter ratings for the president’s performance on economic issues remains relatively steady despite last Friday’s disappointing government report on job creation. Voters also hold consistent views on the president’s leadership and handling of national security issues.

Thirty-seven percent (37%) of Likely Voters nationwide offer President Obama good or excellent marks on his handling of economic issues, according to a new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey. Forty-eight percent (48%) say the president is doing a poor job handling these issues. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Two surveys of 1,000 Likely Voters nationwide were conducted on May 4-5 and 8-9, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error for each survey 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% View Hillary Clinton Favorably

Cabinet members come and go, but Secretary of State Hillary Clinton remains the most popular member of President Obama's A-team. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that the former first lady is seen favorably by 53% of voters, although that matches the lowest level measured since she assumed the position at State in January 2009.  Forty-two percent (42%) have an unfavorable impression of her.  That includes 27% who view Clinton Very Favorably and 22% who have a Very Unfavorable opinion of her. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on April 20-21, 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.