Politics

33% Say Media Should Withhold Names, Pictures of Violent Criminals

Following outrage over Rolling Stone magazine’s decision to put a sympathetic picture of the Boston Marathon bomber on its cover, most Americans say the media pay too much attention to the personal lives of violent criminals. One-out-of-three believes the media should withhold the names and pictures of violent criminals in order to grant them less attention.

Sixty-two percent (62%) of U.S. Adults believe the news media focus too much on the personal lives of violent criminals, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Just nine percent (9%) believe the media do not pay enough attention to violent criminals’ personal lives, while 19% say the level of attention is about right. Eleven percent (11%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on July 20-21, 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.

Half of NYC Voters Don’t Like Weiner, Spitzer

One-out-of-two New York City voters hold an unfavorable opinion of disgraced politicians Anthony Weiner and Eliot Spitzer who are both hoping to be returned to public office this fall.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone poll finds that 50% of Registered New York City Voters continue to view Weiner unfavorably, unchanged from mid-May. But now 40% have a favorable opinion of the married former congressman who was forced to resign after he was caught texting sexually suggestive photos of himself to women around the country. That’s up from 34% in the earlier survey.  The new findings include 18% with a Very Favorable opinion of Weiner and 29% with a Very Unfavorable one. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Registered New York Voters was conducted on July 16-17, 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% Rate Obama Administration’s IRS Response As Poor

Voters remain suspicious that President Obama or his top aides knew about the Internal Revenue Service’s targeting of Tea Party and other conservative groups, and they believe even more strongly that those involved should be jailed or fired.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 59% of Likely U.S. Voters think it is at least somewhat likely that the president or his top aides were aware that the conservative groups were being targeted. Just 32% consider that unlikely. This includes 38% who say it’s Very Likely the president or his top aides knew of the rogue IRS activity versus only 10% who say it’s Not At All Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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

46% Say U.S. Justice System Fair to Blacks, Hispanics

Following the George Zimmerman verdict, voters still believe the U.S. justice system is fairer to blacks and Hispanics than it is to Americans in general. But black voters don't see it that way.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 46% of Likely Voters think the U.S. justice system is generally fair to black and Hispanic Americans.  Thirty-six percent (36%) say that is not the case, while 18% are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 18-19, 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.

71% View Rolling Stone's Terrorist Cover Photo As A Publicity Stunt

Rolling Stone magazine sparked outrage last week when it released an image of its August issue cover featuring a flattering photograph of accused Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. The magazine’s editors maintain that the photo properly reflects the article’s message and “falls within the traditions of journalism." Most Americans don’t see the decision as an example of good journalism and agree with retailers who have pulled the magazine off the stands, but they also recognize that Rolling Stone has a right to publish what it chooses.

Seventy-one percent (71%) of American Adults believe Rolling Stone’s decision to put Tsarnaev on its cover was simply a publicity stunt, according to a Rasmussen Reports national survey. Just 10% believe the decision was an example of good journalism. Eighteen percent (18%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on July 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.

45% Favor Stand Your Ground Laws, 32% Oppose

Florida’s “stand your ground” self-defense law, although ultimately not a part of the George Zimmerman trial, has now become a target for those unhappy with the verdict in that case. Americans tend to favor such a law in their state, although half are not sure if their state already has one or not. But they are evenly divided over whether such a law is good or bad for public safety.

Forty-five percent (45%) of American Adults favor having a stand your ground law in their state, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Thirty-two percent (32%) are opposed to such a law in their state. Twenty-two percent (22%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on July 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.

38% Think Government Is Best Bet for Alternative Energy Development

While President Obama continues to push for government-funded research to promote alternative energy sources, Americans continue to express more confidence in the private sector to develop those sources. Forty-eight percent (48%) of Likely U.S. Voters believe research by private businesses seeking a profit will do more to meet the U.S. need for affordable energy sources than research by the government, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Thirty-eight percent (38%) believe government research seeking alternative energy sources will do more to meet this need. Fourteen percent (14%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 14-15, 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.

32% Have Favorable Opinion of Zimmerman, 48% Unfavorable

Despite a Florida jury’s verdict that George Zimmerman is not guilty of murder in the shooting death of black teenager Trayvon Martin, just 32% of Americans have a favorable opinion of the Hispanic neighborhood watch volunteer, while 48% view him unfavorably. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 44% now agree with the not guilty verdict. That's down slightly from earlier in the week.

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on July 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

32% Say American Society is Unfair and Discriminatory

Roughly a third of voters now see American society as unfair and discriminatory, the highest level of pessimism in nearly six years.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 57% of Likely U.S. Voters now consider American society generally fair and decent. That's down six points from April and the lowest finding since December. Thirty-two percent (32%) disagree and think American society is generally unfair and discriminatory. That’s up from 26% in the previous survey and the highest finding since late July 2007. Twelve percent (12%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 14-15, 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 Ban on Abortion After 20 Weeks, 41% Oppose

Several states including Texas and Wisconsin are advancing new restrictive abortion laws that would, among other things, ban abortions after 20 weeks and require doctors that perform abortions to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals. Voters nationwide are almost evenly divided on the 20-week ban but are more supportive of additional doctor requirements.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 44% of Likely U.S. Voters favor a ban on abortion after 20 weeks. Forty-one percent (41%) oppose such a ban. Another 15% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 16-17, 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.

21% Think Justice Department Should Charge Zimmerman With a Hate Crime

Most Americans don’t believe George Zimmerman was motivated by racism and do not believe he should be charged with a hate crime for shooting black teenager Trayvon Martin. But as with nearly every question regarding this case, there is wide racial disagreement.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 24% of all American Adults believe Zimmerman’s actions that led to Martin’s death were motivated primarily by racism. Fifty-four percent (54%) think the Hispanic Neighborhood Watch volunteer was chiefly motivated instead by a concern about burglaries in the neighborhood.  Twenty-two percent (22%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording,click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on July 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.

48% Agree with Zimmerman Verdict, 34% Disagree

Reactions to the jury decision in the shooting of Trayvon Martin vary sharply along racial lines.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 48% of American Adults agree with the jury’s verdict that Hispanic neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman is not guilty of murder in the shooting death of the black teenager.  Thirty-four percent (34%) disagree with the Florida jury’s verdict. Eighteen percent (18%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on July 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.

60% Put Checks and Balances Ahead of Government Efficiency

Politicians are often frustrated by the system of checks and balances built into American government, but voters continue to strongly support that protection.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 60% of Likely U.S. Voters think it is more important to preserve our constitutional system of checks and balances than it is for government to operate efficiently. Twenty-eight percent (28%) place more importance on efficiency, while 12% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 12-13, 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% Believe Boston Bombing Suspect May Receive Death Penalty

Accused Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev pleaded “not guilty” last week to 30 charges stemming from the April 15 terrorist attack and subsequent manhunt that left four people dead and more than 260 injured. Most Americans continue to favor the death penalty for Tsarnaev if he is convicted, but slightly fewer adults believe this punishment is likely.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 59% of American Adults believe the Boston Marathon bombing suspect should receive the death penalty if he is convicted. Twenty-two percent (22%) do not think Tsarnaev should get the death penalty, while nearly as many (19%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on July 11-12, 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 Ending Senate Filibuster, 38% Oppose

Voters narrowly favor changing the rules in the U.S. Senate to end the filibuster, and half think every presidential nominee should get a straight up-or-down vote in the Senate.

In the Senate, a filibuster can prevent a vote from taking place unless 60 senators override it. Some Democrats want to change the Senate results so that a vote must be held whenever a majority of senators agrees, effectively eliminating the filibuster, and 44% of Likely U.S. Voters think that’s a good idea. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 38% oppose changing the rules to eliminate the filibuster. Eighteen percent (18%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 12-13, 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.

8% Think Applicant’s Word Is Enough When Seeking Federal Health Insurance Subsidies

The Obama administration has temporarily made it easier for low-income Americans to qualify for health insurance subsidies under the president’s new health care law, but voters overwhelmingly believe that trusting the applicant’s word is not enough.

The health care law provides subsidies for low-income Americans who don’t have access to health insurance from their employer, and 86% of Likely U.S. Voters think these individuals should be forced to prove they are eligible by documenting their income and their lack of access to insurance. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only eight percent (8%) believe it should simply be assumed that all applicants are giving honest information on their applications. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

56% Favor Delaying Individual Health Care Mandate, 26% Opposed

Now that President Obama has delayed implementation of the employer mandate portion of his new national health care law, most voters think he also should delay the requirement that every American buy or obtain health insurance.

Only 35% of Likely U.S. Voters favor the individual mandate anyway, according to the latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Fifty-six percent (56%) oppose the law’s requirement that every American obtain health insurance or else be forced to pay fines. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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(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 July 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.

39% Favor Reform Plan That Cuts Future Illegal Immigration by Just 50%

The Congressional Budget Office estimated last week that the immigration reform plan now before Congress would stop the flow of future illegal immigrants by no more than 50%, and voters don’t think that’s enough.  Support for the plan has fallen, but it falls even more dramatically when the 50% figure is attached.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 50% of Likely U.S. Voters now favor a plan to give legal status to those here illegally even if the border is really secured to prevent future immigration.  That’s down from 60% less than three weeks ago despite the U.S. Senate’s passage of the measure since then.  Thirty percent (30%) are opposed, and 19% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 8-9, 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.

32% Are Conservative on Both Fiscal, Social Issues

More voters than ever now identify themselves as conservative on both money and social issues.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 46% of Likely Voters identify themselves as conservative on fiscal issues such as taxes, government spending and business regulation. Just 18% are liberal in this area, while 32% view themselves as moderates. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

46% Are Pro-Choice, 43% Pro-Life

With Texas and Wisconsin the latest states to attempt limits on abortion, fewer voters than ever are calling themselves pro-choice, and the gap between pro-choice and pro-life voters is the narrowest yet.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 46% of Likely U.S. Voters now consider themselves pro-choice, the lowest finding in three years of regular surveying. Forty-three percent (43%) say they are pro-life, matching the highest finding to date. Eleven percent (11%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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