Politics

31% Favor Ban on Hate Speech

Americans remain overwhelmingly committed to their freedom of speech, but one-in-three think there should be a ban on so-called hate speech.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 72% of American Adults believe allowing free speech without government interference is better than letting the government decide what types of hate speech should be banned. Twelve percent (12%) prefer government-regulated speech, while 16% more are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on June 3-4, 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% View WikiLeaks Suspect Bradley Manning As A Traitor

Most voters believe the WikiLeaks release of classified documents is likely to have hurt U.S. national security and think the American soldier who helped make the information public on the Internet is a traitor.  But they’re closely divided over whether that soldier deserves to spend the rest of his life in prison.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 62% of Likely U.S. Voters think the WikiLeaks release of classified information is at least somewhat likely to have hurt U.S. national security. Twenty-four percent (24%) consider that unlikely. This includes 30% who say it’s Very Likely that public disclosure of the secrets hurt national security and just three percent (3%) who say it’s Not At All Likely to have done any damage. Fourteen percent (14%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on June 4-5, 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.

56% View Feds As Threat to Individual Rights

The United States was founded on a belief that governments are created to protect certain unalienable rights. Today, however, more voters than ever view the federal government as a threat to those rights.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% of Likely U.S. Voters now consider the federal government a threat to individual rights rather than a protector of those rights. That’s up 10 points from 46% in December. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

68% Consider Freedom of the Press Very Important

Even with the addition of Fox News’ James Rosen to the list of reporters whose phone records were subpoenaed by the Department of Justice, voters haven’t changed their opinions about the motives behind the department’s actions. Voters are also fairly evenly divided about the balance between press freedoms and national security concerns.  

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

Voters Give Biggest Trust Margin to GOP on Spending, Democrats on Environment

When it comes to voter trust, Republicans are far and away the leaders on handling government spending, while Democrats lead by a similar margin on environmental issues.  A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 49% of Likely Voters trust Republicans more than Democrats when it comes to dealing with government spending. Thirty-three percent (33%) trust Democrats more. This 16-point gap is the widest between the two parties since Rasmussen Reports started regularly tracking this issue in January. 

The GOP holds a similar 15-point advantage on issues affecting small business.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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Three national surveys of 1,000 Likely Voters each were conducted on May 15-16, 19-20 & 23-24, 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.

26% Expect Murder Verdict in Trayvon Martin Case

With the trial in the sensational Trayvon Martin case just two weeks away, Americans are closely divided over whether the man who shot the Florida teen last year should be found guilty of murder.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 31% of American Adults believe Neighborhood Watch volunteer George Zimmerman should be convicted of murder for shooting Martin. Nearly as many (29%) think he was acting in self-defense. But a sizable 40% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on May 28-29, 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.

42% Think Holder Should Resign, 24% Disagree

Most voters don’t approve of the U.S. Justice Department’s investigation of news reporters, and a plurality now thinks the department’s boss, Attorney General Eric Holder, should resign.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 25% of Likely U.S. Voters have a favorable opinion of Holder, while 47% view him unfavorably. This includes nine percent (9%) with a Very Favorable opinion and 32% with a Very Unfavorable view. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

On Gun Control: 43% Trust GOP, 41% Trust Dems

Democrats’ efforts to strengthen gun control laws may not have had the political impact they’d hoped for: Voters are becoming more likely to trust Republicans than Democrats on the issue.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% of Likely U.S. Voters trust the GOP more than Democrats when it comes to gun control. Slightly fewer (41%) still trust Democrats more. Seventeen percent (17%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on May 23-24, 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% Prefer Less Health Insurance, Bigger Paycheck

While employers wrestle with ways to meet the requirements of President Obama’s health care law, most Americans want the option of less health insurance coverage and more take home pay.

If they had a choice, 59% of Likely U.S. Voters would choose a less expensive health insurance plan that covered only major medical expenses and a bigger paycheck. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 31% would opt instead for a more expensive insurance policy that covered just about everything and receive a smaller paycheck.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

27% Favor Moving Guantanamo Prisoners To A U.S. Prison

Voters are closely divided over President Obama’s plan to close the Guantanamo prison camp for terrorists, but most continue to oppose bringing some of those inmates to the United States to make closing the camp possible. Most also think it’s unlikely the Guantanamo facility will be closed a year from now.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 41% of Likely U.S. Voters agree with the president’s decision to close the prison camp at the Guantanamo Naval Base in Cuba.  Slightly more (45%) disagree with the president’s plan. Thirteen percent (13%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

36% Favor Use of Drones To Stop Terrorists in the United States

Voters are now more supportive of using unmanned drones to kill U.S. citizens overseas who pose a terrorist threat. A surprising number favor their use against terrorist threats in this country. Sixty-nine percent (69%) of Likely U.S. Voters still favor the United States’ use of unmanned drone aircraft to kill terrorists, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. But this marks a continuing downward trend from the 76% who approved of their use in February of last year just after President Obama acknowledged the program’s existence. Fourteen percent (14%) are opposed, with slightly more (17%) not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on May 23-24, 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% of New York City Voters Approve of Bloomberg’s Job Performance

New York City voters still approve of the job Mayor Michael Bloomberg is doing but are almost evenly divided when it comes to the “stop and frisk” policing policy he endorses.

A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey finds that 59% of Registered New York Voters at least somewhat approve of Bloomberg’s job performance, while 38% disapprove. This includes 16% who Strongly Approve and 19% who Strongly Disapprove. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Registered New York Voters was conducted on May 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.

Democrats Quinn, Weiner Lead GOP’s Lhota in NYC Mayoral Race

Both current Democratic frontrunners outpace Republican favorite Joseph J. Lhota in Rasmussen Reports’ first look at New York City’s 2013 mayoral race.

Favorable Views of Tea Party Up 14 Points Since January

Favorables for the Tea Party have jumped since news broke that the Internal Revenue Service was targeting the grassroots movement and other conservative groups. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 44% of Likely U.S. Voters now have a favorable opinion of the Tea Party. That's up 14 points from January but still down from April 2009's high of 51% when the Tea Party protests against President Obama’s spending policies first erupted.

Forty-four percent (44%) also now view the Tea Party unfavorably, although that's down five points from earlier this year. The latest findings include 18% with a Very Favorable opinion of the movement and 25% with a Very Unfavorable one. Thirteen percent (13%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

60% Say It’s Likely Other Agencies Targeted Conservatives, Too

Most voters think the Internal Revenue Service’s decision to target conservative groups was made in Washington, D.C. and that it wasn’t the only government agency going after these groups.

Just 20% of Likely U.S. Voters believe the IRS’ explanation thus far that low-level employees at its Cincinnati office made the decision to target the conservative groups. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 65% think the orders came from Washington, with 26% who think the decision was made by someone at IRS headquarters and 39% who believe someone who works at the White House made the call. Fifteen percent (15%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

NYC Mayor: Quinn 24%, Weiner 18%

Former Congressman Anthony Weiner has officially entered the race to become New York City’s next mayor. The first step is the September 10 Democratic primary, and Weiner starts out in second place behind City Council Speaker Christine Quinn.

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The survey of 745 Registered Democrats was conducted on May 21 and 22, 2013. Weiner announced his entry into the race early on the morning of the 22nd .  The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Voters Now Trust GOP More on Ethics and Corruption

With growing questions about Benghazi and actions taken by the Internal Revenue Service and the Justice Department, Democrats' noticeable edge over Republicans in voter trust in the area of government ethics and corruption has disappeared. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 39% of Likely U.S. Voters now trust Republicans more to handle the ethics and corruption issue. Nearly as many (37%) still trust Democrats more. Twenty-four percent (24%) are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The surveys of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on May 15-16 & 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.

Voters Think Benghazi or IRS Most Likely to Still Be Major News A Year From Now

Over half of voters think there’s a chance at least one of the major controversies now bedeviling the Obama administration will still be around a year from now. They see the Internal Revenue Service’s targeting of conservative political groups and the questions surrounding Benghazi as the most likely to linger.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 55% of Likely U.S. Voters believe it is at least somewhat likely that at least one of the major controversies now in the news will still be a major news story in a year. Forty percent (40%) consider that unlikely. This includes 22% who say at least one of the controversies is Very Likely to still be in the news versus just eight percent (8%) who think it’s Not At All Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on May 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% Rate Obama Administration’s Benghazi Response As Poor

The Obama administration is wrestling with several high-profile controversies these days, but voter concern about events surrounding the death last year of the U.S. ambassador in Benghazi, Libya remains little changed.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 81% of Likely U.S. Voters still think it is at least somewhat important to find out what happened in the events surrounding the death of Ambassador Christopher Stevens. This includes 55% who say it is Very Important. Only 13% feel it’s not very or Not At All Important to get to the bottom of the events last September in Benghazi. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

52% Think Media Reacts More Quickly to Things That Affect Them

The U.S. Justice Department's secret seizure of telephone records from the Associated Press has been drawing major headlines for several days. Voters have mixed feelings about the story, but 52% of Likely U.S. Voters think the media reacts more quickly to things that affect news organizations, reporters and their friends. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 23% disagree and don't see media self-interest in their news choices. Twenty-five percent (25%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely U.S. Voters was conducted on May 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.