Politics

Obama Earns Mixed Marks on Taxes, Spending

Voters give President Obama mixed reviews when it comes to taxes and government spending but think he's doing a slightly better job on the revenue side.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 44% of Likely U.S. Voters rate the president’s handling of issues related to taxes as good or excellent, while 39% give him a poor rating in this area. 

Similarly, 39% consider his handling of government spending to be good or excellent, but 45% think he’s doing a poor job. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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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.

Most Believe Political Leaders Put U.S. Troops At Risk Too Often

Americans continue to believe that our nation’s elected politicians favor a far more interventionist foreign policy than the public supports.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 59% of Likely U.S. Voters believe our political leaders send U.S. soldiers into harm’s way too often. Just five percent (5%) think the policy makers don’t use the nation’s military might often enough. Twenty-seven percent (27%) believe the balance is about right. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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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.

56% Support Right to Choose Your Own Social Security and Medicare Retirement Age

Most voters continue to believe Americans should be able to choose their own Social Security and Medicare retirement age, but support is down from two years ago. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 56% of Likely U.S. Voters think that, as long as they are able to cover the cost of their decision, people should have the right to pick their own Social Security and Medicare retirement age. Those who want to retire earlier could pay more in Social Security taxes now. Those who would prefer lower taxes today could pay less in taxes and retire later. Twenty-four percent (24%) don’t think Americans should have that option, while another 19% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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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.

11% Say U.S. Should Be World’s Policeman

Very few voters think the United States should take on the responsibility of ensuring peace and democracy in the world, a view that has changed little over the years.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 11% of voters think the United States should be the world’s policeman, virtually unchanged from findings in 2011 and 2009. Seventy-two percent (72%) disagree, but 17% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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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.

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.)

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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.

43% Think U.S. Is Too Involved in the Middle East

As America’s role in the Middle East takes center stage in the confirmation hearings for Secretary of Defense nominee Chuck Hagel, a plurality of voters believes the United States is too involved in that part of the world. But most still think there is an ongoing worldwide conflict between the Islamic world and the West.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% of Likely U.S. Voters feel the United States is too involved in the Middle East. Just 15% think America is not involved enough in that part of the world. Thirty-one percent (31%) consider the level of U.S. involvement 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.

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.

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.

46% Think Tougher Border Control Unlikely If New Immigration Law Passes

Voters continue to favor a welcoming immigration policy but still feel more strongly that stricter border control has to come first. They’re evenly divided, however, over whether the government will make more of an effort to control the border if a new bipartisan immigration reform proposal is passed by Congress.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% of Likely U.S. Voters agree that the goal of immigration policy should be to keep out only national security threats, criminals and those who would come here to live off our welfare system. Twenty-six percent (26%) disagree with that goal for immigration policy. Eighteen percent (18%) 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 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.

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.

46% Say Obama Policies Too Hostile Toward Small Business

Voters tend to think President Obama's policies are friendlier to big business than to small business, but four-out-of-10 rate his policies to both as about right.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 46% of Likely U.S. Voters believe President Obama's policies are too hostile toward small business. Just four percent (4%) consider his policies too friendly to small business, while 39% say they are 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.

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.

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.

44% Give Obama Positive Marks on Gun Control

President Obama has announced that gun control and immigration will be two of his top priorities this year, and voters nationwide give the president mixed reviews in both areas. But as in most issues involving Obama, there's a wide partisan opinion gap.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Likely U.S. Voters shows that 39% rate the president’s handling of immigration issues as good or excellent. Thirty-seven percent (37%) say he is doing a poor job in this area. (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 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.

36% Say They Are Pro-Life, 54% Pro-Choice

Forty years after the landmark Roe vs. Wade case legalizing abortion in the United States, fewer voters than ever consider themselves pro-life, while those who say they are pro-choice remains at an all-time high.

42% Give Obama Positive Marks for Job Creation

Voters give President Obama mixed marks in the areas of job creation and small business, but predictably there's wide partisan disagreement.

59% Still Favor Building the Keystone XL Oil Pipeline

Most voters continue to favor construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline and still think building the oil pipeline from western Canada to Texas will be good for the U.S. economy. But voters express more uncertainty about the environmental impact of the pipeline than they did in earlier surveys.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 59% of Likely U.S. Voters favor building the pipeline, while 28% are opposed. This includes 34% who Strongly Favor the pipeline and 10% who Strongly Oppose it. (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.

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

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.