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June 11, 2014

61% Think America is Too Politically Correct

Mozilla CEO Brendan Eich's recent forced resignation over a political contribution he made three years ago in support of traditional marriage prompted even leading gay columnist Andrew Sullivan to say political correctness has gone too far. More Americans than ever consider the United States too politically correct, and most agree that a company's product is more important than the views of those who run the company.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 61% of American Adults believe America today has become too politically correct. That number has been climbing since October 2010. Just 12% think the United States is not politically correct enough, while 16% think the amount of political correctness is about right. Eleven percent (11%) 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 American Adults was conducted on June 5-6, 2014 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.

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June 11, 2014

Libertarians Versus Conservatives By John Stossel

Both libertarians and conservatives want to keep America safe. We differ on how best to do that. Most libertarians believe our attempts to create or support democracy around the world have made us new enemies, and done harm as well as good. We want less military spending.    

June 11, 2014

37% of GOP Voters Say Tea Party Will Hurt Their Party in 2014 Elections

In a survey conducted prior to last night’s stunning defeat of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor by a Tea Party candidate in Virginia, Republican voters are showing slightly less enthusiasm for the movement and its potential impact on this year’s elections. But GOP voters remain strongly convinced that it is important for Republicans in Congress to work with the Tea Party.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 27% of all Likely Voters view the Tea Party movement favorably. Fifty percent (50%) view the smaller government/lower taxes movement unfavorably. A sizable 22% 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 Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on June 4-5, 2014 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.

June 10, 2014

48% Expect to Earn More Money Next Year

Working Americans are more optimistic about their future earning potential today than they have been in five years.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 48% of Employed Adults believe they will be earning more money a year from today. That’s up six points from April and the highest finding since April 2009 when regular polling first began on the question. Just 10% expect to earn less next year, while 36% think they’ll be making about the same amount. (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 617 Employed Adults was conducted on June 1-2, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

June 10, 2014

California Governor: Brown (D) 52%, Kashkari (R) 33%

Democratic Governor Jerry Brown has a 19-point lead over Republican challenger Neel Kashkari in his bid for reelection in California.

Brown picks up 52% of the vote to Kashkari’s 33% in a new Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey of Likely California Voters. Five percent (5%) prefer some other candidate in the race, while 10% are undecided at this point. (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 823 Likely Voters in California was conducted on June 4-5, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

June 10, 2014

Most Like New EPA Emissions Controls But Say Congress Needs to OK First

Voters continue to have a love-hate relationship with environmental regulations. Most approve of the EPA’s new restrictions on carbon dioxide emissions even though they expect energy costs to rise as a result, but they also don’t think the agency should be able move ahead on energy controls like this without Congress’ approval.

Fifty-seven percent (57%) of Likely U.S. Voters approve of new environmental regulations to place stricter limits on carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Just 30% oppose the regulations intended to reduce the emissions 30% by the year 2030 as part of the EPA’s effort to fight global warming. Fourteen percent (14%) 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 Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on June 6-7, 2014 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.

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June 10, 2014

Uber Is the Future By Froma Harrop

As dawn creeps over New York's Jamaica Bay, flocks of wide-bodied red-eyes -- overnight flights from the West Coast -- land at JFK International Airport. The minute the wheels touch, cellphones click into action.

Mine shows a message (now lost) going something like this: Avoid the taxi lines. Use Uber instead.

June 10, 2014

85% Express Major Privacy Concerns About Google Glass

Google Glass, a wearable computer with optical head-mounted display, became available to the public on May 15, and Americans overwhelmingly expect these computers to routinely violate the privacy of others.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone surveys finds that just 14% of American Adults believe that wearable computers like Google Glass are not likely to violate others' privacy, including six percent (6%) who say it is Not At All Likely. But 85% disagree, with 67% who say this is Very Likely. (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 American Adults was conducted on June 3-4, 2014 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.

June 9, 2014

Generic Congressional Ballot: Democrats 41%, Republicans 37%

Democrats lead Republicans by four points on the Generic Congressional Ballot for the week ending Sunday, June 8.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 41% of Likely U.S. Voters would vote for the Democrat in their district’s congressional race if the election were held today, while 37% would choose the Republican instead.

Democrats led by three points – 41% to 38% - the week before. Democrats have held the lead for most weeks this year with support ranging from 38% to 42%. Support for the GOP has ranged from 35% to 41% since January 1.  Democrats lead Republicans 40% to 38% a year ago.

(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 telephone survey of 3,500 Likely Voters was conducted by Rasmussen Reports from June 2-8, 2014. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 2 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

June 9, 2014

39% Would Take a Commercial Space Flight

Virgin Galactic has announced that it will begin commercial passenger space flights as early as this year, and four out of 10 Americans are open to the idea.

Thirty-nine percent (39%) of American Adults say they would travel into space on a commercial space flight if they could afford it, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Fifty-five percent (55%), however, would not. (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 Adults was conducted on June 3-4, 2014 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.

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June 9, 2014

In Bergdahl Case, 'Conservatives' Ignore Basic American Principles By Joe Conason

What the Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl saga demonstrates beyond question -- to anyone who still nurtured any doubt -- is that the Republican right will junk just about any basic American value to satisfy its hatred of President Barack Obama. Fair play, due process, respect for families and the military: To most, if not all, so-called conservatives, none of these fundamentals matters nearly so much as the urge to undermine the nation's first black president. Which is another reason, among many, why they no longer deserve the honorific "conservative."

June 9, 2014

South Dakota Senate: Rounds (R) 44%, Weiland (D) 29%, Pressler (I) 18%

Former Governor Mike Rounds still leads his Democratic opponent Rick Weiland by double digits in South Dakota’s U.S. Senate race, but Republican-turned-Independent Larry Pressler has made the race a bit closer.

A new Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey of Likely South Dakota voters finds Rounds with 44% of the vote to Weiland’s 29%. Pressler, a former three-term Republican senator, picks up 18% of the vote. Two percent (2%) prefer some other candidate in the race, while seven percent (7%) 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 750 Likely Voters in South Dakota was conducted on June 4-5, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

June 9, 2014

50% Say Health Care Law Has Not Impacted Them

Though one-in-three voters say their personal health care coverage has changed because of the national health care law, half still say the law hasn’t impacted them positively or negatively.

Forty-four percent (44%) of Likely U.S. Voters have at least a somewhat favorable opinion of the health care law, while 52% regard it unfavorably, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. This includes 19% who view the law Very Favorably and 41% who have a Very Unfavorable opinion of it. (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 June 6-7, 2014 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.

June 8, 2014

South Dakota Governor: Daugaard (R) 55%, Wismer (D) 35%

Republican incumbent Dennis Daugaard posts a 20-point lead over Democratic challenger Susan Wismer, the winner of her party's primary last Tuesday, in South Dakota's race for governor.

A new Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey finds Daugaard picking up 55% of the vote to Wismer’s 35%. Three percent (3%) prefer some other candidate, while seven percent (7%) 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 750 Likely Voters in South Dakota was conducted on June 4-5, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

June 7, 2014

What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls: Week Ending June 7

Voters have made it clear for years that the economy is their number one concern, and if President Obama’s approval ratings are any indication, money appears to be talking louder that the numerous controversies the administration finds itself in.

June 6, 2014

56% Want Federal Spending Cuts Across the Board

Most voters still recognize a need for spending cuts in the federal budget, but few are convinced they’ll actually happen. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% of Likely U.S. Voters think thoughtful spending cuts should be considered in every program of the federal government. That’s down from 59% in February and 63% in October 2013. One-in-three (31%) disagree, while another 13% 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 national survey of 1,000 Likely U.S. Voters was conducted on May 29-30, 2014 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.

June 6, 2014

Iowa Governor: Branstad (R) 49%, Hatch (D) 40%

Republican Governor Terry Branstad leads his Democratic opponent Jack Hatch by nine points in his bid for reelection in Iowa.

Branstad picks up 49% of the vote to Hatch’s 40% in a new Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey of Likely Iowa Voters. Two percent (2%) prefer some other candidate in the race, while eight percent (8%) 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 750 Likely Voters in Iowa was conducted on June 4-5, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

June 6, 2014

What America Thinks About Negotiating with Terrorists

Prisoner of war Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl was released in Afghanistan last week as a result of ongoing negotiations between the Obama administration and the Taliban. In exchange for Berghdahl’s freedom, the administration released five Taliban leaders from Guantanamo Bay. The decision is considered controversial on many points, including whether it’s acceptable for the United States to negotiate with terrorists. We decided to find out what America thinks.

June 6, 2014

Iowa Senate Ernst (R) 45%, Braley (D) 44%

The U.S. Senate race in Iowa is a dead heat.

The latest Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey of Likely Iowa Voters finds Republican Joni Ernst, the winner of Tuesday’s crowded party primary, with 45% support to Democratic Congressman Bruce Braley’s 44%. Three percent (3%) prefer some other candidate in the race, while nine percent (9%) 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 750 Likely Voters in Iowa was conducted on June 4-5, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

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June 6, 2014

Veterans Affairs Scandal Further Discredits Obama's Big Government Policies By Michael Barone

President Obama evidently was caught by surprise by the scandal at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

So, apparently, was VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, who evidently took at face value the corrupt VA statistics -- and who, after a distinguished military career, resigned last week.

One who was probably not taken by surprise is longtime Yale Law Professor Peter Schuck, who identified the problems at the VA before the scandal broke in his recently published book, "Why Government Fails So Often and How It Can Do Better."