What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls: Week Ending Nov 16
Obamacare hasn’t been good for the political health of President Obama and his party this past week.
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November 16, 2013
November 15, 2013
46% Oppose Electronic Cigarette Smoking in Public Areas
While a sizable number of Americans consider electronic cigarettes to be safer than traditional cigarettes, a plurality doesn’t want people smoking them in public areas.
Thirty-one percent (31%) of American Adults believe smoking electronic cigarettes is more safe than smoking traditional cigarettes. But a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 29% believe the health risk is about the same between the two, and another 32% are not sure which is safer. Just eight percent (8%) believe smoking e-cigarettes is less safe than smoking ordinary cigarettes. (To see 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 Adults nationwide was conducted on November 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.
November 15, 2013
55% Rate Obama's Handling of Health Care As Poor
Most voters now think President Obama is doing a poor job when it comes to health care.
Just 30% of Likely U.S. Voters rate the president's handling of issues related to health care as good or excellent. That’s down 14 points from October and the lowest finding to date. Fifty-five percent (55%) give the president poor marks in this area, up from October’s previous high of 47%. (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 November 13-14, 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.
November 15, 2013
62% Consider Clinton Better President Than Obama
Voters still strongly believe Bill Clinton was a better president than Barack Obama.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 62% of Likely U.S. Voters think Clinton was a better president. Just 20% believe Obama is doing a better job than Clinton did when he was president from 1993 to 2001. 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 national telephone survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted by Rasmussen Reports on November 13-14, 2013. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 2 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.
November 15, 2013
Colorado a Microcosm for American Politics By Michael Barone
Colorado, writes National Journal's always insightful Ronald Brownstein, is "America, writ small." "A microcosm," he goes on, "of the forces destabilizing American politics."
Of course, Colorado is not entirely typical of the nation. It has America's lowest rates of obesity, for example -- because of a young population and because most Coloradans live a mile or more above sea level. You burn more calories there just getting out of the car and walking to the mall.
November 15, 2013
40% of Americans Prefer to Drink Wine, 34% Beer
When Americans drink alcohol, they prefer wine over any other type of spirit.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 40% of American Adults say wine is their alcohol of choice. Thirty-four percent (34%) reach for a beer first. Just 20% prefer hard liquor, while two percent (2%) opt for something else. (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 telephone survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted by Rasmussen Reports on November 10-11, 2013. The margin of sampling error for the survey 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.
November 14, 2013
43% Say Obama is Very Liberal
Most voters still have little doubt that President Obama and Vice President Biden are liberals.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 68% of Likely U.S. Voters consider the president at least somewhat liberal in political terms, including 43% who believe he is Very Liberal. Twenty-four (24%) percent feel the president is politically moderate. Just three percent (3%) consider Obama conservative. (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 telephone survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted by Rasmussen Reports on November 9-10, 2013. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 2 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.
November 14, 2013
38% Drink Alcohol At Least Once a Week
Social lubricant or relaxing pastime? Most Americans enjoy a good drink every now and then, but they’re divided between drinking for enjoyment or just to socialize.
Thirty-eight percent (38%) of American Adults now say they drink alcoholic beverages at least once a week, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. That includes 16% who say they drink about once a week, 13% who drink several times a week and nine percent (9%) who have a drink every day or nearly every day. That’s generally unchanged from 2010. Eight percent (8%) say they drink several times a month, while 18% drink occasionally.
Thirty-six percent (36%) say they rarely or never drink alcohol, up from 29% three years ago. (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 Adults nationwide was conducted on November 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.
November 14, 2013
25% of Americans Have or Will Contribute Money to Philippines Relief Effort
Following the devastating typhoon that hit the Philippines leaving thousands dead and many more displaced, one-in-four Americans is contributing money to the relief effort. But few are very confident that money will actually reach those who need it.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 25% of American Adults say they have or will contribute money to the Philippines relief effort. Fifty-one percent (51%) don't plan to do so, but another 25% are undecided at this time. The number of Americans pledging financial support for the Philippines is lower than the number who did so following the Haitian earthquake in 2010. (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 November 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.
November 14, 2013
2016? Clinton Still Far Ahead Among Democrats; Christie, Paul in Near Tie
Looking ahead to the 2016 presidential race, Hillary Clinton has extended her lead among Democrats, but frontrunner Chris Christie now runs nearly even with Senator Rand Paul among Republicans.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that Clinton earns 70% support from Likely Democratic Voters when they are asked whom they would vote for if the 2016 Democratic presidential primary were held in their state today. That’s up from 63% support in early August. (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 November 7-8, 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.
November 14, 2013
The Last Farm Bill? By Froma Harrop
Many conservatives want farm bills to stop coupling food stamps to agricultural subsidies. They see the linkage as an unsavory deal between urban Democrats and rural Republicans to waste the people's money.
But not all conservatives are principled conservatives. Principled conservatives oppose the farm subsidies as a monstrous example of corporate welfare. The other kind thinks it can strip spending from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program while preserving the farm rip-offs.
November 13, 2013
24% Say Country is Heading in Right Direction
For the second week in a row, 24% of Likely U.S. Voters think the country is heading in the right direction, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey for the week ending November 10.
Confidence in the country’s direction fell to 13% one month ago in the midst of the partial federal government shutdown. It was the lowest finding in five years. The week before Election Day a year ago, 43% said the country was heading in the right direction.
(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 on November 4-10, 2013. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 2 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.
November 13, 2013
39% Think Common Core Standards Likely to Improve Student Achievement
Forty-five states have adopted new national education standards known as Common Core, and nearly half of Americans think that's a good idea. But fewer adults are confident that the new standards will improve student achievement.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 49% of American Adults favor requiring all schools nationwide to meet the same Common Core education standards. Twenty-eight percent (28%) are opposed, while nearly as many (23%) 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 Adults was conducted on November 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.
November 13, 2013
37% Say U.S. Needs Israel’s Approval Before Making Nuclear Deal with Iran
Most U.S. voters favor the current negotiations with Iran that would reduce that country’s nuclear program in exchange for lifting some economic sanctions. Israel strongly opposes the proposed deal, but voters are closely divided on how important Israel's approval is to the U.S. diplomatic effort.
Though the latest negotiations collapsed over the weekend, 52% of Likely Voters still favor a U.S. deal with Iran if Iran’s cooperation can be verified. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 29% oppose the deal that would lift some economic sanctions in exchange for reductions in Iran's nuclear program. Nineteen percent (19%) 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 November 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.
November 13, 2013
46% Think Obama Lied About Impact of Health Law, 45% Disagree
Voters are evenly divided when asked whether President Obama deliberately lied about the impact of the health care law before it was passed by Congress. But they strongly believe Americans should be able to keep their existing health insurance policies.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 46% of Likely U.S. Voters believe the president purposely misled Americans about the potential impact of the health care law. Forty-five percent (45%) disagree and think Obama honestly expected the law to work out the way he said it would. Ten percent (10%) 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 November 9-10, 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.
November 12, 2013
54% Believe Federal Government Encourages Illegal Immigration
Most voters still believe the federal government encourages people to enter the United States illegally.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 54% of Likely U.S. voters feel the policies and practices of the federal government encourage illegal immigration. Twenty-two percent (22%) disagree, but just as many (23%) are not sure.
November 12, 2013
56% Oppose Use of Standardized Tests as Chief Measure of School Performance
Standardized testing is increasingly becoming the norm in school districts to determine how well a school and its teachers are doing, but most Americans oppose that practice.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 28% of American Adults think student scores on standardized tests should be the major factor in determining how well a school is doing. Twice as many (56%) disagree with the use of these tests as the chief measurement. Seventeen percent (17%) 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 Adults was conducted on November 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.
November 12, 2013
55% Favor Repeal of Obamacare
Most voters view the new national health care law as bad for the country and want to repeal it.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 35% of Likely U.S. Voters now believe the trouble-plagued health care law is good for America. Fifty-five percent (55%) consider it bad for the country. Only two percent (2%) think it will have no impact. (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 November 9-10, 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.
November 12, 2013
Wheels of Misfortune by Froma Harrop
The problem of America's congested roads has long been simple: too many tires vying for a fixed amount of pavement. But with a growing bicycle culture joining the car culture, the difficulties have expanded greatly. The conveyances now travel at very different speeds, follow different rules of the road and expose their operators to vastly different levels of physical vulnerability.
November 12, 2013
26% View Fed Nominee Janet Yellen Favorably, 35% Don’t Know Who She Is
One is the nation’s most influential banker; the other is about to take over that job. Yet both are unknowns to a sizable number of Americans.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 30% of American Adults have a favorable opinion of Ben Bernanke, chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, while 41% view him unfavorably. This includes eight percent (8%) with a Very Favorable opinion and 19% with a Very Unfavorable one. (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 Adults nationwide was conducted on November 6-7, 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.
