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September 18, 2013

36% Are Confident Fed Can Keep Inflation, Interest Rates Down

As the conversation heats up over who will be the next chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, confidence in the system’s ability to keep inflation under control remains low. 

Just 36% of American Adults are at least somewhat confident that the Federal Reserve Board can keep interest rates down and inflation under control, including six percent (6%) who are Very Confident. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 58% lack that confidence, with 17% who are Not At All Confident. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on September 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

September 17, 2013

40% Have Favorable Opinion of Teachers Unions

Americans are closely divided on whether it’s good or bad that most public school teachers belong to labor unions and share mixed opinions on those unions in general. But most continue to believe it’s too hard to get rid of bad teachers.

Forty percent (40%) of American Adults have a favorable opinion of teachers unions, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Forty-five percent (45%) view teachers unions unfavorably. These findings include 13% with Very Favorable opinions of teachers unions and 24% with Very Unfavorable ones. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 11-12, 2012 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

September 17, 2013

50% Lack Confidence in Stability of U.S. Banking Industry

Five years after the collapse of Lehman Brothers, half of Americans still lack confidence in the stability of the nation’s banking system. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 46% of American Adults say they are at least somewhat confident in the stability of the U.S. banking industry, but that includes only seven percent (7%) who are Very Confident.  Fifty percent (50%) lack confidence in the banking industry today, with 14% who are Not At All Confident.  (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on September 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

September 17, 2013

51% Favor Government Shutdown Until Congress Cuts Health Care Funding

President Obama yesterday criticized congressional Republicans for insisting on spending cuts in any budget deal that continues government operations past October 1, saying they risk "economic chaos." Most voters agree a federal government shutdown would be bad for the economy, but they're willing to risk one until Democrats and Republicans in Congress agree on ways to cut the budget, including cuts in funding for the new national health care law.

Just 20% of Likely U.S. Voters believe a partial shutdown of the federal government would be good for economy, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Fifty-six percent (56%) say such a shutdown would be bad for the economy, even though payments for things like Social Security, Medicare and unemployment would continue. Sixteen percent (16%) think it would have no impact. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

September 17, 2013

14% Likely to Miss or Be Late With A Mortgage Payment in Next Six Months

Most homeowners continue to say they have not missed a mortgage payment in the last six months, but their outlook for the next six months is less optimistic. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just five percent (5%) of American Homeowners admit to missing a mortgage payment or paying late over the last six months. Eighty-nine percent (89%) have not missed or been late on a payment, though this is the first time that number has dipped below 90% since March 2011.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 661 Homeowners was conducted on September 13-14, 2013 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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September 17, 2013

Republicans Need Future-Looking Policies, not old Bromides By Michael Barone

Republicans have been getting a lot of advice on how they should change their party ever since Mitt Romney's defeat in November 2012. They need it.

They are in more than the usual disarray that afflicts parties out of the White House. Many members of their majority in the House of Representatives are out of step with the Republican leadership on issues ranging from Syria to defunding Obamacare.

September 16, 2013

Generic Congressional Ballot: Democrats 38%, Republicans 38%

Democrats and Republicans are once again tied on the Generic Congressional Ballot, this time for the week ending September 15.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 38% of Likely U.S. Voters would vote for the Democrat in their district’s congressional race if the election were held today, while another 38% would choose the Republican instead.  The week before, the two parties were tied at 39% apiece.  For much of the summer, neither has hit the 40% mark, suggesting a high level of voter unhappiness with both major political parties.

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The national telephone survey of 3,500 Likely Voters was conducted by Rasmussen Reports from September 9-15, 2013. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 2 percentage point with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

September 16, 2013

45% Think Their Home Will Be Worth More In Five Years

Short-term confidence in the housing market continues to hover around its highest level in years, but homeowners remain more confident in long-term recovery.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 36% of Adult Homeowners say the value of their home will likely go up in a year.  That’s consistent with findings for the last several months and just a point lower than an all-time high of 37% reached in April and June. Short-term confidence hit a low of 11% in July 2011. Twenty percent (20%) now feel their home’s value will go down in the next 12 months, but just 12% felt that way in July.  A plurality (42%) expects their home's value to stay about the same.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 661 Homeowners was conducted on September 13-14, 2013 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

September 16, 2013

41% Give Obama Positive Marks for Health Care, 44% Say Poor

Despite continuing controversy and questions about the new national health care law as it nears fuller implementation, voter attitudes about President Obama's handling of the health care issue remain unchanged. Forty-one percent (41%) of Likely U.S. Voters give the president good or excellent marks when it comes to health care issues, while 44% rate his performance in this area as poor, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Obama's positives are up from June's low of 38% but consistent with regular surveying since February. Those giving the president poor marks have changed very little all year. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

September 16, 2013

54% Expect Health Care Costs To Rise Under Obamacare

Most voters still don't like the national health care law and expect it to increase, not reduce, health care costs.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% of Likely U.S. Voters share at least a somewhat favorable opinion of the health care law, but 53% view it unfavorably. As has been the case since the law's passage by Congress in March 2010, the passion remains on the side of its opponents: The new findings include 18% with a Very Favorable opinion of the law, but more than twice as many (38%) view it Very Unfavorably. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

September 15, 2013

74% Underestimate Average Teacher Salary in U.S.

Just over half of Americans agree that teachers are paid too little, but three-out-of-four underestimate what the average teacher salary really is.

Fifty-two percent (52%) of American Adults believe public school teachers are paid too little, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Just 15% believe teachers are paid too much, while 26% say they are paid about the right 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 national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 11-12, 2012 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.

September 15, 2013

59% Think U.S. More Exceptional Than Other Nations

Most U.S. voters still subscribe to the view that there is something special about America.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 59% of Likely U.S. Voters believe the United States is more exceptional than other nations. Just 27% disagree, with 14% more who are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on September 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

September 14, 2013

What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls - Week Ending September 14, 2013

As President Obama moved his plans for a military strike on Syria back from a full boil to a simmer this past week, a nervous nation observed the 12th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

September 13, 2013

Only 24% Think Most Americans Consider Teaching A Desirable Profession

Most adults still feel being a teacher is one of the most important jobs in the country, but even fewer consider it a desirable profession these days.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 67% of American Adults say teaching is one of the most important jobs in the United States today. Just one-in-five (20%) disagree, but 13% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on September 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.

September 13, 2013

46% Say America Less Safe If Only Cops, Military Have Guns

Americans think the United States could use more police officers, although nearly half think the country would be less safe if the police were among the only ones carrying guns.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 48% of American Adults believe there are not enough police officers in the United States.  Only seven percent (7%) think there are too many, while 36% feel the number of police is about right. Those who live in the suburbs feel a slightly stronger need for more police than city and rural residents. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

September 13, 2013

NJ Governor: Christie Maintains Big Lead Over Buono

The odds are still high for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to keep his job.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national survey of the Garden State’s gubernatorial race shows Christie with 58% of vote against Democratic State Senator Barbara Buono's 32%. Just two percent (2%) prefer some other candidate, while eight percent (8%) remain undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The state survey of 999 Likely Voters in New Jersey was conducted September 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.

White letter R on blue background
September 13, 2013

Obama's Wing-it Diplomacy Undermines U.S. Credibility By Michael Barone

Here's how the Obama folks have been starting to spin Syria. The president made a credible threat to use military force in Syria. At the same time, he worked behind the scenes to get Russia's Vladimir Putin to push Bashir al-Assad to give up chemical weapons.

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September 13, 2013

Online Privacy Is Gone. Live With It By Froma Harrop

Feeling aggrieved over reports of widespread government surveillance? Feeling guilty about not feeling aggrieved? Relax. There's little you can do about the revelations.   

September 13, 2013

Just 23% Think U.S. Should Be UN’s Biggest Financial Contributor

U.S. voters are more critical of the United Nations these days and strongly believe the United States should not be the UN’s chief source of money. But the Political Class firmly disagrees.

The United States currently gives more money by far to the UN than any other nation, providing 22% of the international organization’s budget and 27% of its peacekeeping budget. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 23% of Likely U.S. Voters think the United States should continue to give more money to the UN than any other country in the world. Sixty percent (60%) disagree and believe America should not be the UN’s chief source of funds. Seventeen percent (17%) are not sure. (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 September 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.

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September 12, 2013

44% Say Obama is Very Liberal, 35% Say Same of Biden

Most voters have little doubt that President Obama and Vice President Biden are liberals.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 70% of Likely U.S. Voters consider the president at least somewhat liberal in political terms, the highest since the beginning of the year. This includes 44% who believe he is Very Liberal. Twenty-one percent (21%) feel the president is politically moderate. Just five percent (5%) consider Obama conservative, with two percent (2%) who say he is Very Conservative. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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