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July 16, 2013

53% Believe Availability of Student Loans Has Driven Up College Tuitions

Last week the U.S. Senate was unable to pass a bill that would have returned subsidized Stafford Loans for low- and middle-income college students to a lower interest rate that expired July 1. But most Americans think lower tuitions are better for college students than easier access to student loans, and they blame those loans for pushing up college costs.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 81% of American Adults believe that lowering tuition costs would do more to help college students than giving them easier access to student loans. Just nine percent (9%) take the opposite view and think easing access to loans would be more helpful. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

July 16, 2013

Voters Like Coal Industry More Than the EPA

Voters view the U.S. coal industry more favorably than the Environmental Protection Agency and are closely divided when asked if the Obama administration’s ultimate goal is to kill that industry.

Fifty-one percent (51%) of Likely U.S. Voters view the U.S. coal industry at least somewhat favorably. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that just 29% hold an 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 July 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.

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July 16, 2013

Obama Finds Foreign Affairs Do Not Bend to His Whims By Michael Barone

Foreign policy is hard. That's a lesson Barack Obama has been learning throughout his presidency. The world is not responding as he expected.  

July 16, 2013

60% Put Checks and Balances Ahead of Government Efficiency

Politicians are often frustrated by the system of checks and balances built into American government, but voters continue to strongly support that protection.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 60% of Likely U.S. Voters think it is more important to preserve our constitutional system of checks and balances than it is for government to operate efficiently. Twenty-eight percent (28%) place more importance on efficiency, while 12% 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 July 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.

July 15, 2013

Generic Congressional Ballot: Republicans 39%, Democrats 38%

Republicans still hold a one-point lead over Democrats on the Generic Congressional Ballot for the week ending July 14, 2013.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 39% of Likely U.S. Voters would vote for the Republican in their district’s congressional race if the election were held today, while 38% would choose the Democrat instead. Last week, Republicans also led by one—40% to 39%. 

(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 July 8-14, 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.

July 15, 2013

53% Believe Boston Bombing Suspect May Receive Death Penalty

Accused Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev pleaded “not guilty” last week to 30 charges stemming from the April 15 terrorist attack and subsequent manhunt that left four people dead and more than 260 injured. Most Americans continue to favor the death penalty for Tsarnaev if he is convicted, but slightly fewer adults believe this punishment is likely.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 59% of American Adults believe the Boston Marathon bombing suspect should receive the death penalty if he is convicted. Twenty-two percent (22%) do not think Tsarnaev should get the death penalty, while nearly as many (19%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

July 15, 2013

44% Favor Ending Senate Filibuster, 38% Oppose

Voters narrowly favor changing the rules in the U.S. Senate to end the filibuster, and half think every presidential nominee should get a straight up-or-down vote in the Senate.

In the Senate, a filibuster can prevent a vote from taking place unless 60 senators override it. Some Democrats want to change the Senate results so that a vote must be held whenever a majority of senators agrees, effectively eliminating the filibuster, and 44% of Likely U.S. Voters think that’s a good idea. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 38% oppose changing the rules to eliminate the filibuster. 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 July 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.

July 15, 2013

45% View Health Care Law Favorably, 50% Unfavorable

Voters continue to believe that the president’s health care law will increase the federal deficit and cost more than projected.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 45% of Likely Voters now view the health care law favorably, including 15% who view it Very Favorably. Fifty percent (50%) have an unfavorable opinion of the law, with 38% who view it Very Unfavorably. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

July 15, 2013

8% Think Applicant’s Word Is Enough When Seeking Federal Health Insurance Subsidies

The Obama administration has temporarily made it easier for low-income Americans to qualify for health insurance subsidies under the president’s new health care law, but voters overwhelmingly believe that trusting the applicant’s word is not enough.

The health care law provides subsidies for low-income Americans who don’t have access to health insurance from their employer, and 86% of Likely U.S. Voters think these individuals should be forced to prove they are eligible by documenting their income and their lack of access to insurance. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only eight percent (8%) believe it should simply be assumed that all applicants are giving honest information on their applications. (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 July 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.

July 14, 2013

Obama’s Positives On Leadership Continue To Fall

Positive assessments of President Obama's leadership have fallen to their lowest level in over a year of regular tracking.  

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% of Likely Voters now consider the president a good or excellent leader.  Thirty-eight percent (38%) give the president poor marks for leadership.  (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 July 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

July 13, 2013

56% Rarely or Never Eat Fast Food

Most Americans say they don’t eat fast food during a typical week, but those that do say it’s mostly about convenience.

Fifty-six percent (56%) of American Adults say they rarely or never eat a meal from a fast food restaurant during a typical week, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Forty-three percent (43%) say they eat fast food at least once a week, with 16% who say they eat it more than once a week. Very few adults (1%), though, say they eat fast food meals more than three times a week. (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 July 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

July 13, 2013

What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls - Week Ending July 12, 2013

Two of President Obama’s key initiatives – reforming the health care and immigration systems – are running into more public resistance.

Now that the president has delayed implementation of the employer mandate portion of his new national health care law, voters by a two-to-one margin - 56% to 26% - think he also should delay the requirement that every American buy or obtain health insurance. The House of Representatives is expected to vote next week to delay for one year both the employer and individual mandates.

July 12, 2013

40% Rate Obama Poorly on National Security

President Obama now earns his most negative ratings on economic and national security issues in months.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 40% of Likely U.S. Voters now give the president poor marks for his handling of national security issues. The same number (40%) gives him good or excellent ratings in this area. This marks little change since late May but is the president's highest negative assessment since March 2011. (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 July 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

July 12, 2013

85% Think Christian Photographer Has Right to Turn Down Same-Sex Wedding Job

Americans draw a fine line when it comes to respecting each other’s rights. If a Christian wedding photographer who has deeply held religious beliefs opposing same-sex marriage is asked to work a same-sex wedding ceremony, 85% of American Adults believe he has the right to say no. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only eight percent (8%) disagree even as the courts are hearing such challenges. (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 July 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.

July 12, 2013

56% Favor Delaying Individual Health Care Mandate, 26% Opposed

Now that President Obama has delayed implementation of the employer mandate portion of his new national health care law, most voters think he also should delay the requirement that every American buy or obtain health insurance.

Only 35% of Likely U.S. Voters favor the individual mandate anyway, according to the latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Fifty-six percent (56%) oppose the law’s requirement that every American obtain health insurance or else be forced to pay fines. (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 July 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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July 12, 2013

Obama Forfeits Trust by Not Enforcing Obamacare By Michael Barone

On Obamacare, as on immigration enforcement and welfare requirements, Barack Obama is following the course that cost King James II his throne. He is dispensing with the law.    

July 12, 2013

Americans Want to Exercise Their Rights -- Reasonably By Scott Rasmussen

As Americans, we tend to believe we have the right to do whatever we want, so long as it doesn't interfere with the rights of others. But sometimes the lines get a little blurry.

July 11, 2013

58% Eat At A Restaurant At Least Once A Week

Most Americans continue to eat out at least one time each week.

Fifty-eight percent (58%) of American Adults now say they are dining out at least once a week, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. That’s virtually unchanged from January and includes 40% who say they typically go out to a restaurant once a week, 14% who go out two or three times a week and four percent (4%) who dine out more than three times a week. Thirty-nine percent (39%), on the other hand, rarely or never eat at a restaurant. (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 July 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

July 11, 2013

Americans Think Bar Owners, Landlords Should Be Able to Pick Their Customers

Most Americans believe bar owners and landlords should have the freedom to regulate their establishments to attract a specific type of customer. If the owner of a bar wanted to avoid some of the problems associated with college and under-age drinking, 53% of American Adults think that owner should have the right to allow only people 25 and older into his or her bar. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 34% disagree, while 13% 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 Adults was conducted on July 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.

July 11, 2013

63% View U.S. Economy As Unfair to the Middle Class

More voters than ever view the U.S. economy as unfair, particularly when it comes to middle-class Americans.

Just 38% of Likely U.S. Voters now consider the U.S. economy at least somewhat fair, and that includes only four percent (4%) who say it’s Very Fair, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. That overall figure is down seven points from 45% a month ago. Fifty-six percent (56%) view the economy as unfair, with 19% who think it is Not At All Fair. (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 July 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.