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October 28, 201137% Say America's Best Days Are in the Future
With the economy still in the tank, unemployment hovering around nine percent (9%) and a Congress and president that cannot cooperate, a plurality of U.S. voters continues to believe America's best days are behind us.
 
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 37% of Likely Voters think America's best days are in the future, while 45% say those days are in the past.  Eighteen percent (18%) are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)
October 28, 2011Obama 45%, Perry 38%
Texas Governor Rick Perry made a media splash Tuesday when he unveiled his flat tax proposal, but his numbers against President Obama in a hypothetical Election 2012 matchup are little changed from last week.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Likely U.S. Voters shows the president picking up 45% of the vote to Perry’s 38%.
(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 October 26-27, 2011 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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                            October 28, 2011Romney Still Seen as GOP Candidate Most Qualified for White House
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney remains the Republican presidential contender who voters consider most qualified to be president, but he still falls short of the number who feel that way about President Obama. But most GOP voters think all four top hopefuls for their party’s presidential nomination have what it takes, although they’re a little less sure about Herman Cain.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Likely U.S. Voters finds that 52% feel Obama is qualified to be president. Forty-three percent (43%) disagree and say the current occupant of the White House is not fit for the job. (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 October 26-27, 2011 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.
October 28, 2011Speaking up for That '1 Percent' By Joe Conason
Lauded by the Washington press corps for his "courage" and "honesty" in confronting federal deficits and the national debt, Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., wrote a budget that almost sank the Republican Party -- and may still damage its prospects -- because he proposed to dismantle Medicare. Yet his party still relies upon Ryan to speak on behalf of its most important constituency, now known in America and across the world as "the 1 percent."
October 28, 2011Wisconsin Senate: Thompson (R) 49%, Baldwin (D) 42%
Former Governor Tommy Thompson is the leading vote getter in Rasmussen Report’s first Election 2012 survey of the race in Wisconsin to replace retiring U.S. Senator Herb Kohl.
A telephone survey of Likely Voters in the state finds Thompson, a Republican, earning 49% support, while Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, the only major declared Democratic candidate, picks up 42% of the vote. Given this matchup, four percent (4%) prefer some other candidate, and six percent (6%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
                                
                
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                            October 27, 201150% Prefer Candidate With Political Experience
Despite some candidates campaigning as political “outsiders”, half of voters nationwide still prefer a candidate with some political experience over one who has never held office. 
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Likely Voters shows that 50% would rather vote for a candidate who has political experience over one who has never held office. Twenty-five percent (25%) would rather vote for someone who has never held office, while 24% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
October 27, 2011Pelosi Remains Least Favorable Congressional Leader
While Congress’ overall job approval continues to hover around record lows, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi remains the most unpopular Congressional leader. 
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 63% of Likely Voters have at least a somewhat unfavorable opinion of Pelosi, just below her worst rating ever (64%) measured in July and February.
(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 Voters was conducted on October 24-25, 2011 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.
October 27, 2011New Hampshire: Romney 41% Cain 17% Paul 11%
The latest look at the Republican Primary race in New Hampshire shows former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney remains the clear frontrunner.
The latest Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey of Likely GOP Primary voters shows Romney with 41% support. Georgia Businessman Herman Cain comes in a distant second with 17% of the vote while Texas Congressman Ron Paul picks up 11% support.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich receives support from eight percent (8%) while former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman attracts seven percent (7%). No other candidate reaches five percent (5%) support. Two percent (2%) prefer some other candidate, and five percent (5%) more are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
                                
                
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                            October 27, 2011New Low:  28% Give Obama Good or Excellent Marks on Economy
Perceptions of President Obama’s handling of the economy – the most important issue on voters’ minds – have fallen to a new low. 
The latest national telephone survey finds that 28% of Likely Voters believe the president is doing a good or excellent job on the economy.  While this finding has been hovered around 30% since early August, it’s the lowest level measured of Obama’s presidency. (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 October 24-25, 2011 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.
October 27, 2011The Dietary Supplement Scam Continues By Froma Harrop
Since I was a wee pill-popper, I've taken more vitamins and other supplements than I care to admit. If over the years I'd invested that money in an S&P 500 stock fund ... oh, well.
October 27, 2011The Revolt Against the Experts Helps Herman Cain By Michael Barone
At the moment, national polls show Herman Cain leading or tied for the lead in the race for the Republican presidential nomination. This, despite the fact that he has never won an election, has never held public office (except on a regional Federal Reserve advisory panel), and has shown prodigious ignorance on some important foreign policy and domestic issues.
October 26, 201116% Say U.S. Heading In Right Direction
Sixteen percent (16%) of Likely U.S. Voters now say the country is heading in the right direction, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey taken the week ending Sunday, October 23.    
The latest finding is up a point from a week ago, but is down a point from a month ago and 16 points from this time last year. 
Since the third week in July, the number of voters who are confident in the nation’s current course has resembled levels measured in the final months of the Bush administration, with voter confidence remaining in the narrow range of 14% to 19%.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
                                
                
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                            October 26, 201164% Say Federal Government Has Too Much Power and Money
Americans nationwide feel stronger than ever that the government has too much power and money and very few believe it spends taxpayer money the right way.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of U.S. Adults shows that 64% think the government has too much power and money while just nine percent (9%) says it has too little of both. Nineteen percent (19%) think the government has about the right amount of power and money. (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 October 23-24, 2011 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.
October 26, 2011Romney 44%, Obama 42%
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney continues to run neck-and-neck with President Barack Obama in a hypothetical Election 2012 matchup.  The two men have been within two points of each other in surveys since mid-September.
The latest national telephone survey finds Romney earning support from 44% of Likely Voters, while Obama picks up 42% of the vote.
(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 October 24-25, 2011 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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                            October 26, 2011Voters Lukewarm Towards Eliminating Cabinet Departments to Reduce Spending
Texas Congressman and GOP presidential hopeful Ron Paul unveiled his latest budget plan that would significantly shrink the size of the federal government by eliminating several cabinet agencies. Paul’s campaign estimates that the plan could cut $1 trillion of the federal budget in one year. Voters aren’t strongly in favor of cutting these agencies, though there is some partisan disagreement.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Likely U.S. Voters shows that a plurality (46%) favors eliminating the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban development department, but nearly as many (42%) are opposed. Another 12% 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 October 24-25, 2011 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.
October 26, 2011The Administration Slithers Away From Reality By Tony Blankley
"No one should miscalculate America's resolve and commitment to helping support the Iraqi democracy. 
 -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, October 23, 2011  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
                                
                
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                            October 26, 2011Just 2% Say Endorsements Top Policies in Voting Booth
Nearly one-half (48%) of Likely U.S. Voters now say Obama is the politician whose endorsement would be least likely to make them vote for a candidate. The president owes his “lead” over others largely because Republicans are united in their opposition to the president. Democrats are evenly divided between former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and former President George W. Bush as the least valuable endorser.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 20% say Palin’s the politician whose endorsement in their state would make them least likely to vote for the person she endorsed. Nearly as many (18%) say the same of an endorsement by Bush.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)
October 25, 20112012: Generic Republican 46%, Obama 41%
A generic Republican candidate leads President Obama by five points in a hypothetical 2012 matchup for the week ending Sunday, October 23.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Likely U.S. Voters finds the generic Republican earning 46% support, while the president picks up 41% of the vote.
(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 3,500 Likely Voters was conducted October 17-23, 2011 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error 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.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
                                
                
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                            October 25, 201149% Oppose Single-Payer Health Care System
Roughly half (49%) of Americans oppose a single-payer health care system where the federal government provides coverage for everyone.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 35% of American Adults favor a single-payer health care system. Sixteen percent (16%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
October 25, 2011Obama 39%, Huntsman 32%
Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, who opted out of the Republican debate last week in Las Vegas in opposition to Nevada possibly moving its primary date and forcing other states to reschedule, trails President Obama by seven points in the latest hypothetical Election 2012 matchup.