Key polls - 04/26-05/05, 2009
What They Told Us: Reviewing the week of April 26 – May 05, 2009 Key PollsSaturday, May 02, 2009What the heck’s happening on the Hill? Capitol Hill , that is.After President Obama celebrated his first 100 days in office this past week, Rasmussen Reports took a closer look at the other two branches of government in the news.At week’s end, the big news of course was that Supreme Court Justice David Souter is planning to step down this summer, allowing the president to name his first member of the high court. Forty-two percent (42%) of U.S. voters believe Obama’s nominee will be too liberal, but 41% say politically his choice will be about right.Across the street at the Capitol itself, Democrats almost assuredly achieved a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate with Republican Senator Arlen Specter’s decision this week to become a Democrat. Forty-two percent (42%) of voters believe Specter’s switch will have a significant impact on the laws passed by the Senate.Congress is currently debating whether to establish a government-run health insurance company to compete with private health insurers, but Americans are closely divided on the wisdom of that move. Forty-one percent (41%) are in favor of a government-run plan, while 44% are opposed.To be relevant in politics, you need either formal power or a lot of people willing to follow your lead. The governing Republicans in the nation’s capital have lost both on their continuing path to irrelevance, according to Scott Rasmussen’s analysis.But then just 21% of GOP voters believe Republicans in Congress have done a good job representing their own party’s values.Ironically, for just the second time in more than five years of tracking, Democrats have fallen below Republicans in the Generic Congressional Ballot. However, in April, for the second straight month, the number of Republicans in the nation fell by roughly half a percentage point. The number of Democrats remained unchanged from a month ago.Americans have a little more confidence in the honesty of the average congressman this month, but they’re less confident that Congress as a whole will address the serious issues facing the nation. Only 30% of U.S. voters now say most members of Congress are corrupt, the lowest that finding has been since June of last year.With numbers like that, why do virtually all members of Congress get reelected? Fifty percent (50%) believe the high reelection rates result from election rules that are “rigged to benefit members of Congress.” The fact that half the nation’s voters believe the rules are "rigged" is a testament to the high levels of distrust in the country today.It doesn’t help that 60% of Americans lack confidence in the policymakers’ decisions about the economy .If the U.S. economy improves, it seems safe to assume that will be good for the president’s job approval ratings. It will probably help congressional ratings as well. But the bigger question is what impact the improving economy might have on the president’s policies. Here, Scott explains in a separate analysis, the results are much harder to forecast.The president’s 100th day in office was noted by many in the media and capped with a White House press conference. But will the actions of Obama’s first 100 days lead to lasting change? As the new administration grapples with the complexities of 21st Century America, the president’s own actions will be just one of many variables impacting his personal ratings and support for his agenda, Scott says.Make sure you check out the new president’s ratings at the 100-day mark on a variety of our survey questions. Meanwhile, the Rasmussen Reports Presidential Tracking Poll continues to check the nation’s pulse every day.The biggest economic news of the week was Chrysler’s announcement Thursday that it is going into bankruptcy. But 66% of Americans believe a Chrysler bankruptcy is better than another government bailout , a position they’ve held consistently for months.Fifty-four percent (54%) also believe it is at least somewhat likely that Chrysler will once again be a profitable company. The bad news is that just 25% of Americans say they would buy an automobile from a bankrupt automaker.On the small business front, confidence is at its highest level in over a year in the Discover Small Business Watch, a monthly index.The Rasmussen Investor Index, which measures investor confidence on a daily basis, rallied at week’s end to within five points of its 2009 high-water mark. The Rasmussen Consumer Index was little changed from a month ago.Speaking of the economy, 77% of U.S. voters say they prefer a free market economy over one managed by the government. That’s up seven points since December. But 21% of Americans say the U.S. economy is partially socialist, and another five percent (5%) say generally speaking it’s already socialist.In other polls last week:-- Sixty-five percent (65%) of voters say they are personally concerned about the threat of swine flu, including 20% who say they are Very Concerned. But 61% also think the media is overhyping the danger .-- Twenty-four percent (24%) of Americans say they personally need to cut back on their use of credit cards and other borrowing. Sixty-eight percent (68%) say a bigger economic problem than the current lack of credit is that Americans borrow too much money.-- Just 42% of voters now believe the United States and its allies are winning the War on Terror. That’s the lowest level of confidence since June 30, 2008.-- Americans appear more upbeat about the direction the country is taking in the short term but are growing more pessimistic about its long-term future.-- One-out-of-two (50%) Americans agree that drunk driving laws in the United States are not tough enough.-- More than half (57%) of Florida voters say it is at least somewhat likely they would vote for Republican Governor Charlie Crist if he runs for the U.S. Senate next year.-- Forty-five percent (45%) of Georgia voters say the state’s next governor will be a Republican, while 38% predict a Democrat will capture that seat. State Insurance and Fire Commissioner John Oxendine, a Republican, has by far the highest favorables among the possible candidates from both parties, but the election is 18 months away.
42% Say Obama's Supreme Court Pick Will Be Too Liberal, 41% Say About RightSupreme Court Justice David Souter has reportedly decided to retire, paving the way for President Obama's first high court appointment, but 42% of U.S. voters believe the president's nominee will be too liberal. A nearly equal number-41%-- say his choice will be about right, according to the latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. These numbers have changed very little since Election Day.
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Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
What they told us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls
Health care reform, one of President Barack Obama’s top priorities, was in the news a lot this past week.Just 35% of Americans rate the nation’s health care system as good or excellent, suggesting that most see plenty of room for improvement. However, while the Administration is touting health care reform as a cost-saving measure, just 19% think that’s likely to happen. Nearly half (45%) say that government reform will end up increasing the cost of health care services.Perhaps the biggest challenge for reformers is that Americans are generally satisfied with their own situation--70% of those with insurance rate their own coverage as good or excellent. At the same time, however, 26% of all Americans say that, at some point, the cost of health care has caused them to miss credit card, rent, or mortgage payments.As Congress wrestles with health care, it’s trying to find ways to cover the costs and answers are hard to find. Just 32% of Americans are willing to pay higher taxes to provide health insurance for all. Only 11% think that the insurance benefits provided by employers should be taxed.Americans aren’t willing to pay higher taxes to help protect the environment either--81% oppose a gas tax hike as a way to encourage the sale of more fuel efficient cars. Americans are evenly divided as to whether or not major lifestyle changes are needed to save the planet. There is a similar divide on the question of whether American consumerism is to blame for the planet’s environmental problems.Some in Congress have been pushing major environmental legislation known as Cap and Trade, but just 24% of voters know what it is. When you get beyond the labels, voters think that health care reform is a much higher priority that environmental concerns. Other polling shows that the number of Americans who believe human activity is driving global warming has fallen dramatically over the past year.Former Vice President Dick Cheney remained in the news this week, but only 38% agree with his view that Obama has hurt National Security. Overall, 53% rate the President as good or excellent on national security matters. At the same time, confidence in the War on Terror remains near the lowest level of the past year.In this environment, the President decided to resume military tribunals for suspected terrorists at Guantanamo. That decision irked some of his supporters on the political left but most Americans support the use of tribunals. As Senate Democrats are pressing the President for details on where the prisoners will go if Guantanamo is closed, most Americans say they should not be released in the USA.Moving to state politics, California voters are preparing for a special election on Tuesday. As they do so, they’re in a mood to oppose tax hikes, favor spending cuts, and reduce the pay of state legislators.In Arizona, 50% of Republicans voters say Senator John McCain is out of touch with the GOP base. Overall, most of the state’s voters believe that the get-tough tactics on illegal immigration employed by Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio have been good for the state’s image.New Jersey is one of two states to elect a Governor in 2009 and the Democratic incumbent finds himself in potential trouble. Republican Chris Christie leads Jon Corzine by nine. Corzine is essentially even with Steve Lonegan, another potential Republican nominee. In the GOP Primary, it’s Christie 39%, Lonegan 29%.Other findings from this past week include:--Eighty-four percent (84%) believe that English should be America’s official language. That’s little changed over the past several years.--Only 37% of GOP voters now say their party is leaderless. But, the rest don’t agree on who the leader is.--Overall confidence keeps growing and 40% now say the U.S. is heading in the right direction. That’s the highest level of optimism since the fall of 2004. But, Republicans are hanging on to a one-point advantage on the Generic Ballot.-- Just 49% of homeowners now say their home is worth more than their mortgage. Among those who owe more than the home is worth, just half expect the value to improve over the next five years.-- One out of four Americans (23%) are likely to miss a credit card payment over the next six months.-- As the economy continues to offer mixed signals, voters are evenly divided as to whether they trust Democrats or Republicans when it comes to the economy.--President Obama is weighing his first Supreme Court appointment. Forty-five percent (45%) of voters say that legal skills should trump issues and diversity as the top factor in his decision.--Not surprisingly, among the branches of the federal government, Congress comes in dead last in voter trust.--Finally, 65% say daily papers will be history within a decade. When asked what they would miss most when papers were gone, half didn’t cite any editorial content. Twenty-two percent (22%) said they’d miss nothing, 20% named ads and coupons, and 9% were not sure.
Health care reform, one of President Barack Obama’s top priorities, was in the news a lot this past week.Just 35% of Americans rate the nation’s health care system as good or excellent, suggesting that most see plenty of room for improvement. However, while the Administration is touting health care reform as a cost-saving measure, just 19% think that’s likely to happen. Nearly half (45%) say that government reform will end up increasing the cost of health care services.Perhaps the biggest challenge for reformers is that Americans are generally satisfied with their own situation--70% of those with insurance rate their own coverage as good or excellent. At the same time, however, 26% of all Americans say that, at some point, the cost of health care has caused them to miss credit card, rent, or mortgage payments.As Congress wrestles with health care, it’s trying to find ways to cover the costs and answers are hard to find. Just 32% of Americans are willing to pay higher taxes to provide health insurance for all. Only 11% think that the insurance benefits provided by employers should be taxed.Americans aren’t willing to pay higher taxes to help protect the environment either--81% oppose a gas tax hike as a way to encourage the sale of more fuel efficient cars. Americans are evenly divided as to whether or not major lifestyle changes are needed to save the planet. There is a similar divide on the question of whether American consumerism is to blame for the planet’s environmental problems.Some in Congress have been pushing major environmental legislation known as Cap and Trade, but just 24% of voters know what it is. When you get beyond the labels, voters think that health care reform is a much higher priority that environmental concerns. Other polling shows that the number of Americans who believe human activity is driving global warming has fallen dramatically over the past year.Former Vice President Dick Cheney remained in the news this week, but only 38% agree with his view that Obama has hurt National Security. Overall, 53% rate the President as good or excellent on national security matters. At the same time, confidence in the War on Terror remains near the lowest level of the past year.In this environment, the President decided to resume military tribunals for suspected terrorists at Guantanamo. That decision irked some of his supporters on the political left but most Americans support the use of tribunals. As Senate Democrats are pressing the President for details on where the prisoners will go if Guantanamo is closed, most Americans say they should not be released in the USA.Moving to state politics, California voters are preparing for a special election on Tuesday. As they do so, they’re in a mood to oppose tax hikes, favor spending cuts, and reduce the pay of state legislators.In Arizona, 50% of Republicans voters say Senator John McCain is out of touch with the GOP base. Overall, most of the state’s voters believe that the get-tough tactics on illegal immigration employed by Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio have been good for the state’s image.New Jersey is one of two states to elect a Governor in 2009 and the Democratic incumbent finds himself in potential trouble. Republican Chris Christie leads Jon Corzine by nine. Corzine is essentially even with Steve Lonegan, another potential Republican nominee. In the GOP Primary, it’s Christie 39%, Lonegan 29%.Other findings from this past week include:--Eighty-four percent (84%) believe that English should be America’s official language. That’s little changed over the past several years.--Only 37% of GOP voters now say their party is leaderless. But, the rest don’t agree on who the leader is.--Overall confidence keeps growing and 40% now say the U.S. is heading in the right direction. That’s the highest level of optimism since the fall of 2004. But, Republicans are hanging on to a one-point advantage on the Generic Ballot.-- Just 49% of homeowners now say their home is worth more than their mortgage. Among those who owe more than the home is worth, just half expect the value to improve over the next five years.-- One out of four Americans (23%) are likely to miss a credit card payment over the next six months.-- As the economy continues to offer mixed signals, voters are evenly divided as to whether they trust Democrats or Republicans when it comes to the economy.--President Obama is weighing his first Supreme Court appointment. Forty-five percent (45%) of voters say that legal skills should trump issues and diversity as the top factor in his decision.--Not surprisingly, among the branches of the federal government, Congress comes in dead last in voter trust.--Finally, 65% say daily papers will be history within a decade. When asked what they would miss most when papers were gone, half didn’t cite any editorial content. Twenty-two percent (22%) said they’d miss nothing, 20% named ads and coupons, and 9% were not sure.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
May 6, 2009 - Ohio Quinnipiac University Poll Finds:
Ohio Voters:
Support Strickland 2-1;
Dem Senate Candidates Are Ahead For 2010;
Are not Worried about Swine Flu
Neither of the major Republicans considering challenging Strickland next year is close to him in the polls. The Governor would defeat former U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine 48 - 36 percent and former Congressman John Kasich 51 - 32 percent. But the GOP might see Strickland's handling of the economy as a potential area to criticize the governor since voters are split 43 - 43 percent on whether they approve of his handling of the issue.
"President Obama's approval rating among Ohio voters has gone from 67 - 16 percent February 6 to 57 - 33 percent March 18, and back to 62 - 31 percent today, with the main shift coming from independent voters who still are taking stock of the new President," said Brown. "The Governor's education plan certainly hasn't caught fire with the electorate and to some degree it is telling that despite his strong popularity, he hasn't been able to get his message across to voters," said Brown. "Critics who say his plan is taking away too much decision-making power from local school officials may be hitting the mark: 39 percent agree Strickland is taking too much power from local officials, 29 percent disagree and 32 percent aren't sure."
President Barack Obama gets a 62 - 31 percent overall approval rating, while Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland's approval is 57 - 29 percent. But only 31 percent say Gov. Strickland's education reform plan will improve education in Ohio and only 19 percent of Ohioans think his plan treats all school districts equally. And 74 percent of voters expect to pay more taxes if Gov. Strickland's plan takes effect. Strickland remains a big favorite for re-election in 2010 and the race for the U.S. Senate seat held by retiring Sen. George Voinovich leans Democratic at this point, regardless of which of the two leading candidates - Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher or Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner - wins the party nomination.
In a GOP gubernatorial primary, DeWine would prevail over Kasich 35 - 23 percent.
In the Senate race, the Democratic nomination is up for grabs with Fisher getting 20 percent in a hypothetical primary, Brunner 16 percent, state lawmaker Tyrone Yates 4 percent and 59 percent not sure. On the GOP side, former Congressman and cabinet member Rob Portman would get 29 percent to State Auditor Mary Taylor's 8 percent and Cleveland area car dealer Tom Ganley's 8 percent, with 54 percent unsure.
Fisher would defeat Portman 42 - 31 percent and Taylor 41 - 29 percent, while Brunner would defeat Taylor 38 - 29 percent and Portman 40 - 32 percent.
"At this point, the Senate candidates all are largely unknown to Ohio voters, even though some of them have been on the political scene for some time," said Brown.
A total of 72 percent of Ohio voters are "not too worried" or "not worried at all" that someone in their family will catch swine flu, and voters say 67 - 31 percent that the media's reaction to swine flu has been "overblown," according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today. More affluent and educated voters are more likely to see media coverage as overblown. Only 23 percent of men and 32 percent of women are "very worried" or "somewhat worried" that they or someone close to them will get the flu, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN- uh-pe-ack) University poll finds. And voters say 59 - 35 percent that government reaction to the flu has been "justified" rather than "overblown." "Ohio voters don't seem all that worried about the flu scare at this point," said Peter Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. "They think the government has acted appropriately, but they think the media coverage has been over the top. Interestingly, women are more likely to be worried than men."
From April 28 - May 4, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,079 Ohio voters, with a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points. The survey includes 398 Republicans, with a margin of error of +/-4.9 percentage points, and 437 Democrats with a margin of error of +/-4.7 percentage points.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Key polls - 04/26-05/05, 2009
What They Told Us: Reviewing the week of April 26 – May 05, 2009 Key Polls
Saturday, May 02, 2009
What the heck’s happening on the Hill? Capitol Hill , that is.After President Obama celebrated his first 100 days in office this past week, Rasmussen Reports took a closer look at the other two branches of government in the news.At week’s end, the big news of course was that Supreme Court Justice David Souter is planning to step down this summer, allowing the president to name his first member of the high court. Forty-two percent (42%) of U.S. voters believe Obama’s nominee will be too liberal, but 41% say politically his choice will be about right.Across the street at the Capitol itself, Democrats almost assuredly achieved a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate with Republican Senator Arlen Specter’s decision this week to become a Democrat. Forty-two percent (42%) of voters believe Specter’s switch will have a significant impact on the laws passed by the Senate.Congress is currently debating whether to establish a government-run health insurance company to compete with private health insurers, but Americans are closely divided on the wisdom of that move. Forty-one percent (41%) are in favor of a government-run plan, while 44% are opposed.To be relevant in politics, you need either formal power or a lot of people willing to follow your lead. The governing Republicans in the nation’s capital have lost both on their continuing path to irrelevance, according to Scott Rasmussen’s analysis.But then just 21% of GOP voters believe Republicans in Congress have done a good job representing their own party’s values.Ironically, for just the second time in more than five years of tracking, Democrats have fallen below Republicans in the Generic Congressional Ballot. However, in April, for the second straight month, the number of Republicans in the nation fell by roughly half a percentage point. The number of Democrats remained unchanged from a month ago.Americans have a little more confidence in the honesty of the average congressman this month, but they’re less confident that Congress as a whole will address the serious issues facing the nation. Only 30% of U.S. voters now say most members of Congress are corrupt, the lowest that finding has been since June of last year.With numbers like that, why do virtually all members of Congress get reelected? Fifty percent (50%) believe the high reelection rates result from election rules that are “rigged to benefit members of Congress.” The fact that half the nation’s voters believe the rules are "rigged" is a testament to the high levels of distrust in the country today.It doesn’t help that 60% of Americans lack confidence in the policymakers’ decisions about the economy .If the U.S. economy improves, it seems safe to assume that will be good for the president’s job approval ratings. It will probably help congressional ratings as well. But the bigger question is what impact the improving economy might have on the president’s policies. Here, Scott explains in a separate analysis, the results are much harder to forecast.The president’s 100th day in office was noted by many in the media and capped with a White House press conference. But will the actions of Obama’s first 100 days lead to lasting change? As the new administration grapples with the complexities of 21st Century America, the president’s own actions will be just one of many variables impacting his personal ratings and support for his agenda, Scott says.Make sure you check out the new president’s ratings at the 100-day mark on a variety of our survey questions. Meanwhile, the Rasmussen Reports Presidential Tracking Poll continues to check the nation’s pulse every day.The biggest economic news of the week was Chrysler’s announcement Thursday that it is going into bankruptcy. But 66% of Americans believe a Chrysler bankruptcy is better than another government bailout , a position they’ve held consistently for months.Fifty-four percent (54%) also believe it is at least somewhat likely that Chrysler will once again be a profitable company. The bad news is that just 25% of Americans say they would buy an automobile from a bankrupt automaker.On the small business front, confidence is at its highest level in over a year in the Discover Small Business Watch, a monthly index.The Rasmussen Investor Index, which measures investor confidence on a daily basis, rallied at week’s end to within five points of its 2009 high-water mark. The Rasmussen Consumer Index was little changed from a month ago.Speaking of the economy, 77% of U.S. voters say they prefer a free market economy over one managed by the government. That’s up seven points since December. But 21% of Americans say the U.S. economy is partially socialist, and another five percent (5%) say generally speaking it’s already socialist.In other polls last week:-- Sixty-five percent (65%) of voters say they are personally concerned about the threat of swine flu, including 20% who say they are Very Concerned. But 61% also think the media is overhyping the danger .-- Twenty-four percent (24%) of Americans say they personally need to cut back on their use of credit cards and other borrowing. Sixty-eight percent (68%) say a bigger economic problem than the current lack of credit is that Americans borrow too much money.-- Just 42% of voters now believe the United States and its allies are winning the War on Terror. That’s the lowest level of confidence since June 30, 2008.-- Americans appear more upbeat about the direction the country is taking in the short term but are growing more pessimistic about its long-term future.-- One-out-of-two (50%) Americans agree that drunk driving laws in the United States are not tough enough.-- More than half (57%) of Florida voters say it is at least somewhat likely they would vote for Republican Governor Charlie Crist if he runs for the U.S. Senate next year.-- Forty-five percent (45%) of Georgia voters say the state’s next governor will be a Republican, while 38% predict a Democrat will capture that seat. State Insurance and Fire Commissioner John Oxendine, a Republican, has by far the highest favorables among the possible candidates from both parties, but the election is 18 months away.
42% Say Obama's Supreme Court Pick Will Be Too Liberal, 41% Say About RightSupreme Court Justice David Souter has reportedly decided to retire, paving the way for President Obama's first high court appointment, but 42% of U.S. voters believe the president's nominee will be too liberal. A nearly equal number-41%-- say his choice will be about right, according to the latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. These numbers have changed very little since Election Day.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
What the heck’s happening on the Hill? Capitol Hill , that is.After President Obama celebrated his first 100 days in office this past week, Rasmussen Reports took a closer look at the other two branches of government in the news.At week’s end, the big news of course was that Supreme Court Justice David Souter is planning to step down this summer, allowing the president to name his first member of the high court. Forty-two percent (42%) of U.S. voters believe Obama’s nominee will be too liberal, but 41% say politically his choice will be about right.Across the street at the Capitol itself, Democrats almost assuredly achieved a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate with Republican Senator Arlen Specter’s decision this week to become a Democrat. Forty-two percent (42%) of voters believe Specter’s switch will have a significant impact on the laws passed by the Senate.Congress is currently debating whether to establish a government-run health insurance company to compete with private health insurers, but Americans are closely divided on the wisdom of that move. Forty-one percent (41%) are in favor of a government-run plan, while 44% are opposed.To be relevant in politics, you need either formal power or a lot of people willing to follow your lead. The governing Republicans in the nation’s capital have lost both on their continuing path to irrelevance, according to Scott Rasmussen’s analysis.But then just 21% of GOP voters believe Republicans in Congress have done a good job representing their own party’s values.Ironically, for just the second time in more than five years of tracking, Democrats have fallen below Republicans in the Generic Congressional Ballot. However, in April, for the second straight month, the number of Republicans in the nation fell by roughly half a percentage point. The number of Democrats remained unchanged from a month ago.Americans have a little more confidence in the honesty of the average congressman this month, but they’re less confident that Congress as a whole will address the serious issues facing the nation. Only 30% of U.S. voters now say most members of Congress are corrupt, the lowest that finding has been since June of last year.With numbers like that, why do virtually all members of Congress get reelected? Fifty percent (50%) believe the high reelection rates result from election rules that are “rigged to benefit members of Congress.” The fact that half the nation’s voters believe the rules are "rigged" is a testament to the high levels of distrust in the country today.It doesn’t help that 60% of Americans lack confidence in the policymakers’ decisions about the economy .If the U.S. economy improves, it seems safe to assume that will be good for the president’s job approval ratings. It will probably help congressional ratings as well. But the bigger question is what impact the improving economy might have on the president’s policies. Here, Scott explains in a separate analysis, the results are much harder to forecast.The president’s 100th day in office was noted by many in the media and capped with a White House press conference. But will the actions of Obama’s first 100 days lead to lasting change? As the new administration grapples with the complexities of 21st Century America, the president’s own actions will be just one of many variables impacting his personal ratings and support for his agenda, Scott says.Make sure you check out the new president’s ratings at the 100-day mark on a variety of our survey questions. Meanwhile, the Rasmussen Reports Presidential Tracking Poll continues to check the nation’s pulse every day.The biggest economic news of the week was Chrysler’s announcement Thursday that it is going into bankruptcy. But 66% of Americans believe a Chrysler bankruptcy is better than another government bailout , a position they’ve held consistently for months.Fifty-four percent (54%) also believe it is at least somewhat likely that Chrysler will once again be a profitable company. The bad news is that just 25% of Americans say they would buy an automobile from a bankrupt automaker.On the small business front, confidence is at its highest level in over a year in the Discover Small Business Watch, a monthly index.The Rasmussen Investor Index, which measures investor confidence on a daily basis, rallied at week’s end to within five points of its 2009 high-water mark. The Rasmussen Consumer Index was little changed from a month ago.Speaking of the economy, 77% of U.S. voters say they prefer a free market economy over one managed by the government. That’s up seven points since December. But 21% of Americans say the U.S. economy is partially socialist, and another five percent (5%) say generally speaking it’s already socialist.In other polls last week:-- Sixty-five percent (65%) of voters say they are personally concerned about the threat of swine flu, including 20% who say they are Very Concerned. But 61% also think the media is overhyping the danger .-- Twenty-four percent (24%) of Americans say they personally need to cut back on their use of credit cards and other borrowing. Sixty-eight percent (68%) say a bigger economic problem than the current lack of credit is that Americans borrow too much money.-- Just 42% of voters now believe the United States and its allies are winning the War on Terror. That’s the lowest level of confidence since June 30, 2008.-- Americans appear more upbeat about the direction the country is taking in the short term but are growing more pessimistic about its long-term future.-- One-out-of-two (50%) Americans agree that drunk driving laws in the United States are not tough enough.-- More than half (57%) of Florida voters say it is at least somewhat likely they would vote for Republican Governor Charlie Crist if he runs for the U.S. Senate next year.-- Forty-five percent (45%) of Georgia voters say the state’s next governor will be a Republican, while 38% predict a Democrat will capture that seat. State Insurance and Fire Commissioner John Oxendine, a Republican, has by far the highest favorables among the possible candidates from both parties, but the election is 18 months away.
42% Say Obama's Supreme Court Pick Will Be Too Liberal, 41% Say About RightSupreme Court Justice David Souter has reportedly decided to retire, paving the way for President Obama's first high court appointment, but 42% of U.S. voters believe the president's nominee will be too liberal. A nearly equal number-41%-- say his choice will be about right, according to the latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. These numbers have changed very little since Election Day.
April 19 – 25, 2009 Key Polls
What They Told Us: Reviewing the week of April 19 – 25, 2009 Key Polls
Nearly 100 days into Barack Obama’s presidency, Americans are making a distinction between the man and his policies. Obama continues to maintain high – and stable – approval ratings in the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll. But 58% of voters believe the president’s recent decision to release CIA memos about the harsh interrogation methods used on terrorism suspects endangers the national security of the United States. Fifty-eight percent (58%) agree with the president, though, that there is no need for more investigations of those interrogations. Looking back, 59% of voters still believe the president’s bailouts for banks and other financial institutions were a bad idea. The numbers are similar for the bailout loans given to General Motors and Chrysler. In fact, most Americans think the bailouts will hurt the economy in the long term. Of course, in Michigan, home of the auto industry, voters have a slightly different view: The bank bailouts are bad, but the auto loans are just fine. Fifty-one percent (51%) of Americans overall have a favorable view of the “tea parties” held nationwide on April 15 to protest a variety of concerns. Sixty percent (60%) of Americans say the federal government already has too much power and too much money. Of course, in the case of both the bailouts and the tea parties, the Political Class is strongly at odds with Mainstream America. It’s important to note that the anger is not directed at a single individual or political party, it’s the Political Class itself. After all, Obama’s bailout plans just followed on the actions of President Bush. It’s no surprise then that 70% of all voters believe that big business and big government generally work together against the interests of investors and consumers. Still, despite the anger, just 11% of Americans say they would vote for their state to secede from the United States and form an independent country after Texas Governor Rick Perry raised that possibility 10 days ago. Working in the president’s favor are some positive signs in the economy. Job confidence appears to be growing amidst other signs of short-term economic optimism. Sixty-nine percent (69%) of Americans now say if they leave their current job, it will be their own choice. That’s up eight points from the first of the year. Nearly half (49%) expect to be earning more a year from now. Yet only 44% of the nation’s workers expect to have the same employer in five years. Both the Rasmussen Consumer and Investor Indexes, which measure daily confidence, ended the week up slightly from the week before. While short-term optimism about the economy has grown, long-term optimism has declined, and the concern is growing that the federal government will do too much in response to the nation’s recent economic challenges. The latest Country Financial Security Index shows that just 54% of Americans now believe they are likely to have enough money for a secure retirement. This is down five points from February and the lowest-ever finding on retirement confidence. Fifty-two percent (52%) now worry that the government will do too much, up from 43% in mid-February In other polls last week:-- For the first time since Obama was elected president last November, more than half of U.S. voters (53%) say it is at least somewhat likely that the next occupant of the White House will be a Republican. But that’s not necessarily a prediction for 2012.-- For the second straight week, Democrats and Republicans are tied on the Generic Congressional Ballot.-- Voters, for the first time since the new Congress began meeting at the first of the year, now say both sides are equally partisan. Up until now, congressional Democrats have been seen as more partisan than their Republican counterparts.-- Thirty-seven percent (37%) of likely voters say the nation is heading in the right direction, showing no change from last week. Fifty-seven percent (57%) still think the nation is heading in the wrong direction.-- Pennsylvania’s Republican Primary is over a year away, but right now incumbent Senator Arlen Specter trails his conservative challenger, former Congressman Pat Toomey, by 21 points. Specter beat back Toomey’s challenge in 2004.-- Both men reportedly have their eyes on the Republican presidential nomination in 2012, but right now Mitt Romney, who ran unsuccessfully last year, has the edge over former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, one of the GOP’s most formidable strategists. -- Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, embroiled in a budget crisis like many state chief executives these days, may need to be thinking about another line of work. Just 33% of Massachusetts voters say they are at least somewhat likely to vote for the Democratic incumbent if he seeks reelection in 2010.-- While Americans celebrated Earth Day for the 39th time last week, only 31% of American adults believe their fellow countrymen are environmentally aware. But 70% of Americans say their families participate in recycling.-- Spring has sprung, and one thing 27% of Americans adults plan to spring for this season is a vacation. That's up eight points from March of last year.
Nearly 100 days into Barack Obama’s presidency, Americans are making a distinction between the man and his policies. Obama continues to maintain high – and stable – approval ratings in the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll. But 58% of voters believe the president’s recent decision to release CIA memos about the harsh interrogation methods used on terrorism suspects endangers the national security of the United States. Fifty-eight percent (58%) agree with the president, though, that there is no need for more investigations of those interrogations. Looking back, 59% of voters still believe the president’s bailouts for banks and other financial institutions were a bad idea. The numbers are similar for the bailout loans given to General Motors and Chrysler. In fact, most Americans think the bailouts will hurt the economy in the long term. Of course, in Michigan, home of the auto industry, voters have a slightly different view: The bank bailouts are bad, but the auto loans are just fine. Fifty-one percent (51%) of Americans overall have a favorable view of the “tea parties” held nationwide on April 15 to protest a variety of concerns. Sixty percent (60%) of Americans say the federal government already has too much power and too much money. Of course, in the case of both the bailouts and the tea parties, the Political Class is strongly at odds with Mainstream America. It’s important to note that the anger is not directed at a single individual or political party, it’s the Political Class itself. After all, Obama’s bailout plans just followed on the actions of President Bush. It’s no surprise then that 70% of all voters believe that big business and big government generally work together against the interests of investors and consumers. Still, despite the anger, just 11% of Americans say they would vote for their state to secede from the United States and form an independent country after Texas Governor Rick Perry raised that possibility 10 days ago. Working in the president’s favor are some positive signs in the economy. Job confidence appears to be growing amidst other signs of short-term economic optimism. Sixty-nine percent (69%) of Americans now say if they leave their current job, it will be their own choice. That’s up eight points from the first of the year. Nearly half (49%) expect to be earning more a year from now. Yet only 44% of the nation’s workers expect to have the same employer in five years. Both the Rasmussen Consumer and Investor Indexes, which measure daily confidence, ended the week up slightly from the week before. While short-term optimism about the economy has grown, long-term optimism has declined, and the concern is growing that the federal government will do too much in response to the nation’s recent economic challenges. The latest Country Financial Security Index shows that just 54% of Americans now believe they are likely to have enough money for a secure retirement. This is down five points from February and the lowest-ever finding on retirement confidence. Fifty-two percent (52%) now worry that the government will do too much, up from 43% in mid-February In other polls last week:-- For the first time since Obama was elected president last November, more than half of U.S. voters (53%) say it is at least somewhat likely that the next occupant of the White House will be a Republican. But that’s not necessarily a prediction for 2012.-- For the second straight week, Democrats and Republicans are tied on the Generic Congressional Ballot.-- Voters, for the first time since the new Congress began meeting at the first of the year, now say both sides are equally partisan. Up until now, congressional Democrats have been seen as more partisan than their Republican counterparts.-- Thirty-seven percent (37%) of likely voters say the nation is heading in the right direction, showing no change from last week. Fifty-seven percent (57%) still think the nation is heading in the wrong direction.-- Pennsylvania’s Republican Primary is over a year away, but right now incumbent Senator Arlen Specter trails his conservative challenger, former Congressman Pat Toomey, by 21 points. Specter beat back Toomey’s challenge in 2004.-- Both men reportedly have their eyes on the Republican presidential nomination in 2012, but right now Mitt Romney, who ran unsuccessfully last year, has the edge over former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, one of the GOP’s most formidable strategists. -- Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, embroiled in a budget crisis like many state chief executives these days, may need to be thinking about another line of work. Just 33% of Massachusetts voters say they are at least somewhat likely to vote for the Democratic incumbent if he seeks reelection in 2010.-- While Americans celebrated Earth Day for the 39th time last week, only 31% of American adults believe their fellow countrymen are environmentally aware. But 70% of Americans say their families participate in recycling.-- Spring has sprung, and one thing 27% of Americans adults plan to spring for this season is a vacation. That's up eight points from March of last year.
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