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Generic Congressional Ballot: Democrats 39%, Republicans 38%

Democrats hold a one-point lead over Republicans on the Generic Congressional Ballot for the week ending July 28.

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

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The national telephone survey of 3,500 Likely Voters was conducted by Rasmussen Reports from July 22-28, 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.

75% Favor Buying Health Insurance Across State Lines

Most voters still don’t like President Obama’s national health care law, and more voters than ever favor buying health insurance across state lines to increase consumer options.

Forty-two percent (42%) of Likely U.S. Voters have at least a somewhat favorable opinion of the health care law, while 53% view it unfavorably, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. This includes 18% with a Very Favorable view of the law and 40% with a Very Unfavorable one. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 26-27, 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.

What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls - Week Ending July 27, 2013

President Obama attempted this week to shift the nation’s attention away from what he calls “phony” scandals and back to the economy.

49% Think Obama Too Hostile Toward Small Business

Voters are more critical of President Obama’s policies toward small business and continue to believe he favors big business instead.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 49% of Likely U.S. Voters now think Obama’s policies are too hostile to small business. That's up from 46% in May.  By comparison, only 33% think the president's policies are too hostile to big business. 

Twenty-three percent (23%) think the president's policies are too friendly to big business, but just five percent (5%) feel that way about his policies toward small business. Thirty-seven percent (37%) feel Obama's small business policies are about right, down from a high of 43% in February, while 32% rate his big business policies as about right. (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 20-21, 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. 

26% Say U.S. Heading in Right Direction

Twenty-six percent (26%) 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, July 21.

That’s down four points from the previous week and the lowest level of confidence since mid-January 2012. Confidence in the country's direction rose steadily last fall, peaking at a high of 43% the week just before Election Day. It's been gradually decreasing ever since.

After President Obama assumed office in January 2009, the number of voters who felt the country was heading in the right direction rose to a high of 40% in early May of that year. In 2010 and 2011, confidence fell to the narrow range of 14% to 19%, levels similar to those measured in the final months of the George W. Bush administration. Optimism began easing up again in mid-December 2011.

The national telephone survey of 3,500 Likely Voters was conducted by Rasmussen Reports on July 15-21, 2013. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 2 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Generic Congressional Ballot: Democrats 40%, Republicans 38%

Democrats have regained their lead over Republicans on the Generic Congressional Ballot for the week ending July 21, 2013.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 40% of Likely U.S. Voters would vote for the Democrat in their district’s congressional race if the election were held today, while 38% would choose the Republican instead. Last week, Republicans led by one - 39% to 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 national telephone survey of 3,500 Likely Voters was conducted by Rasmussen Reports from July 15-21, 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.

61% Expect Health Care in U.S. To Get Worse Over Next Two Years

Voters continue to give high marks to the health care they now receive but are more pessimistic than ever about the short-term future of the health care system in this country.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 24% of Likely U.S. Voters now expect the U.S. health care system to get better over the next couple of years. Sixty-one percent (61%) think that system will get worse. That’s up four points from a month ago and up 13 points since February.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 20-21, 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.

What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls - For The Week Ending July 20, 2013

Reactions to the George Zimmerman verdict highlight how wide the racial divide remains in America.

44% Rate Obama’s Handling of Health Care Positively

President Obama earns slightly better marks from voters this month when it comes to health care and Social Security.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 44% of Likely U.S. Voters now rate the president's handling of health care issues as good or excellent. That's up from June’s low of 38% but consistent with regular surveying prior to that since February. Forty-three percent (43%) now rate the president poorly on health care, also generally in line with previous surveys. (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. 

44% Rate Obama’s Handling of Health Care Positively

President Obama earns slightly better marks from voters this month when it comes to health care and Social Security.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 44% of Likely U.S. Voters now rate the president's handling of health care issues as good or excellent. That's up from June’s low of 38% but consistent with regular surveying prior to that since February. Forty-three percent (43%) now rate the president poorly on health care, also generally in line with previous surveys. (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. 

39% Say U.S. Safer Today Than Before 9/11, 36% Disagree

Confidence in the nation’s safety against terrorism is at its lowest level in several years.

Thirty-nine percent (39%) of Likely Voters believe the United States today is safer than it was before the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national survey. Nearly as many (36%) disagree and say the country is not safer. Another 25% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

How did you do in this week’s Rasmussen Challenge? Check the leaderboard  .

(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 16-17, 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.

30% Say U.S. Heading in Right Direction

Thirty percent (30%) 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, July 14.

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The national telephone survey of 3,500 Likely Voters was conducted by Rasmussen Reports on July 8-14, 2013. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 2 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

36% Think America’s Best Days Are in the Future

Americans remain pessimistic about the nation's future.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 36% of Likely U.S. Voters think America’s best days are still to come, generally unchanged from April but down from a recent high of 47% last September. Nearly half of voters (49%) think the nation’s best days are in the past. This ties the highest level of pessimism in nearly a year. Fifteen percent (15%) 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 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. 

56% Say Gov Investing in Alternative Energy May End Foreign Oil Dependence

Most voters think it's possible for the United States to achieve energy independence through shale oil development and government-funded programs to promote alternative energy sources. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 58% of Likely U.S. Voters now believe it is at least somewhat likely that the development of domestic shale oil reserves would end U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Twenty-three percent (23%) consider that unlikely. This includes 28% who think it’s Very Likely and just four percent (4%) who think it’s Not At All Likely. One-in-five (20%), though, are not sure. This has changed little since March of last year. (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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.