Politics

62% Don't Trust Government to Fairly Enforce Gun Control Laws

Americans strongly believe it is not possible to entirely prevent mass shootings like the one in Washington, DC on Monday but think help for the mentally ill will do much more than gun control to reduce the number of incidents of this kind. Perhaps in part that's because most do not trust the government to fairly enforce gun control laws.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 16% of American Adults think it is possible to completely prevent mass shootings like the one in Washington. Seventy-one percent (71%) say it is not possible to fully stop shootings like this. Thirteen percent (13%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 17-18, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC . See methodology.

33% Think Stricter Gun Laws Might Have Prevented Navy Yard Shooting

Despite the horrific mass shooting at the Washington Navy Yard on Monday, support for more gun control has fallen to its lowest level in over a year. Most Americans don't think tougher gun control would have prevented this week's killings anyway. 

Just 33% of American Adults believe it’s at least somewhat likely that stricter gun control laws would have prevented the mass shooting in Washington, DC, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. That includes 15% who say it is Very Likely stricter laws would have prevented the tragedy. Fifty-nine percent (59%) think it’s unlikely tougher gun laws would have prevented the shooting, including 26% who say it’s Not At All Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 17-18, 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.

2016? Christie (R) 39%, Biden (D) 35%

Many suspect that Vice President Joe Biden went to Iowa this week to test the presidential waters. It's a long way off, but Biden's the winner matched against most of the current leading Republican contenders for 2016 - except New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. In a face-off with fellow Democrat Hillary Clinton, however, the vice president gets blown away.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 77% of Likely Democratic Voters chose Clinton, while 11% prefer Biden. Six percent (6%) like some other candidate, and another six percent (6%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

51% Favor Government Shutdown Until Congress Cuts Health Care Funding

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

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

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on September 14-15, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

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

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

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

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on September 12-13, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

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

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

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

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on September 10-11, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

19% Think UN Control of Syria’s Chemical Weapons Very Likely to Prevent U.S. Attack

Americans are fairly confident that international control of Syria’s chemical weapons will prevent a U.S. military attack on the Syrian government.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 53% of Likely U.S. Voters think that United Nations control of Syria’s chemical weapons arsenal will prevent future U.S. military action against Syria, although that includes just 19% who say it’s Very Likely. Thirty-one percent (31%) feel UN control of these weapons is unlikely to stop a U.S. attack, but only seven percent (7%) say it’s Not At All Likely to prevent it. Sixteen percent (16%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

30% Say Another 9/11 Very Likely in Next Decade

As the nation observes the 12th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, most Americans continue to believe a similar terrorist attack is at least somewhat likely in the next 10 years. But fewer Americans than ever believe the country has forgotten the impact of the events that horrific day.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 69% of American Adults believe another 9/11 is at least somewhat likely in the next 10 years, with 30% who say it's Very Likely. Twenty-one percent (21%) say another 9/11 is unlikely during the next decade, but that includes only three percent (3%) who say it’s Not At All Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

47% Trust GOP More on National Security, 32% Trust Democrats More

As President Obama faces increasing opposition over his plans for a military attack on Syria, voters increasingly trust Republicans more to handle issues related to national security.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 47% of Likely U.S. Voters now trust Republicans more when it comes to dealing with national security and the War on Terror. That’s up four points from July and the highest level of trust in the GOP on this issue since October. Just 32% now trust Democrats more, down from 40% and the lowest level of confidence in the president's party since October 2009. One-in-five (20%) are not sure which party they trust more. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

Voters Still Consider NSA Spying As Least Serious Scandal but Most Likely to Linger

Roughly half of voters still think the Internal Revenue Service’s targeting of conservative groups, the Obama administration’s handling of the Benghazi matter and the Justice Department’s secret probe of reporters’ records are serious scandals. The National Security Agency’s domestic surveillance program is viewed less seriously but seen as the most likely to be a lingering story.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 39% of Likely U.S. Voters regard the NSA’s secret surveillance of Americans’ phone and e-mail communications as a serious scandal. That’s down slightly from 43% two months ago. Thirty-two percent (32%) now think it’s an embarrassing situation but not a scandal. Twenty-one percent (21%) say it’s no big deal. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

31% Think al Qaeda Weaker Now Than Before 9/11 Attacks

While the debate continues over the presence of al Qaeda fighters among the Syrian rebels, Americans’ confidence in the weakening of that terrorist organization has fallen to levels not seen since before the killing of Osama bin Laden. Most Americans also continue to worry more about a domestic terror attack than one from outside our borders. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 31% of American Adults now believe al Qaeda is weaker than it was before the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack. Belief that al Qaeda was weaker jumped from a low of 25% on the 9/11 anniversaries in 2009 and 2010 to 48% in May 2011 following bin Laden's death.  It rose to 50% in September of that year. This finding was still at 48% a year ago.

Twenty-nine percent (29%) now believe al Qaeda today is stronger than it was before 9/11. Another 29% say the group’s strength hasn’t changed since the attacks 12 years ago. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

49% In Virginia Now Approve of Governor McDonnell’s Job Performance

Republican Governor Bob McDonnell now earns his lowest level of approval yet among Virginia voters. A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey finds that 49% of Likely Virginia Voters now at least a somewhat approve of the job McDonnell is doing as governor.  That’s down from 59% in early June and 64% in July 2010. Forty-four percent (44%) disapprove, up from 34% in June.  The latest figures include 16% who Strongly Approve of the governor’s job performance and 20% who Strongly Disapprove.

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The survey of 998 Likely Voters in Virginia was conducted on September 3-4, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

47% Favor U.S. Military Action Against Syria If Other UN Countries Involved

Despite the strong advocacy of President Obama and other top administration officials, most voters oppose U.S. military action against Syria but are much more supportive if other United Nations member countries are involved. Voters are now more critical of the administration’s handling of Syria.

Just 27% of Likely U.S. Voters favor U.S. military action against Syria in retaliation for that government's use of chemical weapons against its own people. Fifty-nine percent (59%) are opposed to U.S. military action. Fourteen percent (14%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on September 6-7, 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. 

New Low: 28% Think Passage of Immigration Reform Likely This Year

Most voters still want the emphasis on border control, and with this in mind, fewer than ever think Congress is likely to pass immigration reform this year.

Fifty-three percent (53%) of Likely U.S. Voters favor a reform plan that gives legal status to many of those now here illegally as long as the border is really secured to prevent future illegal immigration. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 30% are opposed to this plan even with the guarantee of stricter border control. Seventeen percent (17%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 31-September 1, 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.

65% Think Congress Should Decide About Syria

Despite Secretary of State John Kerry’s announcement yesterday that the United States has proof of the Syrian government’s use of chemical weapons against its opponents, just 37% of Likely U.S. Voters think the United States should provide increased military assistance to protect the citizens of Syria.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey, taken Thursday and Friday nights, finds that 40% do not think the United States should get more involved militarily in Syria. Twenty-three percent (23%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 29-30, 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.

42% Favor Candidate Who Opposes All Tax Increases

Voters are still in agreement that tax cuts and government spending decreases help the economy, and support for a candidate who would oppose all tax increases is at its highest level in over a year.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 42% of Likely U.S. Voters would be more likely to vote for a candidate who promised to oppose all tax increases over one who would only raise taxes on the rich. Forty-one percent (41%) would vote for the one who would only raise taxes on the wealthy. Seventeen percent (17%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 27-28, 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.

59% Think U.S. Still Lacks Equal Opportunity

Martin Luther King, Jr. preached about a day when men and women of all races would have equal opportunity in America. Most voters still don’t think that day has come, but they’re closely divided over the role the federal government has played in the process. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 27% of Likely U.S. Voters think America has reached a day of equal opportunity for all. Fifty-nine percent (59%) disagree and say the country has not yet achieved equal opportunity. Thirteen percent (13%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here).

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 27-28, 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.

10% Think Race Relations Better Since Obama Elected

Voters think America’s a better place since Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous “I have a dream” speech 50 years ago this week, but nearly nine-out-of-10 say race relations have gotten worse or remained about the same since the election of the nation’s first black president.

Sixty-nine percent (69%) of Likely U.S. Voters think race relations in this country are better today than they were 50 years ago. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 13% think those relations are worse today, while just as many (15%) say race relations are about the same. (To see survey question wording, click here). 

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 27-28, 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.

45% of GOP Voters Think It's Very Important Party Leaders Work With Tea Party

Though most voters in general believe the Tea Party has less influence these days, most Republicans say it’s important for the congressional GOP to work with the grass roots movement. Fifty-four percent (54%) of Likely U.S. Voters believe the Tea Party has become less influential over the past year, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Twenty-five percent (25%) say the movement has become more influential, while nearly as many (22%) are undecided.  These findings are similar to those found in January. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 25-26, 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.

42% of Republicans Like Shutdown Strategy to Stop Funding of Health Care Law

Republicans tend to think a GOP congressional threat to shut down the federal government to halt funding for President Obama’s health care law will be good for their party, but other voters disagree. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 42% of Likely Republican Voters think that threatening to vote against a government funding bill unless it cuts off funds for the health care law will help the GOP. Twenty-eight percent (28%) disagree and believe it will hurt their party. Fourteen percent (14%) say it will have no impact, and 16% aren’t sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 25-26, 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.