0118 JA America’s Best Days

Posted on January 24, 2022 | by Laura Lington

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Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left nearly a decade ago and has had no involvement since that time.

Question 1:

Do you approve or disapprove of the way President Biden is performing his job?

16% Strongly approve

26% Somewhat approve

14% Somewhat disapprove

38% Strongly disapprove

7% Not sure

Question 2:

Suppose you had a choice between four presidential candidates. All four had equal skills and temperament. Would you prefer a Republican who supported policies like President Trump, a more traditional Republican, a Democrat who supported policies similar to Senator Bernie Sanders, or a more traditional Democrat?

30% A Republican supporting Trump’s policies

17% A more traditional Republican

21% A Democrat supporting Sanders’ policies

19% A more traditional Democrat

13% Not sure

Question 3:

Are America’s best days still to come, or have they come and gone?

42% Still to come

34% Come and gone

24% Not sure

Question 4:

Generally speaking, is American society today fair and decent, or is it unfair and discriminatory?

34% Fair and decent

52% Unfair and discriminatory

14% Not sure

Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen on January 18-19, 2022. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.

The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.

59% Believe Economy Being Hurt By Those Who Are Vaccinated but Reluctant to Re-engage Socially

Posted on December 28, 2021 | by Laura Lington

Some vaccinated Americans remain very hesitant about resuming normal social routines. Fifty-nine percent (59%) believe their reluctance to re-engage in somewhat normal activities is hurting the economy. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 21% disagree and 20% are not sure.

Additionally, 49% believe that President Biden and other leaders should encourage vaccinated Americans to resume a normal social routine more fully. On that question, 30% disagree and 21% are not sure.

Republicans, by a 3-to-1 margin, believe national leaders should encourage the vaccinated but hesitant to re-engage socially. Independents, by a 46% to 34% margin, tend to agree. Democrats are evenly divided.

The survey also found that 47% are more worried about governments imposing unnecessary restrictions and lockdowns than they are about getting COVID. Forty-three percent (43%) are more worried about getting COVID.

Most Republicans and Independents are more worried about restrictions and lockdowns. Most Democrats are more worried about getting COVID.

Finally, just 26% of voters favor reimposing stricter lockdowns. Thirty-four percent (34%) think governments in their area should be easing lockdowns while 32% don’t believe any changes are needed.

Those who have already been vaccinated are evenly divided between easing or reimposing lockdowns. A solid plurality of those who are not yet vaccinated favor easing restrictions.

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Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.

Question 1:

Thinking about the situation where you live, should the government be easing lockdowns or reimposing stricter lockdowns?

34% Easing lockdowns

26% Reimposing stricter lockdowns

32% No changes at this time

8% Not sure

Question 2:

Some vaccinated Americans remain very hesitant about resuming normal social routines. Does their reluctance to re-engage in somewhat normal activities hurt the economy?

59% Yes

21% No

20% Not sure

Question 3:

Should President Biden and other leaders encourage vaccinated Americans to resume a normal social routine more fully?

49% Yes

30% No

21% Not sure

Question 4:

Looking ahead, what worries you more: getting COVID or governments imposing unnecessary restrictions and lockdowns?

43% Getting COVID

47% Restrictions and lockdowns

9% Not sure

Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen on December 21-22, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.

52% Want Stricter Trade and Travel Regulations on Communist Nations and Dictatorships

Posted on December 28, 2021 | by Laura Lington

Fifty-two percent (52%) of voters believe the United States should impose stricter trade and travel regulations on communist nations and dictatorships. A Scott Rasmussen national survey disagree and believe the trade and travel rules be the same for all nations. Nineteen percent (19%) are not sure.

White voters and suburban voters are more likely to favor stricter regulations on communist nations and dictatorships. Older voters are more likely than younger voters to support stricter regulations.

The survey also found that 42% of voters see China as our nation’s greatest national security threat. Nineteen percent (19%) see Russia as the biggest threat while 15% name North Korea.

Most Republicans and a solid plurality of Independent voters see China as the biggest threat. Democrats are evenly divided between China and Russia.

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Question 1:

Which of the following nations represents the greatest national security threat to the United States?

19% Russia

42% China

6% Iraq

15% North Korea

4% Mexico

14% Not sure

Question 2:

Should the United States trade and travel rules be the same for all nations? Or should there be stricter trade and travel regulations for communist nations and dictatorships?

29% The same for all nations

52% Stricter regulations for communist nations and dictatorships

19% Not sure

Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen on December 14-15, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.

Pandemic? 74% Close to Resuming Normal Life

Posted on December 27, 2021 | by Laura Lington

Seventy-four percent (74%) of voters are close to resuming their normal life in terms of going out socially, traveling, and interacting with others in person. That’s down just a single point from late October, but up eight points from 66% in September.

A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 23% say they are not close to resuming their normal life.

The number of people close to resuming normal life held steady despite increasing pessimism about the pandemic. Following a burst of optimism in October, the numbers reversed somewhat in November. In December, when asked if the worst was behind us or yet to come, there were more pessimists than optimists. Pessimism today is near the highest level since vaccines became available.

Those latest numbers include 51% who have already resumed normal life or are Very Close to doing so.

Fifty-three percent (53%) of voters are comfortable going mask-less to a restaurant, bar, or other social setting with a large number of people. That includes 48% of the vaccinated and 64% of the unvaccinated.

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Question 1:

Some people have generally resumed their life and go out socially, travel, and interact with others in person. How close are you to resuming a somewhat normal life?

33% I already have

18% Very close

23% Somewhat close

16% Not very close

7% Not at all close

3% Not sure

Question 2:

How comfortable are you going mask-less to an indoor restaurant, bar, or other social setting with a large number of people?

30% Very comfortable

23% Somewhat comfortable

19% Somewhat uncomfortable

24% Very uncomfortable

3% Not sure

Question 3:

If you were invited to a social event with a large number of people, how likely is it that you would ask whether everyone attending has been vaccinated?

23% Very likely

17% Somewhat likely

20% Not very likely

32% Not at all likely

7% Not sure

Question 4:

If someone receives the COVID vaccine, should they still be required to wear a mask and socially distance from other people?

54% Yes

30% No

16% Not sure

Methodology

Voters Still Prefer Trump-like Policies More than Sanders Approach or Traditional R’s and D’s

Posted on December 27, 2021 | by Laura Lington

Given a choice between four presidential candidates with equal skills and temperament, 31% would prefer a Republican who supported policies like those of President Trump. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 20% would prefer a Democrat who supported policies similar to Senator Bernie Sanders, 19% favor a more traditional Democrat, and 17% a more traditional Republican,

It’s important to remember that the question focused on the policy preference assuming that the candidates had equal skills and temperament. As a result, it cannot be assumed that someone who supports policies like those of Trump or Sanders would automatically support Trump or Sanders as a candidate.

We have been asking this question regularly since last October. Despite everything that has happened since, these attitudes have remained broadly consistent. The current results are similar to those reported last July and April. On the Republican side, the number preferring Trump-like policies is consistently two to three times as large as the number favoring traditional GOP policies. On the other hand, the two wings of the Democratic party are always just about evenly divided.

However, the current numbers show 48% of voters favoring one of the Republican leaning options while 39% prefer a Democratic leaning set of policies. Prior to the 2020 Election, the parties were evenly divided on this measure.

The shift away from the Democrats is consistent with the decline in the president’s approval ratings and the growing GOP edge on the Generic Congressional Ballot.

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Question:

31% A Republican supporting Trump’s policies

17% A more traditional Republican

20% A Democrat supporting Sanders’ policies

19% A more traditional Democrat

13% Not sure

Methodology

Biden Approval Slides to 41%; 53% Disapprove

Posted on December 27, 2021 | by Laura Lington

Forty-one percent (41%) of voters nationwide now approve of the way President Biden is performing his job. The latest Scott Rasmussen survey finds that 53% disapprove and 7% are not sure.

The latest numbers suggest ongoing slippage in support for the president. In September and the first half of October, the president’s approval averaged 45%. From mid-October to early December, the president’s Job Approval ratings were consistently around 43%. However, since a December 8-10 survey, the average has slipped to 41%.

The current totals include 18% of voters who Strongly Approve of the president’s performance while 39% Strongly Disapprove.

Other data shows that, on each of six key issues, more voters disapprove than approve of President Biden’s performance. His weakest ratings are on the topic of immigration where just 31% approve and 57% disapprove. Forty-eight percent (48%) of voters believe the Biden Administration is making it too easy for illegal immigrants to enter the country. Just 10% disagree. Most voters (55%) believe drug cartels have more control of the southern border than the U.S. government.

On the topic of government spending and taxes, just 36% approve and 54% disapprove (net rating -18). That may partly reflect the fact that his Build Back Better plan had a number of extraordinarily unpopular items. Additionally, most voters share Senator Joe Manchin’s concerns and believe the president’s plan would have made inflation worse.

The president’s struggles are also reflected in the Generic Congressional Ballot where Republicans hold a six point advantage.

The current numbers show 48% of voters favoring one of the Republican leaning options while 39% prefer a Democratic leaning set of policies. Prior to the 2020 Election, the parties were evenly divided on this measure.

Globally, 72% believe China is actively trying to replace the United States as the world’s leading superpower. Seventy-six percent (76%) think it is important for the United States to contain China’s global ambitions. Only 11% disagree and 13% are not sure.

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Question:

Do you approve or disapprove of the way President Biden is performing his job?

18% Strongly approve

23% Somewhat approve

14% Somewhat disapprove

39% Strongly disapprove

7% Not sure

Methodology

48% Say Biden Administration Making It Too Easy for Illegal Immigrants to Enter the Country; 10% Say Too Hard

Posted on December 21, 2021 | by Laura Lington

Forty-eight percent (48%) of voters say the Biden Administration is making it too easy for illegal immigrants to enter the country. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that just 10% believe the Administration is making things too hard. Twenty-four percent (24%) say the balance is about right and 18% are not sure.

Eighty percent (80%) of Republicans believe it is now too easy for illegal immigrants to enter the country. Forty-six percent (46%) of Independents feel that way along with just 20% of Democrats.

Sixty-eight percent (68%) of voters believe that immigration and border control is a national security issue.

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Question 1:

On a different topic, is immigration and border control a national security issue?

68% Yes

17% No

15% Not sure

Question 2:

Is the Biden administration making it too easy to easy or too hard for illegal immigrants to enter the nation?

48% Too easy

10% Too hard

24% About right

18% Not sure

Question 3:

Generally speaking, are United States border patrol agents too harsh or too lenient in dealing with illegal immigrants?

25% Too harsh

31% Too lenient

24% About right

20% Not sure

Methodology

76% Say It’s Important for U.S. to Contain China’s Global Ambitions

Posted on December 21, 2021 | by Laura Lington

Seventy-six percent (76%) of voters think it is important for the United States to contain China’s global ambitions. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 11% disagree and 13% are not sure.

The totals include 46% who say it’s Very Important and 3% who say Not at All Important.

Seventy-two percent (72%) believe China is actively trying to replace the United States as the world’s leading superpower.

For the first time, China is seeking to establish a naval base in the Atlantic Ocean. Sixty-three percent (63%) believe the United States should do all that it can to block China from having a naval presence in the Atlantic Ocean.

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Question 1:

Is China actively trying to replace the United States as the world’s leading superpower?

72% Yes

7% No

21% Not sure

Question 2:

For the first time, China is seeking to establish a naval base in the Atlantic Ocean. Should the United States do all that it can to block China from having a naval presence in the Atlantic Ocean?

63% Yes

13% No

23% Not sure

Question 3:

Generally speaking, how important is it for the United States to contain China’s global ambitions?

46% Very important

30% Somewhat important

8% Not very important

3% Not at all important

13% Not sure

Methodology

Biden Approval Underwater on 6 Key Issues; Weakest on Immigration, Taxes & Government Spending

Posted on December 21, 2021 | by Laura Lington

On each of six key issues measured, more voters disapprove of President Biden’s performance.

A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that Biden’s weakest ratings are on the topic of immigration where just 31% approve and 57% disapprove (net rating of -26 points). Forty-eight percent (48%) of voters believe the Biden Administration is making it too easy for illegal immigrants to enter the country. Just 10% disagree.

Most voters (55%) believe drug cartels have more control of the southern border than the U.S. government.

On the economy, the president has a net rating of -11 (41% approve while 52% disapprove). He does a little better on national security (40% approve, 48% disapprove, net rating of -8).

His best marks were earned on COVID (45% approve, 48% disapprove, net rating of -3) and Health care (44% approve, 45% disapprove, net rating of -8).

On all six issues, the number who Strongly Disapprove is significantly higher than the number who Strongly Approve.

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Question:

Please let me know if you approve or disapprove of the way President Biden is handling each of the following issues:

The economy

18% Strongly approve

23% Somewhat approve

18% Somewhat disapprove

34% Strongly disapprove

8% Not sure

COVID

24% Strongly approve

21% Somewhat approve

18% Somewhat disapprove

30% Strongly disapprove

6% Not sure

Immigration

14% Strongly approve

17% Somewhat approve

18% Somewhat disapprove

39% Strongly disapprove

11% Not sure

National security

18% Strongly approve

22% Somewhat approve

18% Somewhat disapprove

30% Strongly disapprove

13% Not sure

Health care

20% Strongly approve

24% Somewhat approve

18% Somewhat disapprove

27% Strongly disapprove

11% Not sure

Taxes and government spending

16% Strongly approve

20% Somewhat approve

14% Somewhat disapprove

40% Strongly disapprove

10% Not sure

Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen on December 8-10, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.

Biden Job Approval Stable at 42%; 52% Disapprove

Posted on December 20, 2021 | by Laura Lington

Forty-two percent (42%) of voters nationwide now approve of the way President Biden is performing his job. The latest Scott Rasmussen survey finds that 52% disapprove and 5% are not sure.

Perceptions of the president have remained quite stable. Over ten surveys conducted in November and December, eight found the president’s approval within two points of 43%. One was a point above that range and one a point below.

That suggests a slight decline from September and October when the president’s approval averaged 45%.

The current totals include 18% of voters who Strongly Approve of the president’s performance while 37% Strongly Disapprove.

This survey was conducted prior to Senator Joe Manchin’s announcement that he would not support the Build Back Better plan. It is not clear that Manchin’s decision will have any significant impact on President Biden’s approval.

Last month we noted that passage of that plan would have little impact. That was primarily because few voters were paying attention. The lack of voter awareness may have been a blessing for the president since his proposal included extraordinarily unpopular items. Additionally, most voters share Manchin’s concern and believe the president’s plan would have made inflation worse.

Republicans have called Biden’s plan as a Big Government Socialism Bill. Fifty-three percent (53%) now say it’s accurate to describe the president’s overall agenda as big government socialism.

Another challenge for the president is growing pessimism about the pandemic. Just 29% believe the worst is behind us. That’s a single point above the lowest level recorded since vaccines became available. Eleven percent (11%) now believe it will never end.

Voters are clearly frustrated with both the pandemic itself and the government response to it. Forty-eight percent (48%) think scientists would falsi fy their data to support their personal views of what should be done. Looking back, 58% of voters believe that shutting down businesses and locking down society did more harm than good.

On another front, 32% think it’s Very Likely that democracy in America will end in the next generation or so. That total includes 11% who believe it has already ended. Republicans are significantly more worried about democracy ending than Democrats. A plurality of voters sees Democrats as a bigger threat to democracy than Republicans.

Finally, most voters believe drug cartels have control over the southern border. To challenge the cartels, 60% favor sending military forces and equipment to secure the border.

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Question:

Do you approve or disapprove of the way President Biden is performing his job?

18% Strongly approve

24% Somewhat approve

15% Somewhat disapprove

37% Strongly disapprove

5% Not sure

Methodology

40% Say Worst of Pandemic Yet to Come; 11% Say It Will Never End

Posted on December 20, 2021 | by Laura Lington

Twenty-nine percent (29%) of voters now believe that the worst of the pandemic is behind us. That’s down three points from two weeks ago and fourteen points from a month ago.

A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 40% now believe the worst is yet to come. That total includes 11% who say it will never end and 11% who say it will last several more years.

At the other extreme, 5% believe the pandemic is over and 3% believe it was a hoax.

Perceptions about the pandemic have varied over time. When the lockdowns first began, a majority of voters believed the pandemic would end by Memorial Day 2020.

In 2021, optimism rose when the vaccines became available. By May, 56% believed the worst was behind us. However, confidence fell over the summer with the arrival of the Delta variant. By July, just 28% still believed the worst had already come and gone. Confidence began to grow again in early October before falling again in November.

Voters are clearly frustrated with both the pandemic itself and the government response to it.

Among those who believe the worst is yet to come, only half (51%) are worried about ongoing health issues. Thirty-six percent (36%) are worried about more government restrictions and mandates.
Looking back, 58% of voters believe that shutting down businesses and locking down society did more harm than good.
Forty-eight percent (48%) think scientists would falsi fy their data to support their personal views of what should be done.
Half (49%) believe relaxing vaccine mandates, mask requirements, and social distancing guidelines would be good for the economy.
Fifty-nine percent (59%) favor relaxing vaccine mandates to ease supply chain issues. Additionally, 61% favor relaxing vaccine mandates for police officers, fire fighters, and health care workers.

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Question 1:

Which of the following best describes your reaction to taking the COVID vaccine?

67% I have already been vaccinated

5% I want to be vaccinated as soon as possible

5% I want to wait and see how it works before getting vaccinated

7% I’m in no particular rush to get vaccinated

14% I will never get vaccinated

2% Not sure

Question 2:

Is the worst of the pandemic behind us, or is it still to come?

29% Behind us

40% Still to come

32% Not sure

Question 3:

[Asked of those who said the worst is “behind us” on Question 2] Okay, which of the following best describes your perception of the pandemic?

71% Not asked

19% It’s still a concern, but the end is in sight

5% The pandemic is over

3% The pandemic was a hoax

1% Not sure

Question 4:

[Asked of those who said the worst is “still to come” on Question 2] Okay, which of the following best describes your perception of the pandemic?

60% Not asked

11% The pandemic will never end

11% It will last several more years

17% We’re making, but still have a long way to go

2% Not sure

Methodology

On Vaccine Mandates, 48% Believe Scientists Likely to Falsify Data To Support Their Personal Views

Posted on December 20, 2021 | by Laura Lington

When it comes to vaccine mandates and related topics, 48% of voters consider it likely that scientists would falsify their data to support their personal views of what should be done. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 41% consider it unlikely and 11% are not sure.

Those totals include 21% who say it is Very Likely scientists would falsify their data and 19% who say it’s Not at All Likely.

Most Republicans (67%) consider it likely while most Democrats (57%) consider it likely. Independent voters are evenly divided.

Data released earlier showed that 47% of voters believe Dr. Anthony Fauci makes his recommendations primarily on scientific data and research. Thirty-three percent (33%) disagree and think his recommendations are based upon his own personal and political views.

Forty-eight percent (48%) believe the CDC has generally provided reliable and fact-based guidelines during the pandemic. Thirty-two percent (32%) think it has generally acted in a partisan political manner and 20% are not sure.

Looking back, 58% of voters believe that shutting down businesses and locking down society did more harm than good. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 35% disagree and 17% are not sure.

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Question:

When it comes to vaccine mandates and related topics, how likely is it that scientists would falsify their data to support their personal views of what should be done?

21% Very likely

27% Somewhat likely

22% Not very likely

19% Not at all likely

11% Not sure

Methodology

60% Favor Sending U.S. Military to Challenge Drug Cartels and Secure Southern Border

Posted on December 19, 2021 | by Laura Lington

To challenge the drug cartels, 60% of voters favor sending U.S. military troops and equipment to the southern border. That’s up from 53% this past summer. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 28% are opposed to sending military forces to the border.

Republican voters overwhelmingly favor sending troops to the border. So do 56% of Independents. Democrats are more evenly divided with 46% in favor and 40% opposed.

Thirty-nine percent (39%) would even favor having the U.S. military enter Mexican territory to defeat the cartels. Forty-five percent (45%) are opposed. Fifty-seven percent (57%) of Republicans favor this approach while 57% of Democrats are opposed. Among Independent voters, 35% support the idea and 46% do not.

The survey also found that 55% believe drug cartels have more control of the southern border than the U.S. government. Nineteen percent (19%) disagree and 26% are not sure. Those figures are little changed from earlier this year.

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Question 1:

Is it fair to say that drug cartels have more control of the southern border than the U.S. government?

55% Yes

19% No

26% Not sure

Question 2:

To challenge the cartels and secure the border, would you favor or oppose sending U.S. military troops and equipment to the southern border of the United States?

31% Strongly favor

29% Somewhat favor

15% Somewhat oppose

13% Strongly oppose

13% Not sure

Question 3:

If necessary, would you favor or oppose having the U.S. military enter Mexican territory to defeat the cartels?

18% Strongly favor

21% Somewhat favor

21% Somewhat oppose

24% Strongly oppose

16% Not sure

Methodology

32% Believe Democracy Very Likely to End Within Generation; Republicans Are More Worried Than Democrats; Dems Seen As Bigger Threat

Posted on December 16, 2021 | by Laura Lington

Thirty-two percent (32%) of voters think it’s Very Likely that democracy in America will end in the next generation or so. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that total includes 11% who believe it has already ended.

Another 21% say democracy is somewhat likely to end over the next generation, 33% say it’s not likely to happen, and 15% are not sure.

Republicans are significantly more worried about democracy ending than Democrats. Forty-two percent (42%) of GOP voters think it is Very Likely to end over the next generation. Just 28% of those in President Biden’s party share that view.

Thirty-seven percent (37%) of all voters see Democrats as a bigger threat to democracy than Republicans. Twenty-six percent (26%) see Republicans as the bigger threat while 20% think the two parties represent an equal threat to democracy.

One reason a plurality of voters see Democrats as the bigger threat may be that they are actively promoting legislation to outlaw three election reforms that are supported by more than 80 percent of voters. The effort by Congressional Democrats to outlaw photo ID requirements is especially significant.

But the challenges run much deeper than simply election laws. Data released earlier showed that 55% of voters believe letting government bureaucrats set rules without approval of Congress or voters is a major threat to democracy. Rather than a public service responding to voters, 73% see the federal government is a special interest group that looks out primarily for its own interests. Forty-five percent (45%) see the January 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol as a major threat to democracy.

Fifty-eight percent (58%) of voters are confident that American elections are conducted in a manner that ensures all votes are counted and that the proper winners are declared. Most Democrats (54%) continue to believe that Hillary Clinton was the legitimate winner of the 2016 presidential election. Most Republicans (63%) believe that Donald Trump was the legitimate winner in 2020.

The latest survey also found 68% believe even small discrepancies in vote counts represent a serious problem. Eighty percent (80%) agree that “Any instance of voter fraud…anywhere, at any time, by anyone…requires that someone be held accountable.”

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Question 1:

How likely is it that democracy in America will end in the next generation or so?

11% It has already ended

21% Very likely

21% Somewhat likely

21% Not very likely

12% Not at all likely

15% Not sure

Question 2:

Which political party today represents the greatest threat to democracy in America?

26% Republican

37% Democratic

20% Both equally

6% Neither

11% Not sure

Question 3:

Often, there is about a one percent gap between the number of ballots cast and votes reported. How serious a problem is this?

36% Very serious

32% Somewhat serious

12% Not very serious

8% Not at all serious

11% Not sure

Question 4:

Would you agree or disagree with the following statement: “Any instance of voter fraud…anywhere, at any time, by anyone…requires that someone be held accountable.”

56% Strongly agree

24% Somewhat agree

9% Somewhat disagree

2% Strongly disagree

8% Not sure

Methodology

40% Believe Worst of Pandemic Behind Us; 30% Say It’s Still to Come

Posted on November 4, 2021 | by Laura Lington

Forty percent (40%) of voters now believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us. That’s up two points from two weeks ago. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 30% disagree and believe the worst is yet to come (down four from two weeks ago). Another 30% are not sure.

While just a modest improvement from two weeks ago, the numbers are decidedly more upbeat than they were a month ago. As October began, just 28% believed the worst was behind us while 42% thought it was still to come.

Looking back, optimism peaked in May when 56% believed the worst was behind us. That figure fell to 28% by the end of July.

From mid-July until mid-October, the number expressing a pessimistic view consistently topped the number who were optimistic.

Republicans remain more optimistic than other voters. Forty-eight percent (48%) of GOP voters believe the worst has come and gone. That’s little changed from two weeks ago. Thirty-seven percent of Democrats now believe the worst is behind us (up three points from two weeks ago). So do 37% of Independent voters (up five).

The survey also found that 51% believe those who have been vaccinated should still be required to wear a mask and socially distance from others.

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Question 1:

If someone receives the COVID vaccine, should they still be required to wear a mask and socially distance from other people?

51% Yes

33% No

16% Not sure

Question 2:

Is the worst of the pandemic behind us, or is it still to come?

40% Behind us

30% Still to come

30% Not sure

Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen on October 28-30, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.

Biden Approval Underwater on Immigration, Taxes & Gov’t Spending, Economy, National Security & Healthcare

Posted on October 17, 2021 | by Laura Lington

President Biden’s approval ratings are underwater on five key issues facing the nation– Immigration (-18), Taxes and Government Spending (-13), the Economy (-5), National Security (-4), and Healthcare (-1).

A Scott Rasmussen national survey found the president receiving positive approval only on his handling of COVID (+8).

The president’s low ratings are consistent with other data showing that voters give him low marks for handling the situation at the Southern border. The border situation is considered a crisis by 67% of voters.

Only 38% of voters approve of way the president is addressing taxes and government spending. Fifty-one percent (51%) disapprove. This may be particularly significant during Congressional debate over what Democrats call the Build Back Better plan and Republicans call the Big Government Socialism bill.

Sixty-nine percent (69%) of Democrats approve of the way the president is handling Taxes and Government Spending. Disapproval comes from 77% of Republicans and 56% of Independents.

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Question:

Please let me know if you approve or disapprove of the way President Biden is handling each of the following issues:

The economy

19% Strongly approve

25% Somewhat approve

14% Somewhat disapprove

35% Strongly disapprove

7% Not sure

COVID

26% Strongly approve

25% Somewhat approve

13% Somewhat disapprove

30% Strongly disapprove

6% Not sure

Immigration

18% Strongly approve

25% Somewhat approve

13% Somewhat disapprove

34% Strongly disapprove

10% Not sure

National security

20% Strongly approve

23% Somewhat approve

15% Somewhat disapprove

29% Strongly disapprove

12% Not sure

Healthcare

15% Strongly approve

22% Somewhat approve

17% Somewhat disapprove

38% Strongly disapprove

9% Not sure

Taxes and government spending

17% Strongly approve

21% Somewhat approve

13% Somewhat disapprove

38% Strongly disapprove

11% Not sure

Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen on October 11-13, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.

The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.

38% Believe Worst of Pandemic Behind Us; Most Optimistic Assessment Since July

Posted on October 16, 2021 | by Laura Lington

Thirty-eight percent (38%) of voters now believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 34% believe the worst is yet to come. Those numbers reflect a surge of optimism compared to two weeks ago.

The number saying the worst is behind us jumped 10 points while the number with a more pessimistic assessment fell by eight. This is the first time since July that a plurality of voters believe the worst is behind us. Confidence peaked at the end of May when 56% voiced such optimism.

The increased optimism is driven primarily by Republicans. Forty-nine percent (49%) of GOP voters now believe the worst is behind us. That’s up 17 points over the past two weeks. Thirty-four percent (34%) of Democrats now believe the worst is behind us (up 5). So do 32% of Independent voters (up 7).

It is interesting to note that pessimism about the economy is growing at the same time that people are becoming more optimistic about the pandemic. Forty-five percent (45%) of voters believe the country is currently in a recession.

While the coronavirus is still a threat, 49% agree that it is far less deadly than it was a year ago. Thirty percent (30%) disagree and 21% are not sure.

Forty-seven percent (47%) see those who have not received the COVID vaccine as a bigger threat than mandates forcing people to be vaccinated against their will. Forty-three percent (43%) take the opposite view.

Data released earlier found that 43% believe it’s a good thing to have people vaccinated against their will. Another 43% say it’s bad.

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Question 1:

Is the worst of the pandemic behind us, or is it still to come?

38% Behind us

34% Still to come

28% Not sure

Question 2:

Is the following statement true or false: “While the coronavirus is still a threat, it is far less deadly than it was a year ago.”

49% True

30% False

21% Not sure

Question 3:

Which represents a greater threat to the nation: People who have not received the COVID vaccine or mandates forcing people to be vaccinated against their will?

47% Unvaccinated

43% Mandates

10% Not sure

Methodology

The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.

45% Believe U.S. Currently In Recession

Posted on October 15, 2021 | by Laura Lington

Forty-five percent (45%) of voters believe the United States is currently in a recession. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 29% disagree and say the nation is not in a recession. Twenty-six percent (26%) are not sure.

Fifty-six percent (56%) of Republicans believe that the U.S. is currently in a recession. So do 40% of Democrats and 40% of Independent voters.

There is a substantial racial divide on this question among Democrats. By a 56% to 21% margin, Black Democrats believe the country is in a recession. However, White Democrats are evenly divided: 40% say we are not in a recession, 38% believe we are.

This data is the latest to confirm growing pessimism about the economy. Twenty-five percent (25%) of voters nationwide say their own personal finances are getting better but 33% say they are getting worse. Additionally, 63% of voters have experienced backorders, delays, and shortages.

On a related topic, it appears many many people will be vaccinated against their will rather than lose their job. Forty-three percent (43%) say that’s a good thing while another 43% say it’s bad.

By a 55% to 30% margin, those who have already been vaccinated say it’s good to vaccinate others against their will. However, among those who are in no rush to get vaccinated or will never get vaccinated, just 6% say it’s a good thing while 85% say it’s bad. This suggests the possibility of a significant political backlash.

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Question:

Is the United States currently in a recession?

45% Yes

29% No

26% Not sure

Methodology

The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.

Generic Ballot: Republicans 41% Democrats 40%

Posted on October 15, 2021 | by Laura Lington

If the midterm elections were held today, 41% of Registered Voters would vote for the Republican from their Congressional District while 40% would vote for the Democrat. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 6% would vote for some other candidate while 13% are not sure.

Those numbers are little changed from a month ago. However, it is the first time that Republicans have led by even a statistically insignificant margin all year. Six months ago, Democrats had a four-point advantage.

One challenge facing Democrats at the moment is growing pessimism about the economy. Twenty-five percent (25%) of voters nationwide say their own personal finances are getting better but 33% say they are getting worse.

Additionally, 63% of voters have experienced backorders, delays, and shortages.

Another challenge revolves around the call for vaccine mandates. Survey data suggest it is quite likely that many people will be vaccinated against their will. Forty-three percent (43%) say that’s a good thing while another 43% say it’s bad.

On a different topic, 64% of voters agree that “Just about all positive change in America begins outside of America’s political system.”

Finally, 83% of voters believe making it easier to vote and harder to cheat should be the goal of election reform. At this point in time, 51% say making it harder to cheat is the higher priority while 37% take the opposite view.

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Methodology

The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.

64% Believe Positive Change in America Begins Outside of the Political System

Posted on October 15, 2021 | by Laura Lington

Sixty-four percent (64%) of voters agree that “Just about all positive change in America begins outside of America’s political system.” A Scott Rasmussen survey found that just 20% disagree and 17% are not sure.

Those figures include 29% who Strongly Agree and 6% who Strongly Disagree.

Recognition that positive change generally comes from outside the political system is found across partisan and demographic lines. Sixty-six percent (66%) of Republicans hold that view along with 62% of Democrats and 62% of Independent voters.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen on September 30-October 2, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.

The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.

72% Believe Equality of Opportunity is a Fundamental American Principle, Equality of Outcome is Not

Posted on October 15, 2021 | by Laura Lington

Seventy-two percent (72%) of voters agree that “equality of opportunity is a fundamental American principle; equality of outcome is not.” Thirteen percent (13%) disagree and 16% are not sure.

Those totals include 36% who Strongly Agree and 4% who Strongly Disagree.

Seventy-six percent (76%) of White voters agree that freedom of opportunity is a fundamental American principle. So do 63% of Hispanic voters and 58% of Black voters.

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Methodology

The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.

63% Have Experienced Backorders, Delays, Shortages

Posted on October 15, 2021 | by Laura Lington

Sixty-three percent (63%) of voters have experienced backorders, delays or shortages of items they would like to buy. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 31% have not and 6% are not sure.

Among those who have experience supply chain problems, the most common experiences revolve around new clothes, computers and tech gadgets, and home appliances.

Sixty-nine percent (69%) of rural voters have experienced supply chain issues along with 62% of suburban voters and 58% of urban voters.

Seventy-five percent (75%) of Republicans have dealt with backorders, delays, and shortages. So have 61% of Independent voters and 53% of Democrats.

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Methodology

The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.

Pessimism Growing About Economy

Posted on October 14, 2021 | by Laura Lington

Twenty-five percent (25%) of voters nationwide say their own personal finances are getting better. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 33% take the opposite view, saying their finances are getting worse.

Those results reflect a growing pessimism about the economy. As recently as late July 31% said their finances were getting better and just 26% said worse.

The current totals include 8% who say their finances are getting much better and 10% who say much worse. That’s also a more negative assessment than last month.

Thirty-seven percent (37%) of voters rate their own personal finances as good or excellent. That’s down nine points since July and down twelve points since April.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen on October 5-6, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.

The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.

43% Say It’s Good to Vaccinate People Against Their Will; 43% Say It’s Bad

Posted on October 14, 2021 | by Laura Lington

Following President Biden’s announcement of a mandate for companies to require employee vaccination or weekly testing, many people may be vaccinated against their will. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 43% of voters think that’s a good thing while another 43% say it’s a bad thing. Fourteen percent (14%) are not sure.

Sixty-three percent (63%) of Republicans say vaccinating people against their will is a bad think. So do 51% of Independent voters.

However, by a 71% to 15% margin, Democrats say it’s a good thing. Eighty-percent (80%) of White Democrats say it’s good to vaccinate people against their will. Fifty percent (50%) of Black Democrats share that view.

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Methodology

The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.

52% Say It’s Appropriate to Celebrate Columbus Day

Posted on October 12, 2021 | by Laura Lington

Fifty-two percent (52%) of voters believe it is appropriate for the nation to celebrate Columbus Day. A Scott Rasmussen survey found that 28% disagree and 19% are not sure.

Thirty-three percent (33%) believe the holiday should be changed to Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Forty-five percent (45%) disagree and 22% are not sure.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,000 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen on October 9-10, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.

The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 3.1 percentage points.

82% Favor Term Limits for Members of Congress

Posted on October 11, 2021 | by Laura Lington

Eighty-two percent (82%) of voters believe it would be a good idea to place term limits on Members of Congress. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 9% disagree and 9% are not sure.

The totals include 53% who Strongly Agree that placing term limits on Members of Congress would be a good idea. Just 3% who Strongly Disagree.

This is one of the few political issues that unites voters from every corner of the nation. Term limits are supported by at least two-thirds (68%) of every measured demographic group.

From a partisan perspective, 87% of Republicans favor term limits along with 83% of Democrats and 78% of Independent voters.

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Methodology

The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.

51% Say Making It Harder to Cheat More Important Than Making It Easier to Vote; 37% Disagree

Posted on October 9, 2021 | by Laura Lington

Eighty-three percent (83%) of voters believe making it easier to vote and harder to cheat should be the goal of election reform. However, a Scott Rasmussen national survey found voters divided on which part of that goal needs to be addressed first.

At this point in time, 51% say making it harder to cheat is the higher priority while 37% take the opposite view.

A majority of Democrats (57%) believe making it easier to vote is more important today. However, most Republicans (70%) and Independents (52%) believe the focus of electoral reform should be making it harder to cheat.

Voters are evenly divided as to which party they trust most to handle electoral reform. Thirty-two percent (32%) trust Republicans, 32% Democrats, and 16% don’t trust either party.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen on September 28-29, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.

The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.

28% Believe Worst of the Pandemic is Behind Us

Posted on October 9, 2021 | by Laura Lington

Twenty-eight percent (28%) of voters now believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 42% believe the worst is yet to come.

Those numbers are little changed from mid-September and from two months ago.

Confidence that the worst of the pandemic had come and gone soared with the rollout of the vaccines at the beginning of 2020. Confidence peaked at the end of May when 56% voice such optimism.

For most of the pandemic, there were vast partisan differences in terms of optimism. That gap has now largely disappeared. Thirty-two percent (32%) of Republicans now believe the worst is behind us. So do 29% of Democrats and 25% of Independents.

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Methodology

The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.

67% Want Asylum Seekers Detained or Deported

Posted on October 8, 2021 | by Laura Lington

Sixty-seven percent (67%) of voters want asylum seekers detained or deported. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that total includes 35% who believe they should be detained either in the United States or Mexico and 32% who believe they should be immediately deported.

Another 32% believe asylum seekers should be released into the United States and asked to return for a court hearing.

The results suggest that voters are divided into three roughly equal groups. One group wants asylum seekers deported, one wants them detained, and one wants them released into the U.S. pending a court date.

Those who want asylum seekers detained are evenly divided between whether they should be detained in the United States or in Mexico.

Forty-nine percent (49%) of Democrats believe asylum seekers should be released into the United States. That view is shared by 30% of Independent voters and 18% of Republicans.

There is a significant difference between progressive Democrats and traditional Democrats on this issue. Among those who prefer policies like those of Bernie Sanders, 58% believe asylum seekers should be released into the United States. That number is 37% among those who prefer more traditional Democratic policies.

The survey also found that 73% of voters believe legal immigration is good for the United States while 75% believe illegal immigration is bad.

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Methodology

The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.

58% Have Confidence In American Elections

Posted on October 8, 2021 | by Laura Lington

Fifty-eight percent (58%) of voters are confident that American elections are conducted in a manner that ensures all votes are counted and that the proper winners are declared. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 35% lack such confidence and 7% are not sure.

The totals include 31% who are Very Confident and 18% who are Not at All Confident.

As has been true for decades, the party winning the White House has greater confidence in the election process. Eighty-three percent (83%) of Democrats have confidence in American elections. Just 48% of Independent voters and 42% or Republicans agree.

Looking back, most Democrats (54%) continue to believe that Hillary Clinton was the legitimate winner of the 2016 presidential election. Most Republicans (63%) believe that Donald Trump was the legitimate winner in 2020.

Just 30% of voters are confident that the right person was declared president in both 2016 and 2020.

These perceptions have changed little since March.

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Methodology

The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.

58% Say US System of Government Morally Superior To China’s

Posted on October 7, 2021 | by Laura Lington

Fifty-eight percent (58%) of voters believe the United States system of government is morally superior to China’s system of government. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 16% disagree and 25% are not sure.

Sixty-eight percent (68%) of Republicans and 58% of Democrats agree that the U.S. system is morally superior. Independent voters, by a 49% to17% margin, agree.

In world affairs, 57% see the United States as a force for good while 12% see it as a force for evil.

On China, the numbers are reversed. 48% see China as a force for evil while just 13% see that nation as a force for good.

Seventy-two percent (72%) believe the U.S. treats women and minorities better than China. Five percent (5%) take the opposite view.

Seventy percent (70%) see the Chinese Government and the Chinese Communist Party as a threat to the United States. Sixteen percent (16%) do not.

Data released earlier showed that 80% of voters think it is important for the United States to hold China accountable for its use of slave labor and other human rights violations. Additionally, 60% believe it is important to hold China accountable for the spread of COVID-19.

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Methodology

The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.