53% Say Loss of Educational Opportunities Bigger Threat to Kids Than COVID; 31% Disagree

Posted on January 9, 2022 | by Staff Writer

Fifty-three percent (53%) of voters believe the loss of educational opportunities from shutting down schools is a bigger threat to children than the possibility of getting COVID. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 31% disagree and believe COVID is the bigger threat.

Republicans overwhelmingly see the loss of educational opportunities as the bigger threat. Independent voters agree by a 2-to-1 margin.

Democrats, however, disagree. By a 47% to 35% margin, those in President Biden’s party see the possibility of getting COVID as the bigger threat.

The survey also found that 36% believe it should be against the law for unvaccinated Americans to fly on commercial airlines. Forty-five percent (45%) disagree.

There is also a significant divide on this question. Democrats, by a 2-to-1 margin, believe it should be against the law for the unvaccinated to fly. Republicans disagree by an even wider margin (60% to 24%). Among Independents, 30% believe it should be against the law while 49% disagree.

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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:

What is the bigger threat to children: the possibility of getting COVID or the loss of educational opportunities from shutting down schools?

31% Getting COVID

53% Loss of educational opportunities

16% Not sure

Question 2:

Should it be against the law for unvaccinated Americans to fly on commercial airlines?

36% Yes

45% No

19% Not sure

Question 3:

If you tested positive for COVID, how likely is it that you would recover quickly with only minor symptoms?

39% Very likely

35% Somewhat likely

7% Not very likely

5% Not at all likely

14% Not sure

Methodology

The survey of 1,000 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen on January 3-4, 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 +/- 3.1 percentage points.

54% Want to Balance COVID Concerns with Social, Lifestyle, and Economic Concerns; 34% Want to Focus on Stopping COVID at All Costs

Posted on January 7, 2022 | by Staff Writer

When fighting the COVID pandemic, 54% of voters believe the focus should be on balancing health care concerns with social, lifestyle, and economic concerns. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 34% disagree and believe it is more important to stop COVID at all costs.

Sixty-six percent (66%) of Republicans believe a balanced approach is best. Independent voters, by a 49% to 35% margin, tend to agree. Democrats are evenly divided.

The survey also found that 30% of voters now believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us while 39% believe it is still to come.

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Question 1:

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

66% I have already been vaccinated.

3% I want to be vaccinated as soon as possible.

6% I want to wait and see how it works before getting vaccinated.

9% I’m in no particular rush to get vaccinated.

13% I will never get vaccinated.

3% Not sure

Question 2:

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

30% Behind us

39% Still to come

30% Not sure

Question 3:

Is it more important to stop COVID at all costs or to balance health care concerns with social, lifestyle, and economic concerns?

34% Stop COVID at all costs

54% Balance concerns

12% Not sure

Methodology

46% Believe Worst of Pandemic Is Still to Come; Voters Divided As To What They Fear More– Getting COVID Or More Government Restrictions

Posted on December 30, 2021 | by Staff Writer

As 2021 draws to a close, just 27% of voters now believe that the worst of the pandemic is behind us. That’s down two points from a week ago, down seventeen since early November. and down 29 from the peak level of optimism measured in May.

A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 46% now believe the worst is yet to come. This is the second highest level of pessimism recorded since the vaccines became available.

Despite the pessimism, just 28% of voters want to see stricter lockdowns imposed at this time. Thirty-four percent (34%) want to see restrictions eased in their area while 28% don’t think any changes are needed.

Another indication of declining public concern is that 74% of voters are close to resuming their normal life. In fact, 47% are more worried about governments imposing unnecessary restrictions and lockdowns than they are about getting COVID. A slightly smaller number of voters–43%– are more worried about getting COVID.

Fifty-six percent (56%) of who have been vaccinated are more worried about getting COVID. Thirty-eight percent (38%) of the vaccinated are more worried about government restrictions and lockdowns. Those who are not vaccinated have an entirely different set of concerns. By a 66% to 21% margin, the unvaccinated are more worried about government restrictions than getting COVID.

Additionally, 59% believe the reluctance of some vaccinated voters to re-engage in social activities is hurting the economy. That total includes 61% of those who have already been vaccinated.

Data released earlier showed that 49% of voters believe relaxing vaccine mandates, mask requirements, and social distancing guidelines would be good for the economy. Thirty percent (30%) disagree.

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.

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 as soon as 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.

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.
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?

62% I have already been vaccinated.

4% I want to be vaccinated as soon as possible.

6% I want to wait and see how it works before getting vaccinated.

9% I’m in no particular rush to get vaccinated.

15% I will never get vaccinated.

4% Not sure

Question 2:

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

27% Behind us

46% Still to come

27% 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.

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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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

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.

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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

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

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.

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

47% Believe Dr. Fauci Makes Recommendations Based On Scientific Data and Research

Posted on December 15, 2021 | by Staff Writer

Forty-seven percent (47%) of voters believe Dr. Anthony Fauci makes his recommendations primarily on scientific data and research. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 33% disagree and think his recommendations are based upon his own personal and political views. Twenty percent (20%) are not sure.

Seventy-three percent (73%) of traditional Democrats believe Fauci acts primarily upon data and research. So do 71% of Sanders’ Democrats. Among traditional Republicans, that figure falls to 47%.

However, among those who prefer the policies of former President Trump, 58% think Fauci’s recommendations are based primarily on his own personal and political views. Just 24% of these populist Republicans believe he acts upon scientific data.

In terms of encouraging more people to get vaccinated, data released earlier suggested that Dr. Fauci is not an effective messenger. Just 15% of unvaccinated voters believe he makes his policy recommendations based primarily on scientific data and research.

Overall, 50% of voters currently have a favorable opinion of Dr. Fauci. That’s little changed from earlier surveys.

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Question 1:

Do you have a favorable or an unfavorable opinion of Dr. Anthony Fauci?

30% Very favorable

20% Somewhat favorable

13% Somewhat unfavorable

19% Very unfavorable

17% Not sure

Question 2:

Does Dr. Fauci make his recommendations primarily on scientific data and research or upon his own personal and political views?

47% Scientific data

33% Personal views

20% Not sure

Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen on December 1-3, 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.

66% Worried That Elected Officials Want to Keep Pandemic Powers Over Individual Americans

Posted on December 8, 2021 | by Staff Writer

During the pandemic, government officials exercised extraordinary power over the lives of individual Americans. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 66% of voters are worried that many government officials will try to continue exercising such power over individual Americans.

That number is up slightly from 62% in June.

Twenty-five percent (25%) of voters are not worried and 8% are not sure.

The current totals include 35% who are Very Worried and 9% who are Not at All Worried.

Eighty-five percent (85%) of Republicans are worried about elected officials clinging to pandemic power. So are 60% of Independents and 57% of Democrats.

These results are generally consistent with earlier data showing that 65% of voters believe the federal government is actively working to get more power and control over the lives of everyday Americans.

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Question:

During the pandemic, government officials exercised extraordinary power over the lives of individual Americans. How worried are you that many government officials will try to continue exercising such power over individual Americans?

35% Very worried

31% Somewhat worried

16% Not very worried

9% Not at all worried

8% Not sure

Methodology

Pandemic Pessimism Growing Once Again: Just 32% Say Worst is Behind Us and 40% Fear it Is Still to Come

Posted on December 8, 2021 | by Staff Writer

The latest numbers on the pandemic show that 32% now believe the worst is behind us. That’s down eight points from a week ago and 14 points from a month ago.

A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 40% now believe the worst is yet to come. These numbers reflect rising pessimism. It’s the first time in two months that more voters expressed the negative view rather than the positive option.

Just 27% of women believe the worst is behind us while 43% believe the worst is still to come. Men are evenly divided.

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, 28% still believed the worst had already come and gone. Confidence began to grow again in early October before falling again in November.

Data released earlier showed that 49% of voters believe relaxing vaccine mandates, mask requirements, and social distancing guidelines would be good for the economy. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 30% disagree.

Other data shows that 59% of voters favor relaxing vaccine mandates to ease supply chain issues. Additionally, 61% favor relaxing vaccine mandates for police officers, fire fighters, and health care workers.

These findings, along with other data, provide a sense that support for the mandates is soft. Forty-eight percent (48%) of voters now say they favor the mandates. That’s down six points over the past two months.

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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.

6% I want to be vaccinated as soon as possible.

6% I want to wait and see how it works before getting vaccinated.

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

13% I will never get vaccinated.

2% Not sure

Question 2

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

32% Behind us

40% Still to come

28% Not sure

Methodology

58% Believe Lockdowns Did More Harm Than Good

Posted on December 7, 2021 | by Staff Writer

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.

Belief that the lockdowns did more harm than good is up a point since August and up three points from July. In May, 2020, a majority of voters took the opposite view.

The current totals include 35% who Strongly Agree that the lockdowns did more harm than good and 15% who Strongly Disagree.

The survey also found that 48% believe many states and cities overreact to the coronavirus pandemic in ways that did more harm than good. On that point, 39% disagree.

Just 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.

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Question 1:

Looking back, did many states and cities overreact to the coronavirus pandemic in ways that did more harm than good?

48% Yes

39% No

13% Not sure

Question 2:

How closely do you follow news about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for behavior during the pandemic?

30% Very closely

40% Somewhat closely

19% Not very closely

8% Not at all

3% Not sure

Question 3:

During the pandemic, has the CDC generally provided reliable and fact-based guidelines, or has it generally acted in a partisan political manner?

48% Fact-based guidelines

32% Partisan political manner

20% Not sure

Question 4:

Looking back over the past year or so, would you agree or disagree with this statement: “Despite good intentions, shutting down businesses and locking down society did more harm than good.”

35% Strongly agree

23% Somewhat agree

20% Somewhat disagree

15% Strongly disagree

7% Not sure

Methodology

49% Believe Relaxing COVID Restrictions Would Be Good for Economy; 30% Say It Would Be Bad

Posted on November 24, 2021 | by Staff Writer

Forty-nine percent (49%) of voters believe relaxing vaccine mandates, mask requirements, and social distancing guidelines would be good for the economy. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 30% disagree. Ten percent (10%) don’t believe it would have any impact while 11% are not sure.

By a 3-to-1 margin, voters who believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us believe easing restrictions would be good for the economy. Voters who believe the worst is still to come are evenly divided.

Voters who don’t believe the worst is behind us have wildly different concerns. Only half (51%) are worried about ongoing health issues. Thirty-six percent (36%) are worried about more government restrictions and mandates. This suggests that government efforts to combat the virus through further restrictions are likely to antagonize many voters.

The latest numbers also confirm that pessimism about the pandemic is growing once again. The latest numbers show that just 40% now believe the worst is behind us while 37% say the worst is yet to come. That’s the lowest net positive rating since late September.

Perceptions about the pandemic have resembled a roller coaster ride from the very beginning. When the lockdowns first began, a majority of voters believed the pandemic would end by Memorial Day 2020.

In 2021, optimism rose quickly when the vaccines became available. By May, 56% believed the worst was behind us. However, confidence crashed 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 peaking a couple of weeks ago and resuming its downhill trajectory.

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Question 1:

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

65% I have already been vaccinated.

5% I want to be vaccinated as soon as possible.

4% I want to wait and see how it works before getting vaccinated.

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

15% I will never get vaccinated.

3% Not sure

Question 2:

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

40% Behind us

37% Still to come

22% Not sure

Question 3:

Would relaxing vaccine mandates, mask requirements, and social distancing guidelines be good for the economy or bad for the economy?

49% Good for the economy

30% Bad for the economy

10% No impact

11% Not sure

Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen on November 22-23, 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.

46% Believe Worst of the Pandemic is Behind Us

Posted on November 15, 2021 | by Staff Writer

Forty-six percent (46%) of voters now believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us. That’s up six points since the end of October and up 18 points since the end of September. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 28% believe the worst is still to come and 26% are not sure.

This is the most optimistic assessment since May.

Looking back, confidence about the pandemic grew dramatically early in the area as the vaccines became available. By May, 56% of voters said the worst was behind us.

However, with the arrival of the Delta variant, confidence collapsed. By late August, just 25% believed the worst was behind us. At that point, nearly twice as many (48%) believed the worst was still to come.

Then, when October arrived, confidence once again began to grow dramatically. By the end of October, 75% of voters were close to resuming their normal life in terms of going out socially, traveling, and interacting with others in person.

Among those who don’t believe the worst is behind us, only half (51%) are worried about ongoing health issues. Thirty-six percent (36%) are worried about more government restrictions and mandates. This suggests that government efforts to combat the virus through further restrictions are likely to antagonize many voters.

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Question 1:

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

46% Behind us

28% Still to come

26% Not sure

Question 2:

Did the Chinese government make the global pandemic worse by withholding important research and releasing false information?

68% Yes

10% No

21% Not sure

Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen on November 8-11, 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.

Those Worried About Pandemic Are Divided as to Why

Posted on November 11, 2021 | by Staff Writer

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Question:

What worries you more about the pandemic: the possibility of more health-related issues or the possibility of more government restrictions and mandates?*

*asked of those who think the worst of the pandemic is still to come, or aren’t sure

51% Health-related issues

36% More government restrictions and mandates

13% Not sure

Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen on November 4-7, 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.

44% Say Worst of Pandemic Behind Us; 29% Have Concerns About Ongoing Health Issues; 20% Concerned About More Gov’t Mandates

Posted on November 10, 2021 | by Staff Writer

Forty-four percent (44%) of voters now believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us. That’s up four points from a week ago and up 16 points from a month ago. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 29% believe the worst is still to come and 27% are not sure.

Fifty-one percent (51%) of men believe the worst is behind us along with 38% of women.

Overall, this is the most optimistic assessment since late May.

Among the voters who don’t believe the worst is behind us, roughly half (51%) are worried about ongoing health issues. However, 36% are worried about more government restrictions and mandates.

Combining the two questions shows that 44% believe the worst is behind us, 29% have ongoing concerns about health related issues, and 20% have ongoing concerns about government restrictions.

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Question:

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

44% Behind us

29% Still to come

27% Not sure

Methodology

84% Want Everyone Entering the U.S. Tested for COVID and Other Health Risks

Posted on November 9, 2021 | by Staff Writer

Eighty-four percent (84%) of voters favor a proposal requiring everyone entering the United States—including immigrants and visitors—to be tested for COVID and other health risks. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 10% oppose such a requirement and 6% are not sure.

Those totals include who Strongly Favor requiring health tests for everyone entering the country and 5% who are Strongly Opposed.

That proposal is favored by 85% of White voters, 82% of Hispanic voters, and 77% of Black voters.

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Question:

A proposal has been made that would require everyone entering the United States—including immigrants and visitors—to be tested for COVID and other health risks. Do you favor or oppose this proposal?

64% Strongly favor

20% Somewhat favor

5% Somewhat oppose

5% Strongly oppose

6% Not sure

Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen on October 25-27, 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.

71% Expect Quick Recovery From COVID with Minor Symptoms; 15% Do Not

Posted on November 8, 2021 | by Staff Writer

If they tested positive for COVID, 71% of voters think it’s likely they would recover quickly with only minor symptoms. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 15% do not expect such a quick recovery and another 15% are not sure.

Those totals include 41% who say such a minor impact is Very Likely and 5% who say it is Not at All likely.

Interestingly, there is no difference on this question between the vaccinated and the unvaccinated. Seventy-one percent (71%) of each group consider a quick recovery likely.

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Question:

If you tested positive for COVID, how likely is it that you would recover quickly with only minor symptoms?

41% Very likely

30% Somewhat likely

10% Not very likely

5% Not at all likely

15% 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.

75% Close to Resuming Normal Life; Hesitancy Among the Vaccinated May Be Having Economic Impact

Posted on November 4, 2021 | by Staff Writer

Seventy-five percent (75%) of voters are close to resuming their normal life in terms of going out socially, traveling, and interacting with others in person. That’s up nine points from 66% in September.

A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 22% say they are not close to resuming their normal life (down eight points).

Those totals include 39% who are Very Close to resuming their normal life. That’s up ten points since September. Just 6% who are Not at All close.

These results come amidst a renewed burst of optimism that we are putting the pandemic behind us.

Seventy-seven percent (77%) of White voters are close to resuming their normal life. So are 72% of Hispanic voters and 59% of Black voters.

Eighty-four percent (84%) of Republicans are close to resuming a normal life. So are 70% of Independent voters and 69% of Democrats.

However, GOP voters are much closer than other voters. Fifty-six percent (56%) of Republicans are Very Close to resuming their normal social interaction. Just 36% of Independents and 24% of Democrats have reached that point.

The hesitance of those who have been vaccinated to resume normal activities may be one factor driving economic challenges. Currently 45% of voters believe the U.S. is in a recession. Large majorities have experienced sharp inflation and supply chain issues.

Among those who have received the COVID vaccine, just 37% are Very Close to resuming normal social interaction. Among those who say they will never get vaccinated, that figure is 64%.

Among the vaccinated, 21% say they are not close to resuming normal activities.

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Question 1:

Which worries you more: That the Biden administration will re-open society too quickly or that they will wait too long?

36% Too soon

38% Wait too long

26% Not sure

Question 2:

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?

39% Very close

36% Somewhat close

16% Not very close

6% Not at all

4% 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

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 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.

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 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.

54% Believe Vaccine Requirements Should Be Decided in the Private Sector; 36% Want Government to Set the Guidelines

Posted on September 20, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Fifty-four percent (54%) of voters nationwide believe vaccine requirements should be determined in the private sector. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 36% disagree and believe governments should establish the guidelines.

Those totals include 30% who believe individual companies should set the rules for their workforce and 24% who think the decision should be left up to individual workers. On the other hand, 21% believe the federal government should decide and 15% think the rules should be set by state and local governments.

Republicans, by a 65% to 28% margin believe that companies or workers should decide for themselves. Independent voters, by a 58% to 26% margin agree. Most Democrats, however, see it differently. By a 54% to 39% margin, those in President Biden’s party believe believe governments at some level should set the rules.

As on many issues, there is a significant divide between the views of White Democrats and Black Democrats. Twenty-six percent (26%) of Black Democrats believe individual workers should decide for themselves. Just 9% of White Democrats share that view.

These results are especially interesting because the same survey found that 54% of voters at least somewhat favor the president’s mandate order. How can a majority think decisions should be made in the private sector at the same time a majority supports Biden’s top-down approach?

It turns out that just 36% of those who favor the president’s plan believe the federal government should make such decisions. Another 20% of those who support the president’s mandate believe the decision should be made at the state or local level. At the same time, 27% believe the decision should be made either by individual companies or workers.

On the flip side, those who disapprove of the president’s policy, 81% believe the decision should be made by individual companies or workers.

These results suggest support for the president’s plan is driven more by partisan loyalty rather than the plan itself.

Adding to the softness of support for the president’s vaccine mandate is the fact that just 33% of voters believe the president has the legal authority to order private companies to impose a vaccine requirement. Even among those who favor the plan, just over half (54%) believe Biden has the legal authority to impose it.

Related data shows that 39% of voters have relatives or close friends who will get vaccinated against their will because they don’t want to lose their job. That total includes 60% of Hispanic voters.

Additionally, 66% of voters are close to resuming their normal life in terms of going out socially, traveling, and interacting with others in person.

Still, pessimism about the pandemic remains high. Just 28%believe the worst is behind us. Forty-five percent (45%) believe the worst is yet to come. That matches the most pessimistic assessment since the vaccines rolled out in January.

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* How closely have you followed recent news stories about President Biden’s new vaccine mandates?

33% Very closely

37% Somewhat closely

17% Not very closely

10% Not at all closely

4% Not sure

* Who should make the decision as to whether a company requires all employees to receive the COVID vaccine?

21% The federal government

15% State and local governments

30% Individual companies

24% Individual workers

10% Not sure

Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen on September 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.

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

39% of Voters Have Relatives or Close Friends Who Will Get Vaccinated Against Their Will Because They Don’t Want to Lose Their Job

Posted on September 19, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Thirty-nine percent (39%) of voters have relatives or close friends who will get vaccinated against their will because they don’t want to lose their job. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 32% do not and 29% are not sure.

Forty-three percent (43%) of Democrats know someone who will get vaccinated against their will. So do 38% of Republicans and 36% of Independents.

Sixty percent (60%) of Hispanic voters know someone who will get vaccinated against their will. That figure is 38% among White voters and 34% among Black voters.

The survey also found that 36% have relatives or close friends who will quit their job rather than get vaccinated. Forty-two percent (42%) do not while 23% are not sure.

The partisan and racial dynamics are essentially the same on that question.

Forty-five percent (45%) of voters know someone in both categories: those who will quit rather than get vaccinated and those who will get vaccinated against their will.

Data released earlier shows that just 33% of voters believe the president has the legal authority to order private companies to impose a vaccine requirement. Despite that, 54% at least somewhat favor the president’s mandate order.

Other data shows that 66% of voters are close to resuming their normal life in terms of going out socially, traveling, and interacting with others in person. If they tested positive for COVID, 68% believe it is likely they would recover quickly with only minor symptoms.

* Do you have any relatives or close friends who will quit their job rather than get vaccinated?

36% Yes

42% No

23% Not sure

* Okay, do you have any relatives or close friends who will get vaccinated against their will because they don’t want to lose their job?

39% Yes

32% No

29% Not sure

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Methodology

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

33% Believe President Has Legal Authority to Order Vaccine Mandates

Posted on September 19, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Thirty-three percent (33%) of voters believe the president has the legal authority to order private companies to impose a vaccine requirement. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 45% disagree and 22% are not sure.

Fifty-five percent (55%) of Democrats believe the president has such authority. Sixty-four percent (64%) of Republicans say he does not. Among Independent voters, 23% believe the president has the authority and 48% do not.

Despite the fact that only 33% believe the president has the legal authority to act, 54% at least somewhat favor the president’s mandate order. Thirty-seven percent (37%) are opposed.

Eighty-two percent (82%) of Democrats favor the president’s action while 57% of Republicans disagree. Independent voters are evenly divided.

Data released earlier showed that 66% of voters are close to resuming their normal life in terms of going out socially, traveling, and interacting with others in person. If they tested positive for COVID, 68% believe it is likely they would recover quickly with only minor symptoms.

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

28% Behind us

45% Still to Come

27% Not Sure

* For all companies with more than 100 employees, President Biden has mandated that they must require their workers to be vaccinated or submit to weekly testing. Do you favor or oppose this proposal?

32% Strongly favor

22% Somewhat favor

12% Somewhat oppose

25% Strongly oppose

9% Not sure

* Regardless of whether you favor or oppose the vaccine mandates, does the president have the legal authority to order private companies to impose a vaccine requirement?

33% Yes

45% No

22% Not sure

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Methodology

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

66% Close to Resuming Normal Life

Posted on September 18, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Two-thirds (66%) of voters are close to resuming their normal life in terms of going out socially, traveling, and interacting with others in person. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 30% say they are not close to resuming their normal life and 5% are not sure.

Those totals include 29% who are Very Close to resuming their normal life and 8% who are Not at All close.

Seventy percent (70%) of White voters are close to resuming their normal life. So are 68% of Hispanic voters and 53% of Black voters.

Among those who Strongly Approve of President Biden’s vaccine mandate orders, 56% are close to a normal life. However, among those who Strongly Opposed to the Biden plan, 79% are close to a normal life.

If they tested positive for COVID, 68% believe it is likely they would recover quickly with only minor symptoms. Seventeen percent (17%) consider it unlikely while 15% are not sure.

Those totals include 34% who say a quick recovery is Very Likely while 5% say it’s Not at All Likely.

Twenty-eight percent (28%) of voters now believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us. Forty-five percent (45%) believe the worst is yet to come. Those numbers are down slightly from a month ago and match the most pessimistic assessment since the vaccines rolled out in January.

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

28% Behind us

45% Still to come

27% Not sure

* 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?

29% Very close

37% Somewhat close

22% Not very close

8% Not at all close

5% Not sure

* If you tested positive for COVID, how likely is it that you would recover quickly with only minor symptoms?

34% Very likely

34% Somewhat likely

12% Not very likely

5% Not at all likely

15% Not sure

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Methodology

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

Democrats See Trump Supporters and the Unvaccinated As Biggest Threat to Nation

Posted on September 12, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Fifty-seven percent (57%) of Democratic voters believe supporters of Donald Trump are a serious threat to the nation. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 56% of those in President Biden’s party also consider the unvaccinated a serious threat. That’s a higher level of concern than Democrats express about the Taliban (44% see it as a serious threat); China (44%), or Russia (37%).

These results help explain the tone and actions taken recently by President Biden.

Republicans and Independents have a much different view of the threats facing the nation.

For Republicans, the top concerns are the Taliban (66%), Defund the Police Activists (62%), and China (58%).

The top three concerns for Independents are the same as the GOP (though in a different order). The Taliban is the biggest concern for independent voters (46%) followed by China (45%) and Defund the Police Activists (36%).

Among all voters, 52% see the Taliban as a serious threat and 49% say the same about China. Next on the list, 40% see Defund the Police Activists as a serious threat and 39% see the unvaccinated that way.

While Democrats see Trump supporters as the biggest threat facing the nation, 42% of all voters see them as no threat. That’s not terribly surprising given that the former president received nearly as many votes as President Biden. This is the only group asked about in the survey where the number saying No Threat tops the Serious Threat.

The disconnect may come from the fact that a plurality of Democrats think most Trump voters supported those who assaulted the Capitol. However, that is not the case. A solid majority of Republicans and a solid majority of Trump supporters disapprove of those who broke into the Capitol on January 6.

Going even further, 45% of voters consider the January 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol a major threat to democracy. However, a slightly larger number–55%– believe letting government bureaucrats set rules without approval of Congress or voters is a major threat to democracy.

On the topic of seeing the unvaccinated as a threat, Scott Rasmussen recently asked vaccinated voters an open-ended question on their thoughts about the unvaccinated. The responses are far less angry than you might expect from the media coverage (see the raw responses from 659 vaccinated voters here).

Other recent survey data helps explain the lack of anger in the comments offered by vaccinated voters. Most (57%) are comfortable attending indoor social events without wearing a mask. Also, if they tested positive for COVID, 67% of voters think it’s they would recover quickly with only minor symptoms. Just 5% say such a recovery is Not at All Likely.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen on September 8, 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.

Most Vaccinated Americans Believe It’s More Important for Government to Protect Individual Rights Than To Do What Majority Wants

Posted on September 10, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Fifty-six percent (56%) of voters nationwide believe it is more important for the government to protect the rights of individual Americans rather than doing what the majority wants. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 29% take the opposite views and believe following the majority is more important. Fifteen percent (15%) are not sure.

Among voters who have received the COVID vaccine, 53% see protecting individual rights as the higher priority while 35% take the opposite view.

Sixty-five percent (65%) of Republicans see protecting individual rights as the higher priority. So do 52% of Independent voters and 48% of Democrats.

Data released earlier showed, in their own words, how vaccinated Americans view the unvaccinated. The responses are far less angry than you might expect from the media coverage. Relatively few of the vaccinated expressed anger at the unvaccinated. Instead of anger, there are many condescending comments about the perceived stupidity of the unvaccinated.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen from August 10-11, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. 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.

64% Want America to Move Forward By Adapting to Pandemic; 24% Want More Lockdowns

Posted on September 9, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Sixty-four percent (64%) of voters believe it’s time for the nation to move forward by adapting to the ongoing nature of the pandemic. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that just 24% want to lockdown again until the pandemic is completely behind us.

Support for moving forward rather than locking down comes from 78% of Republicans, 59% of Independents, and 53% of Democrats.

When it comes to deciding which businesses are safe to visit, 53% of voters nationwide think individual Americans should decide for themselves. Thirty-one percent (31%) think Governors and Mayors should make that decision.

On this question there is a partisan divide. Seventy percent (70%) of Republicans think individual Americans should decide for themselves. By a 50% to 33% margin, Democrats place their trust in Governors and Mayors.

As for independents, 53% trust individual Americans and 22% are more comfortable letting elected officials decide.

Other recent surveys found that 57% of voters believe the lockdowns did more harm than good.

Pessimism about the pandemic has grown dramatically in recent months. It is currently at the lowest level recorded since the vaccines became available.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from September 2-5, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 151 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. 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.

62% of Florida Voters Say It’s Time to Move Forward by Adapting to the Pandemic; 25% Want Lockdowns Instead

Posted on September 1, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Sixty-two percent (62%) of Florida’s Registered Voters think it’s time to move forward by finding a way to adapt to the ongoing nature of the pandemic. A Scott Rasmussen survey found that 25% believe it would be better to lockdown again until the pandemic is completely behind us.

Sixty-six percent (66%) of White voters in the state believe it’s time to move forward. So do 59% of Hispanic voters and 51% of Black voters.

The state’s most liberal voters are evenly divided on the question. Very conservative voters, on the other hand, say it’s time to move forward by a 79% to 14% margin.

Republicans overwhelmingly say it’s time to move forward. Democrats are more evenly divided. Still, by a 49% to 37% margin, a plurality of Democrats in Florida say it’s time to adapt rather than lockdown.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,000 Registered Voters in Florida was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from August 21-28, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 149 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. 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 state’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.

Biden Approval Down to 46% Amidst Concerns About Afghanistan, Immigration, and the Pandemic

Posted on August 26, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Forty-six percent (46%) of voters nationwide now approve of the way President Biden is performing his job. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 46% disapprove and 7% are not sure.

Biden’s approval rating is down five points from a month ago and down nine points from two months ago.

The current totals include 22% who Strongly Approve and 35% who Strongly Disapprove. That is by far the most negative assessments yet measured for the president.

One major challenge for the president is that just 45% of voters have confidence in the ability of the Biden Administration to keep America safe. Following the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, 49% of all voters believe that our enemies view us as weaker than before. Just 21% disagree.

As a result, 59% think a major terrorist attack in the U.S. is somewhat or very likely within the next year.

The situation at the Southern border may also be a factor in the general lack of confidence. Just 28% of voters believe the federal government today is seriously trying to secure the border and reduce illegal immigration. There is a strong belief that many of those crossing the border illegally are drug dealers, human traffickers, and more.

Adding to the president’s burden, pessimism about the pandemic is growing again. Just 25% of voters believe the worst is behind us. That’s down 31 points over the past three months and the lowest level of optimism measured since the vaccines became available.

On the policy front, 57% of voters believe that shutting down businesses and locking down society did more harm than good.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from August 20-22, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 215 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. 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.

Pessimism About Pandemic Continues to Grow

Posted on August 24, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Public confidence concerning the pandemic has fallen again to the lowest level measured since the vaccines became available. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 25% of voters now believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us. That’s down three points since over the past month and down 31 points over the past three months.

Forty-eight percent (48%) of voters now believe the worst is yet to come. That’s up three points from a month ago and up 28 points from 3 months ago.

This is the most pessimistic assessment measured since December of last year. Beginning with the rollout of the vaccines in January, confidence grew fairly steadily for five months.

Thirty-three percent (33%) of men believe the worst is behind us, an optimism shared by just 18% of women.

These numbers come at a time when 57% of voters believe that the lockdowns did more harm than good.

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Methodology

57% Believe Lockdowns Did More Harm Than Good

Posted on August 23, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Looking back over the past year, 57% of voters believe that shutting down businesses and locking down society did more harm than good. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 36% disagree and 17% are not sure.

Belief that the lockdowns did more harm than good is up a couple of points from a month ago. In May, 2020, a majority of voters took the opposite view.

The current totals include 32% who Strongly Agree that the lockdowns did more harm than good and 17% who Strongly Disagree.

Republicans overwhelmingly think the lockdowns did more harm than good. Independents, by a 49% to 26% margin, tend to agree. Most Democrats (52%) take the opposite view.

However, there is a divide between White Democrats and other Democrats.

Most White Democrats (58%) reject the idea that the lockdowns did more harm than good.
Among Black Democrats, 51% agree that the lockdowns did more harm than good.
Among Other Democrats, 56% think the lockdowns did more harm than good.

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Methodology

Just 15% of Unvaccinated Believe Fauci Makes Recommendations Based On Science

Posted on August 16, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Just 15% of unvaccinated voters believe Dr. Anthony Fauci makes his policy recommendations based primarily on scientific data and research. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 48% think his recommendations are based primarily upon his own personal and political views.

The survey also found that just 20% of unvaccinated voters have a favorable opinion of Fauci. Fifty-two percent (52%) of the unvaccinated have an unfavorable view of the presidential advisor.

Trust in Fauci is even lower among those who say they will never get vaccinated.

In terms of encouraging more people to get vaccinated, these numbers suggest that Dr. Fauci is not an effective messenger.

Among all voters, 51% have a favorable opinion of Fauci while 32% hold an unfavorable view. That’s little changed from earlier surveys.

Just under half (45%) believe Fauci makes recommendations based upon science while 30% think they are primarily personal opinions.

Fauci remains a politically polarizing figure. Sixty-nine percent (69%) of Democrats believe he makes recommendations based upon science and research. Just 28% of Republicans and 22% of Independents agree.

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Methodology

16% Have Verbally Complained To Someone Not Wearing a Mask; 11% Have Complained About a Business Requiring a Mask

Posted on August 14, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Sixteen percent (16%) of voters have verbally disapproved to someone about their refusal to wear a mask. On the other side of the debate, a Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 11% have complained to an employee when a business required them to wear a mask.

Fourteen percent (14%) have canceled plans due to lack of mask and social distancing requirements. But that’s balanced out by 12% who have canceled plans due to mask and social distancing requirements.

In the ongoing societal debate over pandemic protocols, 12% have had an argument with a friend over social distancing and masks. Eight percent (8%) have blocked a friend on social media over vaccination views.

Despite all the heated rhetoric in the political world, 62% of voters have not taken any of the above actions.

Recent survey data on how the vaccinated view the unvaccinated also shows less anger than the media dialogue suggests.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen from August 4-9, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. 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.

29% Believe Having COVID Makes You Immune; 42% Disagree

Posted on August 14, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

If someone has had COVID-19, 29% of voters believe that they are generally immune to getting it again. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 42% disagree and 28% are not sure.

Perhaps surprisingly, there is little difference among those who have already been vaccinated and those who have not.

Younger voters are more likely than their elders to believe having COVID makes you immune. However, uncertainty on this point is high among all demographic groups.

Other data from the survey showed that 20% of the unvaccinated have already had COVID.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from August 5-7, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 236 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. 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.

73% Think Chinese Gov’t Actively Covered Up Its Role in COVID Release

Posted on August 11, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Seventy-three percent (73%) of voters think it’s likely that the Chinese government actively covered up its role in the release of the coronavirus. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that just 13% consider such a coverup unlikely and 15% are not sure.

Those totals include 49% who believe a coverup is Very Likely and 5% who say it is Not at All Likely.

The survey found less certainty about the U.S. role in development of the coronavirus. Thirty-nine percent (39%) believe that the United States government provided funding to support dangerous research at the laboratory in Wuhan, China. Forty-two percent (42%) are not sure.

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Methodology

How The Vaccinated See The Unvaccinated: In Their Own Words

Posted on August 11, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

In a survey conducted July 29-31, 2021, we asked vaccinated voters an open-ended question on their thoughts about the unvaccinated.

The responses are far less angry than you might expect from the media coverage. A very large share of the respondents (more than 20%) basically say it’s the right of the unvaccinated to decide for themselves (see the raw responses from 659 vaccinated voters here).

Relatively few of the vaccinated expressed anger at the unvaccinated (although a handful wished the unvaccinated would die). Instead of anger, there are many condescending comments about the perceived stupidity of the unvaccinated. Also, many comments about the unvaccinated being selfish, careless, or reckless.

Many also express a desire that the unvaccinated get vaccinated. Most such comments are fairly neutral. There were very few mentions of mandates.

Open End Responses: How The Vaccinated See The Unvaccinated

Posted on August 11, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Scott Rasmussen National Survey of 1,200 Registered Voters

Conducted July 29-31, 2021

OPEN END RESPONSES

[asked of those who have been vaccinated] What are your thoughts about people who have not yet been vaccinated?

#GetVaccinated.

A reality we have to adjust to

America is a free country we each have our own choice

anger

As soon as possible take this vaccine

As soon as possible they should take vaccines

Aside from those who medically are not able to get vaccinated, I think it’s the responsible choice for people to get vaccinated so we can achieve herd immunity and stop this pandemic from needlessly hurting and killing people.

Ask again when FDA fully approves

Be safe

Be safe out here

Befuddled

better get it done soon

careless

careless and stupid at this point

Complete idiots. Most of them think its some sort of conspiracy. Other think something in it. just dumb people

Confused

Confused, irritated, frustrated with them. I think they’re easily manipulated and not very logical-minded.

Consider all

Crazy ðŸ¤ª stupid ðŸ™„

Crazy.

dangerously living

Death wish

Different people have different belief to make things back to normal I support them to get vaccinated

Disdain

do not fill they care for thereselves or other peope

Do not mandate!

don’/t understand them why not take vacine

Don’t care

Don’t like it

dont rly care its there body

don’t want to be around them

Dumb

Dumb asses

Dump

Even though they don’t prevent in virus 100%, being vaccinated is just another layer of protection.

Everyone has their thought but yes I think they should get the shot save there life

Everyone has there own choice to being vaccinated. But I think everyone should at least still wear a mask

Everyone makes there own decisions

Everyone need to vaccine. Don’t forget this vaccine

everyone should be vaccinated

Everyone should get vaccinated

Extremely mad and disgusted

Fear….Following wrong leader

Feel it unfair.

First i scared to take vaccine but my family members insist me to take it

foolish

Foolish

Fools!

For some, I do understand the mistrust for doctors and why that’s the reason they’re not getting it, however for those who arent getting it simply because they dont believe in the virus or because they think they’ll get “microchipped” are stupid and selfish and need to get vaccinated if we want to minimize this virus.

Free Choice

Free country

Freedom of right

Get it asap and for your kids

Get it done.

Get it please

Get the vaccine be safe for yourself and others

Good luck to em

Hard to understand why they are bringing country down

Hey girl I just don’t wanna wanna

Hope they don’t get sick n die

Hopefully they won’t get or spread the virus

I believe it is their choice.

I believe that they are very foolish and a danger to others

I blame them for the current surge

I can understand

I definitely recommend getting the vaccine because COVID-19 is a monster

I do believe it is every persons choice

I do not have a problem with them not getting the shot.

I do not have any thoughts about them

I do not know if they are scared or what but this pandamic will not get any better until everyone who can get vaccinated.

I don’t care about their thoughts about it I just know I’m getting superpowers or a free ticket to heaven

I don’t understand why someone would take a chance with their precious life.

I don’t agree with them, but if I know who they are, I will definitely stay away from them.

i dont care about others

I don’t Know

I don’t think it’s safe. As of this morning 99% of those dying in hospitals from Covid are unvaccinated.

I dont think they are doing good for the economy.

I don’t understand it. They could die.

I don’t understand what they are waiting for

i don’t understand why you would not want to be safe or help the other people

I feel it’s a person’s right to choose but if they aren’t getting vaccinated they should have to where masks everywhere they go. I don’t think the vaccinated should have to where masks we did the right thing and shouldn’t be punished.

I feel its their choice

I feel like it is their own choice but that is a very small sacrifice to keep everyone safe & put an end to this virus .

I feel like they are misinformed

I feel that maybe they reasons why they dont want it and people should respect

I feel their actions are selfish and irresponsible.

I feel they not safety

I have no opinion

I have no opinion on people who have not been vaccinated . It is their own rights to get the vaccine.

I have no problem with them I just want them to make sure they wear their mask it is really dangerous not to wear it because I don’t want them getting Covid and spreading it

I have no thoughts at this time, about other people thoughts.

I have no thoughts on the people who haven’t been vaccinated. I wouldn’t be vaccinated if I didn’t feel pressured to be

I have nothing nice to say about these people

I hope they die before they get me killed.

I know it s theyr business but they should not go outside and endangered other

I know it was just fine and you know it’s good and I think that vaccines next

I pray they don’t become ill.

I really font know why Rhee not getting it they should make it mandototy

I respect the decision

I say it’s ur life but look around and see how it’s affecting others

I say they are being selfish af

I slightly understand their hesitation because it came out so quickly, but strongly believe they should be willing to mask up if they aren’t willing to be vaccinated. I also think they’re the result of consistent misinformation about the virus and the vaccine from whatever news sources they consume

I think all of people should have take covid vaccine for being healthy.

I think any person who doesn’t get the vaccine is misguided. The vaccine does nothing but help.

I think anyone who isn’t vaccinated is doing a great deal of harm to this country. I think if an outbreak happens and it can be traced back to someone who isn’t vaccinated that person should face legal consequences.

I think every people should take thik quickly

I think everyone should be vaccinated to ensure safety for all.

I think for the benefit of themselves and others they should be vaccinated

I think it is a personal decision but for those who choose not to get vaccinated are risking there life’s as well as kids and other who are compromised. Getting all your information from chosen network or social media can strongly influence the less educated on the topic.

I think it is a selfish response to a worldwide pandemic.

I think it’s a choice

I think its extremely selfish. That issue its what causing things like the delta variant

I think it’s somewhat irresponsible

I think it’s their decision

I think its there choice if they wan it or not

I think people are just truly scared of the side effects

i think that there just not thinking or they cant get it

I think that they are being foolish

I think that they are causing a lot of problems so that the country can’t be safe from covid. We eradicated polio but too many won’t be vaccinated because the government is not correct in the vaccine helping. It isn’t FDA approved, changes your DNA are just a few that prevent many from getting it. The government is trying to control us. So I feel they don’t understand the problem.

I think the people need to get vaccinated

I think their total assholes. Sorry for the cuss word. They just don’t care about anybody. It’s because of them that this new surge is going on!

I think they are at risk

I think they are being selfish and are part of Cult 45.

I think they are dumb

I think they are either stupid or selfish.

I think they are endangering people.

I think they are foolish and putting those of us who are vaccinated at risk.

I think they are foolish.

I think they are foolish/stupid/selfish and are putting even those who are vaccinated at risk.

I think they are not very smart, but I also think enough of them will die that our population will be smarter for it.

i think they are safe

I think they are scared but at the same time there decision not to vaccinate is not good for the country

I THINK THEY ARE SELFISH,DUMB

I think they are thoughtless people who don’t care about our society as a whole or anyone except themselves

I think they are very inconsiderate to others who are compromised

I think they are very irresponsible and very selfish. Millions of people have already been vaccinated and are fine their excuses for not wanting to get vaccinated are not even valid.

I think they are wrong and doing a worse to the people of our country

i think they bare crazy not protect them self

I think they cause a danger to people are still vaccinated because you can still get sick

I think they ought to do that quickly because it is a big problem

I think they should vaccinated soon

I think they should be able to do what they want, the vaccine does not do anything to them, it’s a waste of time.

I think they should be vaccinated before beenig aloud any money From the government or state’s

I think they should get it because it will stop this virus.

I think they should get it. It will help if they contract the virus

I think they should get vaccinated but at the same time you can’t force someone to get vaccinated when they don’t want to

I think they should get vaccinated by choice

I think they should get vaccinated when they want but please wear a mask and social distance

I think they should get vaccinated, but I do think it is their choice and the government shouldn’t mandate or pressure them.

I think they should take the advantage hat other people in other countries don’t have the opportunity to receive the vaccines

I think they’re extremely selfish, and should respect others feelings about getting this disease.

I think they’re being selfish

i thought nothing just glad my famiy is.

I understand the fear of the unknown since the vaccine was mass produced with no testing but it is helping to save lives so I believe it should be taken.

i understand their hesitation

I understand their worries but it’s what’s best.

I understand there rights but they are not thinking about anyone but themselves

I understand why they might be hesitant.

I understand you might be hesitant but everyone need to take it

I understand. Their views on side effects

I want them to get vaccinated to protect themelf.

I wanted that they are fastly take a vaccien.

I wish them all the best, however they still need to wear mask and protect themselves and others

I wish they would

I wish they would get vaccinated

I wish they would get vaccinated but no one can make them

I wish they would get vaccinated. We will reach herd immunity much faster if everyone gets vaccinated.

I wish they would take the vaccine for the good of the country if not for themselves.

I work in the medical field so I see everyday how its affecting our state

I worry about them

I would prefer that everyone be vaccinated but I respect everyone’s right to choose.

I would recommend giving the vaccine

I’d rather they got vaccinated, but it’s their choice.

I’d rather have suffer from some side effects from vaccine then be put in the hospital

I’d rather suffer the side effects of a vaccine than the hospitalized with the virus

Idiots

idiots

idiots and should die

Idiots with no regard to their fellow man

Idiots!

If it’s by choice, then they aren’t doing their part.

If there’s no legitimate reason for them not to be vaccinated (lack of resources/access, no method of transportation, medical issues that would get in the way), not being vaccinated is a selfish, dangerous public health risk. There’s no excuse unless you have actual, concrete reasons why you can’t yet get vaccinated.

If they are able but unwilling, then they are selfish and stupid at this point.

If they are allergic to it, they shouldn’t get the vaccine. But if they aren’t, they should get it

If they cared about other people they would get it.

If they do not have a legitimate medical reason for being unvaccinated, they are being stupid and very selfish. They need to stop watching Fox News, Newsmax, OAN, etc. and stop reading false information on social media.

If they don’t want to vaccinate that is fine but government and some private organizations and companies may require it.

If they get covid hospitals should let them die. Unless they’re immunicomproswd amd can’t get the vaccine because of that or under age anyone who doesn’t and gets covid gets no sympathy from me die for all I care let evolution get rid of stupid ones

Ignorant

Ignorant Idiots Ripe for Darwinian Justice

Ill informed

I’m angry that they refuse to be vaccinated. Former president Trump politicized the pandemic and it’s killing Republicans. Social media spreads disinformation about vaccines and those who have not been vaccinated lack basic scientific literacy and are susceptible to political propaganda.

I’m sad that they’re so scared and/or misinformed that they’re putting the whole country at risk by not being vaccinated yet. I’m angry that they’re causing unnecessary death and suffering.

Imbeciles

Important democratic

in all honesty they are complete idiots in denial.

In my opinion, I want everyone vaccinated as soon as possible

Indifferent

IRRESPONSIBLE

Irresponsible

Irresponsible and irrational

Is there choice but as much as possible i want them to be vaccinated

It angers me because they are creating new variants & spreading it.

It depends on their personal circumstances but everyone who can get vaccinated should

It doesn’t really offend me

It is a personal choice. I don’t know if there is a right or wrong decision. I was concerned about getting vaccinated and wasn’t sure I wanted it. I’m still not 100% sure it was the right thing to do for my body

It is a societal obligation to be vaccinated

It is completely their choice. If they don’t want to be, I’m fine with that.

It is ok

It is okay

It is safe and protect from effect of covid

it is so good and nice tho

It is their bad choice

it is their choice

It is their choice

It is their choice but it is not a wise one.

it is their choice but they are putting themselves at risk and others

it is their choice not mine

It is their choice, but I would recommend they get vaccinated to protect themselves and others

it is their choice, that is what freedom is all about

It is their choice. We still live in a free country

It is their choice. I am not angry at them. I am not afraid of them.

It is their choice. That’s what America is about

It is their decision.

It is their own choice. You can’t pressure someone to do something they don’t want to do. It is their right to refuse

It is their personal choice

It is their personal decision

it is their right to choose, but not a smart decision, unless they have underlying circumstances that would masks the risks outweigh the benefits.

It is their right to determine whether they want to be vaccinated or not.

It is there right not to be vaccinated but we will continue to have restrictions and this pandemic will go on forever

It is there right to choose

It is up to each individual if they want the shot or not.

It makes me angry because COVID cases have spiked and it’s making this pandemic last longer. If you’re healthy and able you should get vaccinated. Period.

It saves lives

It should be mandated/required

It should be mandatory for all people who are in the US ! Like treasonous Donny wanted to do with the people who tested positive send them to Guantánamo Bay ! Amen

It their personal choice

It there choice to take it or out my opinion does matter neither way

It would depend on why they haven’t been vaccinated

It’s a personal choice but even if you have or haven’t been vaccinated you still need to stay safe and take protective measures against covid

It’s a personal choice but I think they should get the vaccine.

It’s everyone’s own choice but eventually it may be required for certain things.

It’s everyone’s own choose to be vaccinated or not so I don’t have an opinion.

It’s good

It’s important for both them and others to make this world a better place

It’s irresponsible

It’s their body their choice.

It’s their choice

It’s their choice just don’t bug me about being vaccinated or my wearing a mask

It’s their choice to do so and they assume the risks of it. However if them getting sick causes things to shutdown again, then there’s a problem

It’s their choice to take it or not.

It’s their choice, but I hope they do.

It’s their choice, but then they need to wear a mask EVERYWHERE in public unless they are at least 6ft apart from ANYONE.

It’s there choice

It’s very important that you should.

It’s very worried about that.

Its a good thing to do to help keep others from getting sick.

It’s a personal choice

It’s a personal choice. I would advise getting vaccianted by its each individuals own deicision

its one way to protect covid 19

Its safe for them being around other people

its their choice

Its their choice

its their choice

It’s their choice

It’s their choice but some people have reasons that are conspiracy theories that doesn’t make much sense

It’s their choice, but a dangerous one.

It’s their choice.

It’s their choice. No one should be forced to do something they don’t want to

It’s their choice. Not mine. If they want it they can get it. If they don’t want it, then that’s fine too. None of my business.

It’s their decision, but they have issues with the evaluation of the risk

It’s their decision.

It’s their funeral

It’s their life

It’s their own choice

It’s their own choice if they want to be vaccinated and I respect their opinions. However, they should understand their risks.

It’s their own personal choice whether to do so or not. At the same time the more people that go unvaccinated the longer the pandemic is going to not end completely.

It’s their own right

Its their right

Its there choice

It’s there choice

It’s there choice as a free American, but I would hope more think about getting the vaccine.

It’s up to them

It’s up to them.

It’s up to them. I think everyone should get the vaccine unless they are allergic to it.

Just like voting do your civic duty and get vaccinated please

just waiting for the results of others

Keep my distance from them and doing my best not to get Covid-19

Lack common good

Lack of knowledge or listen to their peers

Let them get vaccinated and help us

Let them go.

majority are doing it for the wring reasons

Making it difficult to go outside more.

Making them feel safe and ensuring them that the vaccine they choose is safe

Maybe they’re afraid to get the shot

Misguided

Misinformed

Mixed

Moronic

Most have bought into the anti-vaxxer rhetoric or the Trump rhetoric of fear that their rights are being taken away or worse. They are jeopardizing the people who truly cannot get the vaccine. They care only for themselves.

Most likely get sick or die.

Most of them wants to get vaccinated but vaccines are not enough

Must get vaccin

My thoughts about people who have not yet been vaccinated are that they are a threat the health of the country and their loved ones around me

My thoughts about the people who have not been Vaccinated is crazy and they are putting their lives& loves in And I strongly emphasize emphasize that they all go and get Vaccinated soon as possible

My thoughts is that I believe they were somehow scared of the consequences

My thoughts on people who have not been vaccinated is that they may not have access to the vaccine and some people still are questioning the mass production as quickly as it was.

N/a

Need to be vaccine let’s them know it not going to change your DNA in writing letters to help with the vaccine shots show them it safe

Need to take care their health

need to take it soon

Negative

Neither here nor there. Its there right to approve or decline getting it.

No comments

No idea

No opinion either way- it’s a personal choice

No thoughts

No thoughts can’t speak for anyone

None

None ít everyone choice

None, I went a while myself b4 getting tha vac, but regardless I feel we still should practice social distancing and limit being out where it can potentially be over crowed

Non-vaccinated people endanger their community and humans worldwide

Not concerned about fellow man.

Not good

Not safe

NOT SURE

not sure, it is there right, cdc and congress should have investagated the WUHAN lab in China, but instead spent millions of dollars on bogus impeachment hearings

Not taking the virus seriously

not very smart

Not worried

Nothing

own choice

People in danger

People make their own decisions about their bodies and their health.

People should take vaccine

people who didn’t get vaccinated they should vaccinate as soon as possible.Because this virus is really very dengerous as we can see.

People who have not been vaccinated think it’s a control issue

People who have the opportunity to get vaccinated yet don’t are being selfish. They don’t care about lives outside of theirs that could be endangered.

People who refuse to get vaccinated is being selfish

Person choice

Personal choice with a relative unknown

Playing with fire

please just do it

Poor choice impacting others

Probably need to be

Problematic

Procrastinators

Pure stupidity

Put down the ciggy and beer, get your ass off the couch, and get vaccinated. Otherwise, go somewhere crowded, catch COVID, and die you worthless paranoid POS.

Putting themselves in danger

Religious beliefs

Reserve judgement about why, just get them vaccinated ASAP.

Ridiculous. We cant get back to normal unless we get everyone safe. Lies and conspiracies are rampant and getting way out of control

Risky

rural people

Sad

Sad for them

Sad, hope they will do it

Saving my family because family everything

Science is real, people learn the hard way.

Self centered

Selfish

selfish

Selfish

selfish

Selfish and in denial.

Selfish and letting putting politics above the health of the country

Selfish and uneducated

Selfish don’t care about their fellow man

selfish people thinking of them selves

Selfish people who don’t care that they have allowed this virus to mutate into a more dangerous form, and put everyone at greater risk. They should not be allowed to participate in society or send their children to school.

Selfish!!

Selfish, ignorant

Selfish, inconsiderate and making a vaccine political instead of life saving

Shameful, selfish, dumb

Should be a personal choice.

Silly.

Since it is a viral disease,we should all be vaccinated to stay healthy to avoid this epidemic.

Some else’s personal choice is not my concern

Some may have medical or religious reasons but most are just considerate of others

Some may have specific medical reasons. Most are stubbornly misinformed angry zealots

Some may have valid reason, I pray for those that believe it is in any way dangerous

Stay away from them

Stay far away from me

Stupid

Stupid jerks

Stupid selfish

Stupid.

Sudden death

Taking a big risk

That is their right

That people don’t are irresponsible

That they are being stupid. We all need to get it to keep it under control

That was some reason

That’s they choice

That’s on them

That’s their problem

that’s their right, it is called Freedom!

the are lazy

The first time he was in a t

The government should continue to pay medical costs for vaccinated people but unvaccinated should be on their own and be responsible for these bills.

The ones who choose not to are part of the reason the virus is mutating and Covid cases are rising. I’m frustrated!

The people who have not taken a vaccine or in grave danger. Everyone needs to get the shot.

The unvaccinated are the reason that we have the Delta very end and it’s taking more lives in the United States today people that are unvaccinated are uneducated and they should not be allowed to be out where those that are vaccinated are

Their body, their choice

Their body, their choice. Vaccine was rushed to production and may have side effects or unknown consequences

Their business

Their business.

Their choice

their choice

Their choice

Their choice but probably not logical

Their choice, but I wish they would consider others who cannot stave off an infection.

Their choice.

Their choice. I don’t have a say.

Their Choice. Since there have been no long term studies and this is not FDA approved I understand those that don’t get vaccinated

their choose

there choice no one should make them if they do not want to

There is no excuse not to be vaccinated if you are over 12 years old.

There need to

They afraid of long term consequences

They are a problem.

They are afraid

They are at higher risk in catching the virus compared to those who did.

They are back dated

They are being extremely selfish

They are being selfish by not protecting themselves and others

They are believing something that is not true. Stupid stupid people

They are bold

They are cautious and smart. Not enough is known about lasting effects

They are crazy

they are dangerous

They are dragging out the end of this pandemic and have become part of the problem.

They are dumb as hell

They are dumb the vaccine is the only thing that can save us

They are dumb. The government should mandate and make everyone get at least 1 dose of the shot.

They are endangering other people’s lives.

They are evil and keeping the pandemic going. Murderers.

They are fools and deserve whatever they get

THEY ARE FOOLS AND UNAMERICAN, SELFISH

They are future candidates for Darwin Awards.

They are giving the virus time to mutate into something worse. Children and immune-compromised adults can’t be vaccinated. In order to protect them through herd immunity, all elligible adults have a moral obligation to be vaccinated. The anti-vaxers are deluded and live in some kind of alternate reality.

They are helping spread covid more and more

They are idiots

they are idiots and are exasperating the covid problem

They are Idiots unless doctor says no due to health reasons

They are idiots who are going to cause another wave.

They are ignorant

They are in danger.They should get vaccinated as soon as possible.

They are irresponsible

They are irresponsible and ignorant of reality. They will hurt themselves and others for no reason

They are irresponsible and ignoring science, unless they have a legitimate medical condition that prevents them from getting vaccinated. Vaccines are safe and important and about more than just yourself.

They are irresponsible cowards if they don’t have a legitimate medical reason for not being vaccinated yet

they are just stupid

They are just stupid and crazy

they are letting this virus spread by being uninformed about the vaccine.

They are making a very poor choice and are having a negative impact Jon all of us

They are making it bad for everyone, they are brainwashed. If they get covid they should NOT take up our hospital resources, they should be left to fend for themselves. There is NO reason the whole planet should not be vaccinated

They are making the pandemic last longer and hurting everyone else including themselves.

They are misinformed and selfish people.

They are misinformed. It has become a political identity and group identity than really based in any type of science. I think its directly been fueled by politicians muddying the water and Facebook misinformation.

They are more at risk

They are narcissistic, selfish, and ignorant.

They are not doing anything to upset Trump.

They are not very smart

They are not worried about infecting other people.

They are patiently waiting for it

They are playing with fire

THEY ARE PLAYING WITH THEIR LIVES

They are playing with there lives

They are potentially signing their death warrant, but it is their right to do so.

they are pretty cool

They are putting others at risk.

They are putting others at risk. We may have to be shut down again. I would be very upset. I am wanting to travel.

They are putting the rest of us at risk

They are putting themselves and others in danger

They are putting themselves in danger and others

They are responsible for the spread of the Delta Variant

They are risking their lives and the lives of others. It’s disrespectful to healthcare workers who have already been through hellâ€¦

They are risking their lives and the lives of others. This dx is serious and deadly. GET Vaccinated asap!

They are scares

They are self-centered .

They are selfish

They are selfish and stupid

They are selfish and very stupid

They are smart- I was vaccinated and i caught COVID- no reason for vaccination- we need herd immunity- it will always be here like the flu- tike to move on

They are stupid

they are stupid

They are stupid an killing people

They are the reason that this virus will never get under control

They are thoughtless and selfish

They are un-American.

They better do it now

they can be easily sick and very easy to get a covid

They can not possibly understand the science. It is in their best interest and the best interest of the people they love to be vaccinated. I honestly don’t understand the hesitation at this point. It has been a year of death, of refrigerated trucks holding the overflow of corpses…honestly. Whats it gonna take?

They can still get sick and cause danger to the people around them

They do not care if they catch the virus.

They do not understand, that the Virus is real

They don’t know how to read research, gullible and easily believe misinformation

They don’t understand immunology or how to keep a general population safer. They’re selfish and believe that they can stay safe when they’re proven wrong over and over.

They don’t care about others or themselves and don’t care to die

they dont know about there facielites

They don’t think

They dont want to or are afraid to

they had their chance. let them die.

They have a right to choose

They have legitimate health concerns about the vaccine especially with people getting sick and/or dying.

They have the right to choose

They have the right to their own health

They have their own opinions of the vaccine

They have their own rights.

They have their reasons but hopefully they will do what is best

They have to be careful , the virus is real and is really fatal

They have to be vaccinated

they have very stupid reasons and explanations

They have weird conspiracies

They may be unwilling to be vaccinated or they don’t have the means to get vaccinated.

they must be vaccinated

They need more education about the vaccine

They need more information and I pray they stay healthy

They need to

they need to be and quick

They need to be vaccinated to avoid the spread

they need to do it — if not for themselves for everyone else

They need to do the right thing and get vaccinated.

They need to get and stop being stupid.

They need to get it done

They need to get the vaccine as soon as possible

They need to get vaccinated

They need to get vaccinated so they won’t get sick or even die.

they need to get with the program

They need to go ahead and get vaccinated.

They need to hurry up and get vaccinated if they can

They need to make informed decisions for themselves, not bow to pressure, there are other options and measures that can be taken

they need to step up and get the shot

They need to think about other people around them

they need to wake up and get vaccinated

They need to wear masks and not be allowed to do things like enter theme parks ect until they get vaccinated

They probably should get it but the government has no right to force them

they provide best service in short period of time

They really need to get

They really should just so we can slow down the progression of the virus

they really upset me because we could control it better if everyone would get vaccinated

they shoudl get vaccinated

They should

They should and stop the spread of covid

They should be excluded from care in the ER if they test positive for covid and have severe symptoms. Let them die.

They should be forced to get the vaccine.

They should be quarantined

they should be vaccinated quickly

They should be vaccinated!

They should before more people die

They should but it is their choice

They should do it

They should get it at least to make sure they are ok and safe

They should get it for the other safeties of other people and themselves

They should get it. They are becoming variant factories.

They should get itâ€¦.delta variant is highly contagious!

They should get the shot as soon as possible

They should get the vaccine already

They should get the vaccine.

They should get vaccinated

they should get vaccinated

They should get vaccinated

they should get vaccinated

They should get vaccinated as soon as possible

They should get vaccinated asap

They should get vaccinated immediately

They should get vaccinated so we can get back to normal

They should get vaccinated unless they have medical or religious reasons

They should get vaccinated.

They should get vacinated

They should go and get vaccinated before it too late

They should go do it

They should help everyone out and get it done

They should just do it

They should just get it already

They should so we could be protected from covid

they should stay at home

They should take it as soon as possible

They should take it quickly

They should take the vaccine right now

They should take their health seriously

They should try for themselves so that they can be able to know what works for them.

They should try to get it

They sucks for not being vaccinated

they were very bad people

They will die

They’re idiots and selfish. Just because they don’t want it doesn’t take away from the threat it could present to those with autoimmune deficiencies.

They’re idiots. You can’t fix stoopid.

They’re stupid

They’re being irrespsonsible.

They’re contributing to the spread

They’re covering for those who haven’t been vaccinated

They’re crazy

They’re hurting everyone else!

They’re ignorant ass people.

They’re keeping us from reaching herd immunity

They’re not smart and are selfish

They’re not very smart about it

They’re OK

They’re risking their lives and putting others in danger

They’re selfish

They’re Stupid or selfish

think they are not listening to science & are being self centered & irresponsible

thisis verry good andb best

Those are loosing excellent opportunities that is free and available.

Those people need to hurry up and get vaccinated

Those who are yet to be vaccinated are a great threat to themselves and those around them.

thy are risking their lives

Tickers have been arranged in front of them

To each his own. I would not ever allow myself to be subject to a Global Pandemic with symptoms that could cost me my life.

To each its own

To each their own

to each their own, stay inside then,

TRUMP SUPPORTER IS NOT YET BEEN VACCINATED.

TRUMP SUPPORTER IS NOT YET BEEN VACCINATED

Uneducated

Uneducated or not willing to admit they are wrong.

Uninformed or mental midgets

Unless they are unable to be vaccinated, they are idiots

Unless they have an actual medical reason not to, it’s everyone’s responsibility to get vaccinated to control the pandemic and get life back to normal.

Unsafe to be around

Up to them

vaccinated as soon as everybody.

Vaccinated is most important to us.It helps us fit.

vaccinated is very important for refuse Corona virus

Vaccination is very important

Very irresponsible and putting others at risk

Victims of a poor media.We need to bring back the FCC Fairness Doctrine. ASAP! Stop dividing!

Waiting on the right time

Waiting to see those vaccinated what kind of efficacy

Ware you mask

Whatever

who has evaluated that following vaccines

Wilfully ignorant and harmful to the common good.

Wish they would

Wish they would but it is their decision not the governments

Worries that will always to this who aren’t eligible

yall need to go get yall shot

yes no effects many peoples fake news

Your choice

29% Believe Worst of Pandemic Behind Us; 43% Fear It Is Still to Come

Posted on August 9, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Following a dramatic collapse over two months, public confidence concerning the pandemic has stabilized. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 29% of voters now believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us. That’s up a point from a week ago. However, confidence is still down five points from a two weeks ago and down 27 points over the past two months.

Forty-three percent (43%) of voters now believe the worst is yet to come. That’s down two points from a week ago, but up five from two weeks ago, and up 23 points since late May.

The last two weeks have recorded the most pessimistic assessments measured since December of last year. Beginning with the rollout of the vaccines in January, confidence grew fairly steadily for five months.

Women, by a 46% to 23% margin, believe the worst is yet to come. Men are more evenly divided: 39% fear that the worst is still to come while 35% of men believe the worst is behind us.

Thirty-seven percent (37%) of Hispanic voters believe the worst is behind us. That view is shared by 30% of White voters and 20% of Black voters.

Other data shows that 57% of voters are comfortable attending indoor social events without masks. Perhaps surprisingly, that figure is virtually unchanged since May.

Sixty-two percent (62%) of voters oppose new lockdowns. That total includes 34% who want to see a further easing of restrictions.

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Methodology

57% Comfortable Attending Indoor Social Events Without Masks

Posted on August 3, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Fifty-seven percent (57%) of voters would feel comfortable going without a mask to an indoor restaurant, bar, or other social settings with a large number of people. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 40% would be uncomfortable.

These numbers are essentially unchanged since late May. That stability is interesting for a variety of reasons. In late May, 56% were confident that the worst of the pandemic is behind us. That figure has fallen to 28% today. Additionally, the CDC guidance on wearing masks has changed, a fact that 61% of voters recognize.

One possible explanation for this is that a large number of people are simply not following the CDC guidelines. Among those who recognize that the CDC recommends even vaccinated people to wear masks at indoor social events, 42% are comfortable attending such events without a mask. That’s consistent with data from a few months ago showing that just 33% of voters have been following the CDC guidance very closely.

The survey also found that a significant number of voters may have hypocritical attitudes about mask wearing and social distancing.

For example, among voters who think we need to re-impose stricter lockdowns, 30% are personally comfortable attending indoor social events without a mask. Additionally, among those who say they’d like to live in a state with strict mask and social distancing guidelines, 31% are personally comfortable attending indoor events without a mask.

While the practice of setting strict rules for others and violating them has generally been associated with government officials, these results suggest that between 9% and 13% of voters want strict guidelines but are personally comfortable violating them.

Another possible explanation is that these voters may be engaging in virtue signaling. While they are comfortable without masks, they may feel the need to voice support for stricter guidelines due to peer pressure within their social group.

Overall, 31% of voters want to re-impose strict mandates. Sixty-two percent are opposed.

Additionally, 48% of all voters would rather live in a state where masks and other social distancing rules are up to individuals and local businesses. Nearly as many–44%– would rather live in a state with strict mask mandates and social distancing rules.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from July 29-31, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 231 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. 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.

62% Oppose New Lockdowns; 31% Want Them

Posted on August 2, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Thinking about the situation where they live 62% of voters are opposed to re-imposing stricter lockdowns. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that total includes 34% who favor a further easing of pandemic restrictions and 28% who say no change is needed.

Just 31% think it’s time to impose new lockdowns.

A majority of Republicans (79%) and Independents (58%) are opposed to further lockdowns. Democrats are evenly divided: 48% want more lockdowns while 46% do not.

Most voters who have already been vaccinated–58%–oppose more lockdowns. So do 82% of those who say they will never get vaccinated.

The survey also found that 48% of all voters would rather live in a state where masks and other social distancing rules are up to individuals and local businesses. Nearly as many–44%– would rather live in a state with strict mask mandates and social distancing rules.

Seventy-three percent (73%) of Republicans would rather live in a state where individuals and businesses are trusted to determine masking and social distancing rules. Seventy-one percent (71%) of Democrats take the opposite view and would rather live in a state with strict mask mandates and social distancing rules.

Independent voters, by a 53% to 26% margin, prefer a state where individuals and businesses make their own decisions.

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Methodology

Confidence Collapse Continues: Just 28% Believe The Worst of the Pandemic is Behind Us

Posted on August 2, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

The stunning collapse in confidence that the pandemic is behind us continues. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that just 28% of voters now believe we’ve put the worst behind us. That’s down six points from a week ago, down nine points from two weeks ago and down 28 points over the past two months.

Forty-five percent (45%) of voters now believe the worst is yet to come. That’s up seven points from a week ago, twelve points from two weeks ago, and up 25 points since late May.

These numbers are the most pessimistic measured since December of last year. Beginning with the rollout of the vaccines in January, confidence continually grew for five months.

By a 62% to 17% margin, government employees believe the worst is yet to come. Private sector workers are more evenly divided.

Those who say they will never get vaccinated are a bit less pessimistic than other voters. However, even those voters, by a 44% to 36% margin, tend to think the worst is yet to come.

Republicans are now evenly divided as to whether the worst is behind us or yet to come. A majority of Democrats and solid plurality of Independents fear the worst is in the future rather than the past.

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62% Of the Vaccinated See The Unvaccinated as a Personal Threat; 72% of Unvaccinated Disagree

Posted on July 29, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Sixty-two percent (62%) of voters who have received the COVID vaccine consider the unvaccinated to be a threat to their own health and safety. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 72% of the unvaccinated disagree.

Overall, 44% of voters see the unvaccinated as a personal threat while 42% do not.

Most Republicans (61%) and Independents (51%) do not see the unvaccinated as a threat. However, 65% of Democrats take the opposite view.

Sixty-seven percent (67%) of those with a postgraduate degree see the unvaccinated as a personal threat. A plurality (45%) of all other voters disagree.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from July 22-24, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 271were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. 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.

63% Want Schools to Re-Open This Fall; 24% Disagree

Posted on July 29, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Sixty-three percent (63%) of voters want schools in their area to re-open this fall. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 24% disagree and believe students should continue to take virtual classes from their homes. Thirteen percent (13%) are not sure.

Support for re-opening schools comes from 67% of suburban voters, 65% of rural voters, and 54% of urban voters.

Sixty-seven percent (67%) of White voters support re-opening the schools. So do 64% of Hispanic voters. However, Black voters are evenly divided: 41% are ready for schools to open while 42% are not.

Modest support for re-opening schools is found even among those voters who believe the worst of the pandemic is yet to come. By a 47% to 38% margin, they reject the idea of keeping students at home for virtual learning. Among those who believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us, 83% think schools should re-open.

If schools in a particular area do not re-open this fall, 67% believe parents should have the option to send their children to another school that is holding regular classes. Just 15% disagree.

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Methodology

If They Test Positive for COVID, 67% Expect Quick Recovery With Minor Symptoms

Posted on July 27, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

If they tested positive for COVID, 67% of voters think it’s they would recover quickly with only minor symptoms. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 16% consider it unlikely that they would recover quickly and 17% are not sure.

Those figures include 38% who say a quick recovery is Very Likely and 5% who say Not at All Likely.

Among those who have been vaccinated, 68% are confident they would recover quickly. Among those who say they will never get vaccinated 67% express such confidence.

The survey found that 60% of voters have already been vaccinated and another 5% want to be vaccinated as soon as possible. Fifteen percent (15%) say they will never get vaccinated.

In between are 17% who say they either want to wait and see how the vaccines work or they are in no particular rush to get vaccinated. There lack of urgency likely stems from the fact that, even if they test positive for COVID, they are confident of a quick recovery with only minor symptoms.

Seventy-five percent (75%) of Hispanic voters believe they would recover quickly. So do 69% of White voters and 60% of Black voters.

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55% Believe Lockdowns Did More Harm Than Good; 38% Disagree

Posted on July 27, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Looking back over the past year or so, 55% of voters agree that “Despite good intentions, shutting down businesses and locking down society did more harm than good.” A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 38% disagree and 7% are not sure.

Those totals include 34% who Strongly Agree and 20% who Strongly Disagree.

Just over a year ago, 41% thought the lockdowns did more harm than good. So, the current numbers reflect a 14 percentage point increase in that number.

As on most pandemic related topics, there is a partisan divide. Most Republicans (76%) and Independents (51%) agree that the lockdowns did more harm than good. However, most Democrats (57%) disagree.

There is, however, a divide within the Democratic Party. White Democrats, by a 65% to 32% margin, reject the idea that lockdowns did more harm than good. Black Democrats and Other Democrats are evenly divided.

During the pandemic, government officials exercised extraordinary power over the lives of individual Americans. The survey also found that 62% are worried that many government officials will try to continue exercising such power over individual Americans.

Once again there is a partisan divide and a divide within the Democratic Party. White Democrats, by a 57% to 39% margin, are not worried about government officials keeping too much power. Black Democrats, by a 64% to 27% margin, are worried.

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Methodology

Plurality Now Believes Worst of Pandemic is Yet to Come

Posted on July 26, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Thirty-four percent (34%) of voters now believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us. That’s down three points from a week ago and 22 points over the past two months.

A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 38% of voters believe the worst is still to come. That’s up five points from a week ago and up 18 points since late May.

This is the first time since the vaccine rollout in January that a plurality of voters has said the worst is yet to come.

While confidence among all segments of the population has fallen over the past two months, the decline is sharpest among Democrats, and Independents.

Compared to last week, the Republican numbers are essentially unchanged. By a 50% to 25% margin, GOP voters tend to believe the worst is behind us.

However, 47% of Democrats now believe the worst is yet to come, up eight points from a week ago. Just 26% of those in President Biden’s party believe the worst is behind us.

Among Independent voters, 45% believe the worst is yet to come. That’s up 11 points over the past week.

Throughout 2020, public confidence about the pandemic resembled a roller-coaster ride.

Optimism bounced up and down between August and October.
Following the election last fall, confidence fell sharply. In late November, 68% believed that the worst was still to come. However, following the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines, confidence surged.
By late January, 33% of voters believed the worst of the pandemic was behind us, while 40% believed the worst was still to come.
Then, in mid-February, for the first time ever, a plurality of voters believed that the worst was behind us. At that point, 39% took the optimistic view, while 31% gave a more pessimistic answer.
After that surge, the trend of growing confidence appeared to stall. From mid-February to mid-April, there was little change in public confidence.
Beginning in mid-April, optimism soared once again.
Confidence peaked in late May and we are now witnessing the biggest drop in confidence since last summer.

Data released last week showed that vaccine reluctant voters are strongly opposed to President Biden’s call for a door-to-door campaign. They are the target audience for an effort designed to encourage more vaccinations.

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Methodology

81% At Least Somewhat Satisfied With Their Choice of Doctors

Posted on July 24, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

When it comes to finding doctors and medical care, 81% of voters are at least somewhat satisfied with the choices currently available to them. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 16% are not satisfied with the choices and 3% are not sure.

Just 44% of voters are Very Satisfied with the choices available. At the other extreme, 5% are not at all satisfied.

Men are somewhat more satisfied with their options than women. Upper income Americans are more satisfied than those who earn less.

Among those without any health insurance, 45% are satisfied with the choices they have while 41% are not.

Data released earlier showed that 87% of voters are at least somewhat confident that they would have access to appropriate doctors and health care services for routine medical issues. When it comes to serious medical issues, 84% of voters express such confidence.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from July 15-17, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 179 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. 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.

Note: No results are shown for those who get their insurance from Obamacare exchanges because the sample size was too small to report.

84% Confident In Access to Medical Care for Serious Issues

Posted on July 23, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

If they had a routine medical issue, 87% of voters are at least somewhat confident that they would have access to appropriate doctors and health care services. When it comes to serious medical issues, 84% of voters express such confidence.

These totals include 51% who are Very Confident they have access to appropriate care for routine issues and 48% who are Very Confident about access to care for serious medical issues.

The results are similar across virtually every demographic group.

It is interesting to note the response among voters with no health insurance. A majority of these voters (51%) are confident they have access to care for both routine and serious medical issues.

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Methodology

Note: No results are shown for those who get their insurance from Obamacare exchanges because the sample size was too small to report.

37% Believe Worst of Pandemic Behind Us; Lowest Since January

Posted on July 20, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Thirty-seven percent (37%) of voters believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us. That’s down nineteen points over the past six weeks and the lowest level of optimism since late January.

A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 33% take the opposite view and think the worst is still to come. Thirty percent (30%) are not sure.

Confidence fell significantly among Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. However, Republicans remain far more upbeat than other voters. By a 49% to 26% margin, Republicans tend to believe the worst is behind us. Democrats, by a 39% to 31% margin, take the opposite view. Among Independent voters, 23% believe the worst is behind us while 34% believe the worst is yet to come.

Throughout 2020, public confidence about the pandemic resembled a roller-coaster ride.

Optimism bounced up and down between August and October.
Following the election last fall, confidence fell sharply. In late November, 68% believed that the worst was still to come. However, following the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines, confidence surged.^[1]
By late January, 33% of voters believed the worst of the pandemic was behind us, while 40% believed the worst was still to come.^[1]
Then, in mid-February, for the first time ever, a plurality of voters believed that the worst was behind us. At that point, 39% took the optimistic view, while 31% gave a more pessimistic answer.^[1]
After that surge, the trend of growing confidence appeared to stall. From mid-February to mid-April, there was little change in public confidence.^[1]
Beginning in mid-April, optimism soared once again.^[1]
Now, these latest numbers suggest we are witnessing the biggest drop in confidence since last summer.

By a 46% to 31% margin, those who say they will never get vaccinated say the worst is behind us. Those who have been vaccinated are somewhat less upbeat. Still, by a 37% to 32% margin, vaccinated voters narrowly tend to think the worst is behind us. However, 36% to 30% margin, those who are vaccine reluctant believe the worst is yet to come.

Vaccine-reluctant voters include those who want to wait and see how it works before getting vaccinated and those who are in no particular rush to get vaccinated. These results may suggest a significant difference of opinion between those who will never get vaccinated and those who are reluctant to do so at this time.

Data released yesterday show that vaccine reluctant voters are strongly opposed to President Biden’s call for a door-to-door campaign designed to encourage more vaccinations.

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Methodology

74% of Vaccine Reluctant Oppose Biden’s Door-to-Door Vaccination Effort

Posted on July 18, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

President Biden has called for a door-to-door campaign designed to encourage more people to get the COVID vaccine. However, the proposal is extremely unpopular among the target audience. Seventy-four percent (74%) of vaccine-reluctant voters are opposed to the door-to-door campaign. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that just 16% are in favor of the plan.

Those totals include 56% who are Strongly Opposed and just 9% who Strongly Favor the campaign.

Whatever the Administration’s intentions, these figures suggest that the door-to-door campaign may work as an effective get-out-the-vote campaign for Republicans.

Vaccine-reluctant voters include those who want to wait and see how it works before getting vaccinated; those who are in no particular rush to get vaccinated; and, those who say they will never get vaccinated.

As you might expect, opposition is strongest among those who say they will never get vaccinated. Eighty-four percent (84%) of them oppose Biden’s plan. That includes 74% who are Strongly Opposed. Still, even among those who are merely reluctant or taking their time, two-thirds (66%) oppose the Biden effort.

Overall, among all voters, opinion is mixed: 43% favor the plan and 48% are opposed. Support comes primarily from the fact that 62% of Democrats like the Biden plan. However, 68% of Republicans and 51% of Independents are opposed.

Voters with a postgraduate degree favor the plan by a 61% to 32% margin. However, a majority of all other voters (51%) oppose the door-to-door effort.

This is yet another issue where the views of those with postgraduate degrees are out of step with the nation at large. For example, these elite voters are evenly divided on a plan that would ban gun ownership for all but police and government officials. Among all other voters, that proposal is opposed by a 69% to 24% margin.

Also, by a 50% to 39% margin, those with a postgraduate degree believe restrictions on gun ownership would do more to reduce violence than having the police crackdown on gang activity would be more effective than placing restrictions on gun ownership. All other voters, by a 56% to 32% margin, reject the elite perspective.

Policies seen as an elitist approach based upon a condescending view of other voters often lead to a strong backlash.

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Methodology

Why Americans Are Skeptical of Government Experts

Posted on June 30, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Many years ago, I made a series of presentations at Harvard University. One moment I will never forget came over lunch when a professor asked me why the American people didn’t trust them to lead. After all, she said, that’s what people at the Kennedy School of Government were trained to do.

I was stunned by the question. We live in a nation founded on the premise that governments derive their only just authority from the consent of the governed. The notion that the people should follow the elites is a fundamental rejection of our founding ideals. Besides, I have great faith in the commonsense wisdom of the American people.

Since that long ago lunch, I’ve heard echoes of that professor’s question in many public policy debates. Polling conducted early in the year found that 66% of voters had recently engaged in activities officially discouraged by the CDC. That reality frustrated many public health officials, governors, and mayors. The same dynamic can be found on issue after issue.

In a poll last week, I asked 1,200 Registered Voters what should be done when government experts and intellectuals recommended a policy that voters strongly opposed. Just 19% say that the government should follow the policy recommended by experts and intellectuals. Sixty-one percent (61%) took the opposite view.

Why does this happen?

Partly it’s because the elites and everyday Americans have different perceptions of how experts operate. The elitist perspective is that government experts are strictly guided by knowledge rather than by any personal agenda. In this self-serving view, the experts consider the facts and make the logical conclusion.

However, just 25% of voters believe government experts make policy recommendations based primarily on their professional expertise. A solid majority—55%– believe the policy recommendations made by experts are based upon the experts’ own political preferences.

In other words, voters think that experts often abuse their authority to get the results they want. A vivid current example of this distrust can be found in the possibility that the coronavirus was created in a Wuhan, China laboratory. Not only do most voters think that’s likely, 57% think it’s likely that U.S. government officials actively tried to cover-up the lab-leak theory.

Having grown up in a world skeptical of experts promoting their own agendas, none of this surprised me. But one result from last week’s poll was truly shocking.

I asked voters whether certain activities were a major threat to democracy in the United States. One of the options was “letting government bureaucrats set rules without approval of Congress or voters.” Fifty-five percent (55%) said that practice was, in fact, a major threat. That view is shared by 73% of Republicans, 43% of Democrats, and 40% of Independents.

To put that into perspective, a smaller number (45%) believe the January 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol was a major threat to democracy. While Democrats overwhelmingly see the events of January 6 in that light, Republicans and Independents are more likely to consider rule by bureaucrats as a major threat.

That perspective may also help explain why just 34% of voters believe the federal government today supports the founding ideals of freedom, equality, and self-governance.

57% Think US Government Officials Actively Tried To Cover-up Lab Leak Theory

Posted on June 24, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Fifty-seven percent (57%) of voters think it’s likely that U.S. government officials actively tried to cover-up the possibility that the coronavirus was created in a Wuhan, China, Laboratory. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 26% consider it unlikely and 17% are not sure.

That total includes 35% who say it’s Very Likely and 11% who think it’s Not at All Likely.

Seventy-four percent (74%) of Republicans consider a cover-up to be at least somewhat likely. Independent voters, by a 52% to 22% margin, tend to agree. Democrats are more evenly divided: 45% believe U.S. government officials actively engaged in a cover-up while 39% disagree.

The survey also found that 56% of all voters think it’s likely that the Chinese government intentionally created the coronavirus as a biological weapon. Twenty-nine percent (29%) disagree and 16% are not sure.

Nearly two-thirds of Republicans (64%) think it’s likely that the coronavirus was developed intentionally. Independent voters, by a 45% to 30% margin agree. Democrats are evenly divided: 43% say it’s likely the virus was intentionally created as a virus while 42% consider that unlikely.

An earlier survey found that just 9% of voters believe journalists were right to dismiss the possibility of a lab lead theory. A plurality of voters believe the media rejected the theory because Donald Trump had suggested it.

Regardless of intent, 66% of voters think it’s likely the coronavirus originated in a Wuhan, China laboratory.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from June 22-24, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 205 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. 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.

9% Believe Journalists Were Right to Dismiss Lab Leak Theory

Posted on June 16, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Just 9% of voters believe journalists were right to dismiss the possibility that the coronavirus began in a Wuhan, China laboratory. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that another 22% see no ill intent in the media coverage. That includes 12% who consider the dismissal a serious but innocent mistake and 10% who think the journalists were misled by government officials.

However, 40% believe the journalists’ behavior was not so innocent. Twenty-seven percent (27%) believe journalists rejected the lab leak theory because Donald Trump suggested it. Another 7% blamed partisan political considerations while 6% cited a media desire to protect the Chinese government.

Twenty-three percent (23%) are not sure how to explain it and 6% offered some other reason.

Most Republicans (55%) believe the journalists refused to cover it because Trump suggested the idea or for other partisan political reasons. On the other hand, 45% of Democrats see no ill intent.

The survey also found that 71% are following news about the lab leak topic. That includes 31% who are following it Very Closely.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from June 10-12, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 232 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. 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.

48% Have Favorable Opinion of Fauci

Posted on June 14, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Forty-eight percent (48%) of voters nationwide have a favorable opinion of Dr. Anthony Fauci. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 37% have an unfavorable view of him while 15% are not sure.

Perceptions of Fauci have declined a bit since March. At that time, 52% had a favorable opinion of him.

The totals include 28% with a Very Favorable opinion of Fauci and 25% with a Very Unfavorable opinion.

The numbers reflect a wide partisan divide that has been found on many topics related to the pandemic. Fauci is viewed favorably by 77% of Democrats but unfavorably by 63% of Republicans. Those dynamics have changed little since March.

There has, however, been a shift in perceptions among Independent voters. In March, a modest plurality had a favorable opinion of Fauci. Now, 29% offer a favorable assessment while 42% have a negative view.

Recent surveys have shown that 66% of voters believe it it likely the coronavirus originated in a Wuhan, China laboratory. Looking back, 49% believe many states and cities overreacted to the pandemic. Thirty-eight percent (38%) disagree.

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Methodology

49% Believe States, Cities Overreacted to Pandemic, 38% Disagree

Posted on June 8, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Looking back, 49% of voters believe many states and cities overreact to the Coronavirus pandemic in ways that did more harm than good. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 38% disagree and 13% are not sure.

That’s virtually identical to the attitudes measured in February.

Seventy-three percent (73%) of Republicans believe many states and cities overreacted. Fifty-eight percent (58%) of Democrats disagree. Among Independents 44% believe many overreacted while 38% do not.

The survey also found that 43% of voters now worry that the Biden Administration will wait too long in re-opening society. That’s up three points since April and up six points since February. Nearly as many–37%–believe the Administration will move too quickly.

Sixty-four percent (64%) of Republicans worry that the Biden team will wait too long. By a 46% to 28% margin, Independent voters tend to agree.

Democrats, however, have an entirely different perspective. By a 51% to 22% margin, those in President Biden’s party fear the Administration will move too quickly to re-open society.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from June 3-5, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 237 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. 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.

71% Favor Ending Supplemental, Pandemic Related, Unemployment Benefits

Posted on June 6, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Seventy-one percent (71%) of voters favor ending the pandemic related supplemental unemployment payments and returning unemployment benefits to normal levels. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 19% are opposed and 10% are not sure.

Those totals include 51% who Strongly Favor ending those supplemental benefits and 9% who are Strongly Opposed.

The debate over these benefits has taken on increased urgency in the wake of two consecutive disappointing jobs reports.

Twenty-five states have already ended the supplemental benefits or scheduled a date for doing so. As with just about everything related to the pandemic, there is a huge partisan divide. All 25 states that have dropped the extra benefits have Republican governors.

Among the public, however, support for ending the benefits is found across partisan, ideological, and demographic lines. A majority of voters in every measured demographic group favor ending those benefits. Support comes from 86% of Republicans, 67% of Independent voters, and 59% of Democrats.

Sixty-eight percent (68%) of voters believe that ending the supplemental benefits will encourage people currently receiving unemployment benefits to take a job.

Many policy debates in Washington seem distant to voters and almost theoretical in nature. However, this topic is much more tangible to many. Forty-six percent (46%) of voters know someone who is making more money by collecting unemployment than they could earn by working. Among those who know someone in that situation, 82% favor ending the supplemental benefits.

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Methodology

66% Think It’s Likely Coronavirus Created in Wuhan Lab

Posted on June 3, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Sixty-six percent (66%) of voters believe it’s likely that the coronavirus was initially created in a Wuhan, China laboratory. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that just 17% consider it unlikely and 17% are not sure.

Those figures include 44% who say it’s Very Likely the deadly virus was created in a lab. Just 6% think it’s Not at All Likely.

By an 89% to 5% margin, Conservatives think it’s likely the coronavirus was created in a Wuhan, China lab. Liberals are more divided. Forty-six percent (46%) say creation in a lab is likely while 33% say it is not.

Eighty-six percent (86%) of Republicans believe the lab origin is likely. So do 57% of Independents and 51% of Democrats.

While voters remain very skeptical about the origins of the coronavirus, optimism is growing that the worst of the pandemic is behind us. Fifty-six percent (56%) of voters now hold that view. Just 20% believe the worst is yet to come.

On a related topic, a recent Number of the Day showed that fewer than half of all voters are aware of the new CDC guidelines on mask-wearing. There is a partisan divide on this as well. Most Republican voters (56%) are aware of the new CDC guidelines, while most Democrats (57%) are not. Independent voters are evenly divided.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from May 27-29, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 170 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. 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.

56% Believe Worst of Pandemic Behind Us; 20% Disagree

Posted on June 2, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Fifty-six percent (56%) of voters now believe that the worst of the pandemic is behind us. That’s up four points from a week ago and the highest level of optimism yet recorded. A Ballotpedia national survey found that 20% of voters currently disagree and believe the worst is yet to come. Twenty-five percent (25%) are not sure.

Taking a longer look at the timeline highlights just how dramatically the numbers have shifted since the vaccines became available. The number who believe the worst is behind us is up six points from a month ago, fourteen points from two months ago, and twenty-three points from three months ago.

Throughout the pandemic, there has been a vast partisan perception gap. That remains the case today. Sixty-four percent (64%) of Republicans now believe the worst is behind us. That view is shared by 52% of Democrats and 44% of independent voters. This marks the first time that a majority of Democrats have believed the worst is behind us.

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Methodology

55% Comfortable Going Without Mask to Indoor Restaurant or Bar

Posted on May 28, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Fifty-five percent (55%) of voters nationwide are comfortable going to an indoor restaurant or bar without wearing a mask. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 41% are not comfortable going maskless in such social settings with a large number of people.

The survey also found that 75% think it’s likely that many unvaccinated people will be present at large gatherings and social settings. However, if invited to a social event with a large number of people, most voters (52%) are not likely to ask whether everyone attending has been vaccinated. Forty-three percent (43%) say they’d be at least somewhat likely to ask.

Those totals include 19% who would be Very Likely to ask and 30% who would be not at all likely to ask.

Among those who have been vaccinated already, 51% say they’d be somewhat likely to ask if everyone attending has been vaccinated. Among those in no rush to get the vaccine, just 25% are likely to ask. That falls to 15% among those who will never get vaccinated.

Seventy-two percent (72%) of Republicans are comfortable going to a bar or restaurant without wearing a mask. Fifty-four percent (54%) of Democrats are not. Independent voters are evenly divided.

Data released earlier showed that just fewer than half of all voters are aware of the new CDC guidelines on mask wearing. Most Republican voters (56%) are aware of the new CDC guidelines. Most Democrats (57%) are not. Given this partisan divide, it is interesting to note that earlier surveys found that Democrats were overwhelmingly likely to view the CDC guidelines as reliable and fact based. Republicans, by a 2-to-1 margin saw the agency as partisan and political.

This is consistent with other data suggesting that CDC guidelines have little impact on individual behavior. Only 33% of voters claim to have followed news about CDC guidelines very closely. Additionally, as of a month ago, 66% of voters had already ignored CDC guidelines by taking part in activities discouraged by the agency.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,500 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from May 20-22, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 216 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. 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% Believe Worst of Pandemic is Behind Us; 21% Disagree

Posted on May 27, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Fifty-two percent (52%) of voters now believe that the worst of the pandemic is behind us. That’s up two points from a month ago and up ten points since early in March. The new numbers reflect the highest level of confidence yet measured.

A Ballotpedia national survey found that 21% of voters currently disagree and believe the worst is yet to come. Twenty-seven percent (27%) are not sure.

Public confidence about the pandemic has resembled a roller-coaster ride.

Following the election last fall, confidence fell sharply. In late November, 68% believed that the worst was still to come. However, following the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines, confidence surged.
By late January, 33% of voters believed the worst of the pandemic was behind us, while 40% believed the worst was still to come.
Then, in mid-February, for the first time ever, a plurality of voters believed that the worst was behind us. At that point, 39% took the optimistic view, while 31% gave a more pessimistic answer.
After that surge, the trend of growing confidence appeared to stall. From mid-February to mid-April, there was little change in public confidence.
However, since mid-April, optimism has soared once again.

Throughout the pandemic, there has been a vast partisan perception gap. That remains the case today. Sixty-three percent (63%) of Republicans believe the worst is behind us. That view is shared by 46% of Democrats and 43% of Independent voters.

Data released earlier showed that fewer than half of all voters are aware of the new CDC guidelines on mask wearing. There is a partisan divide on this as well. Most Republican voters (56%) are aware of the new CDC guidelines, while most Democrats (57%) are not. Independent voters are evenly divided.

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Methodology

45% Aware of New CDC Mask Guidelines; 44% Believe Old Rules Still in Place

Posted on May 26, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Forty-five percent (45%) of voters are aware of the new CDC guidelines on mask wearing. The agency recently said that those who are vaccinated no longer need to wear masks indoors. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 44% mistakenly believe that the older CDC guidelines remain in effect, guidelines that call for everyone to wear masks in a large social setting such as a restaurant or a bar. Eleven percent (11%) are not sure.

Most Republican voters (56%) are aware of the new CDC guidelines. Most Democrats (57%) are not. Independent voters are evenly divided. Given this partisan divide, it is interesting to note that earlier results found that Democrats were overwhelmingly likely to view the CDC guidelines as reliable and fact based. Republicans, by a 2-to-1 margin saw the agency as partisan and political.

This is consistent with other data showing that people’s underlying levels of caution and concern shape how they view the CDC. Overall, these findings suggest that CDC guidelines have little impact on individual behavior. Only 33% of voters claim to have followed news about CDC guidelines very closely. Additionally, as of a month ago, 66% of voters had already ignored CDC guidelines by taking part in activities discouraged by the agency.

The latest survey found that most who would not be comfortable going to a restaurant or bar incorrectly believe that the CDC still recommends wearing masks in such settings. Most who are comfortable going out to such locations are aware of the CDC guidelines.

Those who have already been vaccinated are evenly divided between those with a correct understanding of the current CDC policy and those who are clinging to the older guidelines.

Additional data from the survey will be released later today and tomorrow.

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Methodology

33% Following CDC Guidance Very Closely

Posted on May 5, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Thirty-three percent (33%) of voters nationwide say that they are “Very Closely” following news about the CDC guidelines for behavior during the pandemic. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that total includes 48% of Democrats, 29% of Republicans, and 20% of Independent voters.

Among voters who have already been vaccinated or will be as soon as possible, 61% are following the CDC guidelines Very Closely. Among all other voters, just 20% are paying that much attention to the CDC. That includes people who want to wait and see before getting vaccinated, those who are in no rush, and those who will never get vaccinated.

It’s also interesting to note that there is little correlation between paying attention to the CDC and overall perceptions of the pandemic. Among voters who believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us, 33% are following CDC guidelines Very Closely. Among those who believe the worst is yet to come, that figure is 36%. This suggests that people are basing their perceptions of the pandemic primarily on sources other than the CDC.

Overall, at this time, 50% of all voters believe the worst is behind us.

The fact that 33% are following the CDC guidelines Very Closely is generally consistent with the fact that 66% have recently engaged in behavior that the CDC officially discourages.

The survey also found that 46% of voters believe the CDC has generally provided reliable and fact-based guidelines during the pandemic. Thirty-eight percent (38%) believe it has generally acted in a partisan political manner and 16% are not sure.

On this point, there is a wide partisan divide. By a 73% to 16% margin, Democrats believe the CDC guidance has been reliable and fact based. Republicans, by a 60% to 27% margin, believe the CDC has generally been partisan and political. Independent voters are evenly divided.

Since the COVID vaccines became available in January, there has been a roughly 80% decline in the number of reported cases and deaths from the virus. However, just 36% of voters nationwide are aware of the progress. This may reflect the fact that 87% of national media coverage about the pandemic has been negative. National media coverage in the United States has been far more negative than coverage in scientific journals and other nations.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from April 29-May 1, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 241 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. 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.

36% Aware of Dramatic Reduction in COVID Cases

Posted on May 3, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

This may reflect the fact that 87% of national media coverage about the pandemic has been negative. National media coverage in the United States has been far more negative than coverage in scientific journals and other nations.

Forty-one percent (41%) of Democrats are aware of the progress along with 36% of Republicans. Only 29% of Independent voters recognize how much of an improvement there has been.

Interestingly, however, Democrats remain far more pessimistic about the pandemic than other voters.

By a 60% to 18% margin, Republicans believe the worst is behind us. A solid plurality (46% to 24%) of Independents agree. Democrats are somewhat less convinced. Forty-three percent (43%) of those in President Biden’s party believe the worst is behind us while 31% believe it is yet to come.

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Methodology

Confidence That Worst of Pandemic is Behind Us Surges to 50%

Posted on May 3, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Fifty percent (50%) of voters now believe that the worst of the pandemic is behind us. That’s up nine points from two weeks ago and reflects the highest level of confidence yet measured.

A Ballotpedia national survey found that 24% of voters disagree and believe the worst is yet to come. Twenty-six percent (26%) are not sure.

Those figures highlight a significant improvement over the past two weeks . In mid-April, just 41% thought the worst was behind us and 32% held the opposite view.

Public confidence about the pandemic has resembled a roller-coaster ride.

Following the election last fall, confidence fell sharply. In late November, 68% believed that the worst was still to come. However, following the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines, confidence surged.
By late January, 33% of voters believed the worst of the pandemic was behind us, while 40% believed the worst was still to come.
Then, in mid-February, for the first time ever, a plurality of voters believed that the worst was behind us. At that point, 39% took the optimistic view while 31% gave a more pessimistic answer.
After that surge, the trend of growing confidence appeared to stall. From mid-February to mid-April, there was little change in public confidence.

Throughout the pandemic, there has been a vast partisan perception gap. That remains the case today. By a 60% to 18% margin, Republicans believe the worst is behind us. A solid plurality (46% to 24%) of Independents agree. Democrats are somewhat less convinced. Forty-three percent (43%) of those in President Biden’s party believe the worst is behind us while 31% believe it is yet to come.

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Methodology

38% Worry That Biden Administration Will Re-Open Society Too Quickly

Posted on April 28, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Thirty-eight percent (38%) of voters nationwide worry that the Biden Administration will re-open society too quickly. A Scott Rasmussen survey found that 40% hold the opposite view and worry that the Administration will wait too long. Twenty-two percent (22%) are not sure.

Sixty-one percent (61%) of Republicans worry that the Administration will wait too long. Most Democrats (54%) have the opposite worry. Among Independent voters, 41% worry the Administration will wait too long and 33% are afraid that it will move too quickly.

A plurality of white voters worry that the Biden team will wait too long. So do voters over the age of 45. A plurality of other voters lean in the opposite direction as do younger voters.

Urban voters tend to be more afraid things will re-open too quickly. Suburban and Rural voters are more likely to have the opposite concern.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from April 22-24, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 203 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. 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.

13% Will Never Get Vaccinated; Unchanged Since CDC Paused J & J Vaccine

Posted on April 19, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 13% of voters nationwide say they will never get the COVID-19 vaccine. Despite recent news about the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, that number is essentially unchanged from earlier surveys.

This may suggest that the actions of government officials are now having little impact on pandemic issues. Data released earlier showed that 66% of voters have recently engaged in activities officially discouraged by the CDC.

At this point, 46% have now been vaccinated, and 14% want to receive the vaccine as soon as possible. That totals 60%, up ten points since February. Those figures suggest slightly growing comfort with the vaccines.

In between are 15% who say they want to wait and see before getting vaccinated and another 10% who are in no particular rush.

Eighteen percent (18%) of Republicans say they will never get vaccinated. So do 16% of independent voters. Just 5% of Democrats share that view.

At the other extreme, 74% of Democrats say they have either been vaccinated already or want to be as soon as possible. Just 54% of Republicans hold that view, along with 51% of independents.

There is also a significant difference in attitudes by age. Eighty percent (80%) of senior citizens have either been vaccinated or want to be as soon as possible. However, that applies to only 48% of voters 18-24.

Currently, 41% believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us while 32% disagree.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from April 15-17, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 261 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. 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.

41% Believe Worst of Pandemic Behind Us; 32% Believe Worst is Yet to Come

Posted on April 19, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Forty-one percent (41%) of voters believe that the worst of the pandemic is behind us. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 32% disagree and believe the worst is yet to come.

Those figures are little changed from six weeks ago. That suggests the recent trend of growing confidence has stalled.

Prior to the past six weeks, confidence was growing rapidly. As recently as late November, 68% believed that the worst was still to come. At that time, only 18% believed the worst was behind us.

However, following the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines, confidence surged. By late January, 33% of voters believed the worst of the pandemic was behind us, while 40% believed the worst was still to come. Then, in mid-February, for the first time ever, a plurality of voters believed that the worst was behind us. At that point, 39% took the optimistic view while 31% gave a more pessimistic answer. By early March, the number believing the worst was behind us inched up to 42%. That’s the highest level of confidence yet measured and a point higher than the latest numbers.

Throughout the pandemic, there has been a vast partisan perception gap. That remains the case today. By a 50% to 27% margin, Republicans believe the worst is behind us. By a narrow plurality (37% to 31%), Independents tend to agree. Democrats are evenly divided. Thirty-seven percent (37%) of those in President Biden’s party believe the worst is behind us while 36% believe it is yet to come.

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Methodology

64% Believe Companies Selling Masks Financially Supporting Campaigns for Mask Mandates

Posted on April 13, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Sixty-four percent (64%) of voters think it’s likely that companies selling mask coverings are financially supporting campaigns to continue pandemic related mask mandates. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that just 23% disagree and 12% are not sure.

Those totals include 34% who believe it’s very likely and 9% who say it’s Not at All Likely.

Similar results were found on the question of vaccine passports. Sixty-two percent (62%) think think companies offering COVID vaccines and tests are financially supporting campaigns to require vaccine passports. Just 20% disagree.

This skepticism suggests that Americans instinctively understand the political dynamics of the regulatory process. The process has been explained by the example of the Bootleggers and the Baptists. Powerful regulations often result from an unholy alliance between true believers and those who profit from the belief. Prohibition came about because Baptists were true believers and Bootleggers profited immensely from the fact that alcohol could not legally be purchased.

In this case, at least 57% of every measured demographic group consider it likely that mask companies are funding campaigns for mask mandates. One interesting dynamic is that the lowest level of skepticism on this point is found among people who would prefer policies like those offered by Bernie Sanders. Sanders’ style of populism is generally considered to have a strong bias against corporate elites. However, on this question, it is those who prefer Trump-like policies who are the most skeptical. On the question of mask mandates, 77% who prefer Trump policies believe campaigns are being funded by mask manufacturers. That’s 20-points higher than the number among Sanders-style populists.

This finding suggests that people on all sides of the political debate may be more skeptical about corporate motives when they disagree with the underlying policy objective. It is highly likely that supporters of Sanders-style populism would be more skeptical than those who prefer Trump-style populism on many issues.

Support for policies of a certain candidate were determined by the following question: 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?

Over the past six months, responses to this question show that, on the GOP side of the aisle, Trump policies are strongly preferred over a traditional Republican. Democrats, on the other hand, are even divided between those who favor traditional Democrats or candidates pursuing Sanders’ policies.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from April 8-10, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 217 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, 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.

62% Believe Restaurant Owners Should Decide Whether Vaccine Passport is Needed, 26% Want Government Officials to Decide

Posted on April 12, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Sixty-two percent (62%) of voters believe that restaurant owners should decide whether vaccine passports are required to visit their business. A Ballotpedia national survey found that 26% think that decision should be made by government officials. Twelve percent (12%) are not sure.

The results are similar when asked who should make such decisions about a wedding reception. Sixty-three percent (63%) believe that the decisions about vaccine passports should be made by the people getting married and the reception hall. Just 21% believe government officials should make that decision.

In both cases a majority or plurality of every measured demographic group believe the choice should be made by the individuals involved rather than government officials. More than 3-out-of-4 Republicans hold such views. So do a solid majority of Democrats and Independents.

The survey also found modest support for the idea of vaccine passports. Fifty-four percent (54%) favor the idea, but 41% do not. Support for the concept comes from 73% of Democrats, 45% of Independents, and 39% of Republicans.

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Methodology

41% Recently Had Dinner at Indoor Restaurant

Posted on March 23, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Within the past month, 41% of voters have had dinner at an indoor restaurant. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that large numbers of voters have participated in activities discouraged by CDC guidelines:

32% have hung out with friends at someone’s house
17% admit to going out in public without a mask
15% have attended a church or religious event in person
15% attended a large family gathering
14% have met friends at a bar
13% have gone on a vacation
3% have attended a live concert or sports event.

Overall, two-thirds of voters (66%) have taken part in at least one of the above activities, all of which are frowned upon by the CDC. However, a separate survey found that most voters (54%) say they have never violated CDC guidelines. The difference may be due to a lack of awareness about CDC guidelines or it could just be socially unacceptable in some circles to admit a violation of those guidelines.

Another possibility is that people don’t consciously think of all the ways that their normal activities violate CDC norms. But, when asked about specific activities, they admit to taking part.

Regardless of the reason for this gap between behavior and admission of violating CDC guidelines, there remains a huge partisan gap in terms of behavior. Nearly half of all Democrats (44%) say that they have not taken part in any of the above activities during the past month. However, just 25% of Republicans and 32% of Independents say the same.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,000 Registered Voters was conducted online by from March 17-18, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Certain quotas were applied to the overall sample and lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.

Biden Bounce: Approval Rating Up to 57% Following COVID Relief Bill

Posted on March 16, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Fifty-seven percent (57%) of voters nationwide now approve of the way President Biden is performing his job. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 37% disapprove and 7% are not sure.

Following passage of the COVID Relief Bill, approval of the president is up four points from a week ago. That reverse a modest decline in recent weeks. As a result, Biden’s overall approval rating is unchanged from a month ago. The current totals currently include 32% who Strongly Approve and 26% who Strongly Disapprove.

President Biden receives approval from 92% of Democrats, 52% of Independents, and 23% of Republicans.

Other data shows that 31% say that the Coronavirus pandemic created some positive benefits in their life. Those who work for schools and colleges are twice as likely to report positive benefits.

Thirty-nine percent (39%) of voters say they were glad to use COVID as an excuse for avoiding social activities. When asked to describe the events they were most pleased to miss, many cited weddings, reunions, family get-togethers and holiday gatherings. Business-focused social events and school activities were also mentioned.

Fifty-nine percent (59%) of voters believe the federal government is a special interest group that looks out primarily for its own interests. Just 17% of voters disagree and 23% are not sure. A majority of every measured demographic group sees the federal government as a special interest group.

Other recent survey data shows that just 26% of voters nationwide believe that the right person was declared the winner in each of the last two presidential elections. Most voters (56%) believe at least one of the last two presidents was illegitimate. Most Democrats still believe Hillary Clinton was the legitimate winner in 2016 and most Republicans believe Donald Trump was the legitimate winner in 2020.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from March 11-13, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 194 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, 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.

39% Used COVID As Excuse to Avoid Unwanted Social Activities

Posted on March 15, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Thirty-nine percent (39%) of voters say they were glad to use COVID as an excuse for avoiding social activities that they didn’t want to attend. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 55% did not and 6% are not sure.

When asked to describe the events they were most pleased to miss, many cited weddings, reunions, family get-togethers and holiday gatherings. Business-focused social events and school activities were also mentioned. One particularly blunt respondent said they used COVID as an excuse to avoid “Any event I deem useless or pointless.” Another said that being an introvert, this excuse provided a great sense of relief.

Among those who believe the worst of the pandemic is still to come, 50% used COVID as an excuse to get out of unwanted social events. Among those who believe the worst is behind us, just 34% did so.

As with many other findings on the pandemic, there is a significant partisan divide. Forty-seven percent (47%) of Democrats were pleased to use the COVID excuse. Just 27% of Republicans did the same. Urban voters were somewhat more likely to express this view than those who live in the suburbs or rural areas.

A separate question found that 19% expect to attend fewer social events than they did before the pandemic. Twenty-nine percent (29%) expect to do more socializing and 47% expect it won’t be all that different.

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Methodology

31% Have Experienced Positive Benefits From the Pandemic

Posted on March 15, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Thirty-one percent (31%) of voters say that the Coronavirus pandemic created some positive benefits in their life. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 61% can’t think of any positive benefits while 8% are not sure.

Most private sector workers (58%) and retirees (72%) couldn’t think of any positive benefits in their life. However, among government employees 48% remembered some positive benefits while 45% could not.

The broad category of government employees covers many types of jobs, everything from career bureaucrats to first responders and teachers. Within this group, there is a significant difference of opinion. Those who work at a school or college are far more likely than other government employees to report positive benefits from the pandemic.

By a 60% to 36% margin, those who work in education report positive benefits. Among all other government employees, the results are similar to the population at large: 35% remember positive benefits while 53% do not.

Data released last week showed that 42% of all voters believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us while 27% think the worst is still to come. That’s the most optimistic assessment to date.

Looking back, 50% of voters believe many states and cities overreacted to the coronavirus pandemic in ways that did more harm than good. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 37% disagree and 13% are not sure.

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Methodology

Confidence Growing: 42% Now Believe Worst of Pandemic Is Behind Us, 28% Disagree

Posted on March 8, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Forty-two percent (42%) of voters now believe the worst of the coronavirus pandemic is behind us. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 28% disagree and believe the worst is still to come.

That’s the most optimistic assessment yet. Until very recently, a majority or plurality of voters had said the worst is still to come in every survey dating back nearly a year. As recently as late November, 68% believed that the worst was still to come. At that time, only 18% believed the worst was behind us.

However, the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines dramatically decreased the levels of pessimism. By late January, 33% of voters believed the worst of the pandemic was behind us, while 40% believed the worst was still to come. Then, two weeks ago, for the first time ever, a plurality of voters believed that the worst was behind us. At that point, 39% took the optimistic view while 31% gave a more pessimistic answer.

The latest numbers show that 73% of voters have either received the vaccine or know someone who has.

Other data from the survey shows that 40% of voters believe the Biden Administration will move too slowly to re-open society. Thirty-five percent (35%) fear they will move too fast. Sixty-five percent (65%) of Republicans fear the Biden team will wait too long while 51% of Democrats fear they will move too fast.

Republicans, by a 56% to 22% margin, now believe the worst is behind us. Democrats are evenly divided on the question. Among Independents, 38% say the worst is behind us while 29% believe it is still to come.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from March 4-6, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 237 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, 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.

86% Believe Missing In-person Education Damaging to Students

Posted on March 4, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Eighty-six percent (86%) of voters believe that missing out on in-person teaching during the pandemic has been damaging to students. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that just 11% disagree.

Those totals include 53% who believe the impact has been Very Damaging and 3% who say it has not been damaging at all.

This is a rare pandemic-related topic with broad agreement across party lines. Eighty-eight percent (88%) of Republicans believe the lack of in-person teaching has been damaging to students. So do 86% of Independents and 84% of Democrats.

However, the partisan divide appears clearly on a related question. Forty-eight percent (48%) of all voters believe the health threat to students and teachers is greater than the academic threat to students. Forty-four percent (44%) take the opposite view. On this question, 70% of Democrats see the health issues as a bigger concern while 65% of Republicans are more worried about academic issues. Independents are evenly divided.

Data released recently shows that a plurality of voters believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us. Additionally, 50% believe that many cities and states overreacted to the pandemic in ways that did more harm than good.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from February 25-27, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 156 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, 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% Have Favorable Opinion of Fauci

Posted on March 3, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Fifty-two percent (52%) of voters nationwide have a favorable opinion of Dr. Anthony Fauci. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 32% have an unfavorable view of him while 17% are not sure.

Fauci has become a visible presence in the public dialogue over the coronavirus pandemic. His approval ratings reflect a wide partisan divide that has been found on many topics related to the pandemic.

Fauci is viewed favorably by 82% of Democrats but unfavorably by 56% of Republicans. Independent voters are evenly divided: 40% favorable and 35% unfavorable.

Methodology

73% Have Received COVID Vaccine or Know Someone Who Has

Posted on March 1, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Seventy-three percent (73%) of voters nationwide have either received a COVID vaccination or know someone who has. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that total includes 20% who have been vaccinated. Another 53% have a close friend or relative who have already received the vaccine.

Not surprisingly, the numbers vary by age. Among senior citizens, 87% have either been vaccinated (54%) or know someone who has (33%). Among the youngest voters, those aged 18-24, just 3% have been vaccinated. However, even among those young voters, 58% have a close friend or relative who has been vaccinated.

The growing reality of the vaccine has significantly increased the number who believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us.

Additionally, 50% of voters now believe that many states and cities overreacted to the Coronavirus pandemic.

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Methodology

50% Believe Many States and Cities Overreacted to Coronavirus Pandemic

Posted on March 1, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Looking back, 50% of voters believe many states and cities overreacted to the Coronavirus pandemic in ways that did more harm than good. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 37% disagree and 13% are not sure.

Seventy-one percent (71%) of Republicans believe many states and cities overreacted. Fifty-seven percent (57%) of Democrats believe that did not happen. Among Independent voters, 50% believe states and cities overreacted while 34% do not.

Men, by a 56% to 32% margin, are more likely to believe that many states and cities overreacted. Women are more evenly divided. Forty-five percent (45%) believe many overreacted while 41% do not.

For the second straight week, 39% of voters now believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us. Thirty-two percent (32%) now believe the worst is still to come. That’s little changed from 31% a week ago. However, last week was the first time ever that a plurality of voters believed the worst was behind us.

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Methodology

Voters Evenly Divided As To Whether Pandemic is Bigger Health or Economic Threat

Posted on February 22, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Forty-eight percent (48%) of voters nationwide believe health concerns represent the biggest threat from the coronavirus pandemic. However, a Scott Rasmussen survey found that another 48% believe the biggest threat has to do with economic concerns.

Sixty-four percent (64%) of Republicans believe that economic problems are the biggest threat while 66% of Democrats see health concerns as more significant. Among Independent voters 52% are more worried about the economic threat while 43% say the opposite.

Data released earlier showed that, for the first time every, a plurality of voters believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us.

Those who see the health concern as a bigger threat are fairly evenly divided as to whether the worst is behind us: 31% say yes while 36% disagree.

However, those who see economic concerns as a bigger threat are more upbeat. By a 49% to 27% margin, they believe the worst has come an gone.

Early in the pandemic, health concerns were generally seen as more significant. However, in June, 2020, for three straight weeks of polling, there was more concern about the economic threat than the health threat.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from February 18-20, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 212 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, 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.

First Time Ever: Plurality Believes Worst of Pandemic Behind Us

Posted on February 22, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Thirty-nine percent (39%) of voters now believe that the worst of the coronavirus pandemic is behind us. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 31% disagree and believe the worst is still to come.

Rasmussen has been tracking this question throughout the pandemic and this is the first time ever that a plurality has offered a positive view. As recently as late November, 68% believed that the worst was still to come. At that time, only 18% believed the worst was behind us.

However, the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines dramatically decreased the levels of pessimism. By late January, 33% of voters believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us while 40% believe the worst is still to come.

Republicans, by a 50% to 23% margin, believe the worst is behind us. Democrats and Independents are evenly divided on the question.

The survey found that 17% of voters have had the vaccine. But awareness of the impact is much more significant. Among those who have not yet had the vaccine, 63% know a close friend or family member who has been vaccinated.

Suburban voters are more optimistic than those living in urban or rural areas.

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Methodology

37% Believe Biden Administration Will Wait Too Long To Re-open Society; 36% Fear the Opposite

Posted on February 15, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Thirty-seven percent (37%) of voters nationwide worry that the Biden Administration will wait too long to re-open society. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 36% have the opposite view and fear the Administration will move too quickly. Twenty-six percent (26%) are not sure.

By a 40% to 33% margin, suburban voters tend to worry that the Biden team will wait too long. Urban voters, by a 43% to 31% margin, have the opposite concern. Rural voters are evenly divided.

On a partisan basis, 61% of Republicans fear Biden will wait too long while 46% of Democrats believe he will move too fast. Independent voters are evenly divided.

Younger voters are more worried about re-opening too fast. Voters aged 45-64 are fairly evenly divided. Sixty percent (60%) of senior citizens worry that the new president and his team will take too long.

This survey was intended to measure general perceptions of President Biden’s approach. However, it should be recognized that the ultimate decisions on how quickly society should re-open will depend upon decisions made by governors, mayors, health officials, and individual Americans.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from February 11-13, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 112 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, 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.

14% Say They Will Never Get COVID Vaccine

Posted on February 11, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Fourteen percent (14%) of voters nationwide say that they will never get the COVID vaccine. At the other end of the spectrum, a Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 15% have already been vaccinated and 35% want to receive the vaccine as soon as possible.

In between are 19% who say they want to wait and see before getting vaccinated and another 16% who are in no particular rush.

Twenty percent (20%) of Republicans say that they will never get vaccinated. So do 19% of Independent voters. Just 4% of Democrats share that view.

At the other extreme, 62% of Democrats say they have either been vaccinated already or want to be as soon as possible. Just 47% of Republicans hold that view along with 37% of Independents.

There is also a significant difference in attitudes by age. Two-thirds of senior citizens (69%) have either been vaccinated or want to be as soon as possible. However, the number of younger voters holding that view is below 50% for every age breakdown.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from February 4-6, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 197 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, 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.

72% Believe In-Person Learning Best for Students

Posted on February 3, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

Seventy-two percent (72%) of voters believe that students learn more from in-person schooling than they do from virtual classrooms. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 9% disagree and believe virtual classrooms are better. Twelve percent (12%) believe results are about the same with both approaches and 7% are not sure.

This is one issue that people with and without a college degree share similar views. Seventy-four percent (74%) of college graduates believe in-person learning is best. So do 70% of those without a degree.

More than 60% of every measured demographic group believes in-person learning is best. That belief is shared by 79% of Republicans, 71% of Independents, and 67% of Democrats.

Other survey data shows that 53% of voters believe schools in their area should be open for in-person learning. Thirty-one percent (31%) disagree.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from January 28-30, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 211 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, 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.

Vaccine Arrival Has Dramatically Reduced Pessimism About Pandemic

Posted on February 1, 2021 | by Scott Rasmussen

The arrival of COVID-19 vaccines has dramatically decreased pessimism about the coronavirus pandemic. A Scott Rasmussen national survey conducted January 28-30 found that 33% of voters believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us while 40% believe the worst is still to come.

While the overall numbers still reflect a slightly pessimistic assessment, it’s the lowest level of pessimism ever recorded. Additionally, the numbers represent a remarkable turnaround since vaccine distribution has become a reality. Last October, just before the presidential election, 56% of voters believed the worst was yet to come. That pessimistic view grew to 68% just a few weeks after the election and remained above 60% for the rest of the year.

So, the number with a pessimistic view has fallen 28 percentage points—from 68% to 40%– in just a couple of months.

On the flip side, the number who believe the worst is behind us has nearly doubled—from 18% in late November to 33% in late January.

Among the still relatively small number of voters who have already been vaccinated, a plurality (41%) now believes the worst is behind us.

A plurality of Republicans (43%) now believes the worst is behind us while a plurality of Democrats (48%) believes the worst is still to come.

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Methodology

Pessimism Growing: 62% Believe Worst of Pandemic Still to Come

Posted on November 17, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Pessimism about the pandemic has risen in recent weeks. A Political IQ survey found that 62% of voters now believe the worst of the pandemic is still to come. That’s up six points from a month ago. It’s also just one point shy of the high-water mark for pessimism recorded in July.

In July, however, just 15% thought the worst was behind us. That figure is 22% today.

Throughout August and September, weekly polling showed pessimism about the pandemic gradually declining. During September, fewer than half believed the worst was yet to come. However, that all changed following news that President Trump tested positive for COVID-19.

Thirty-seven percent (37%) of Republicans now believe the worst is behind us. However, 80% of Democrats and 19% of independents believe the worst is still to come.

The table below highlights selected results showing trends over the past few months.

	Worst of Pandemic is Behind Us	Worst of Pandemic is Still to Come
Oct. 15-17	22%	56%
Oct. 8-10	27%	52%
Oct. 1-3	24%	55%
Sept. 3-5	29%	49%
Aug. 13-15	20%	59%
July 23-25	15%	63%
June 4-6	29%	42%
April 9-11	16%	60%

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from November 12-14, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 276 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied to the larger sample and lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, 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.

75% Think Biden Likely To Impose Strict National Lockdown

Posted on November 16, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

To deal with the pandemic, 75% of voters believe President-elect Biden will impose a strict nationwide lockdown. A Political IQ poll found that 15% consider such a lockdown order unlikely while 9% are not sure.

Those totals include 40% who consider it Very Likely and just 3% who say it’s Not at All Likely.

At the same time, however, just 43% believe governments should be imposing stricter lockdowns where they live. The poll, conducted by Scott Rasmussen, found that 50% believe governments should either be easing restrictions (28%) or making no changes (22%). An additional 7% are not sure.

There is a broad expectation across all segments of society that Biden is likely to impose a strict national lockdown. However, there is a huge partisan divide as to whether that’s the right thing to do.

Eighty-one percent (81%) of Republicans expect Biden will try to impose a strict national lockdown. Just 25% of GOP voters favor stricter lockdowns in their own area.
Seventy-six percent (76%) of Democrats think it’s likely Biden will impose a strict national lockdown. Sixty-one percent (61%) of Democrats want stricter lockdowns in their area.
Among Independent voters, 69% believe Biden will impose a national lockdown while 41% think that’s the appropriate policy.

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Methodology

Pessimism Growing: 56% of Voters Believe Worst of Pandemic Still to Come

Posted on October 21, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

For the third straight week, more than half the nation’s voters believe the worst of the pandemic is still to come. Fifty-six percent (56%) now hold that view, up four points from a week ago.

A Political IQ poll conducted by Scott Rasmussen also found that just 22% of Registered Voters now believe the worst is behind us. That’s down five points from a week ago and down seven from the peak optimism measured in early September.

Twenty-seven percent (27%) of men believe the worst is behind us. So do 17% of women.

Forty-one percent (41%) of Republicans now believe the worst is behind us. However, 74% of Democrats and 58% of independents believe the worst is still to come.

The table below highlights selected results showing trends over the past few months.

	Worst of Pandemic is Behind Us	Worst of Pandemic is Still to Come
Oct. 8-10	27%	52%
Oct. 1-3	24%	55%
Sept. 3-5	29%	49%
Aug. 13-15	20%	59%
July 23-25	15%	63%
June 4-6	29%	42%
April 9-11	16%	60%

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Methodology

The survey of 1,500 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from October 15-17, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 102 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Certain quotas were applied to the overall sample and lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, 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 error for the full sample is +/- 2.5 percentage points.

52% Believe Worst of Pandemic Still to Come

Posted on October 13, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Fifty-two percent (52%) of voters now believe the worst of the pandemic is still to come. That’s down three points from a week ago but up four from two weeks ago. A Scott Rasmussen national survey also found that 27% believe the worst is behind us and 21% are not sure.

Those results suggest that there was an increase in pessimism following news that President Trump tested positive for COVID-19. The pessimism has eased slightly since his recovery, but is still higher than before the president’s diagnosis.

Prior to the president testing positive, our weekly testing found that optimism had been growing steadily for a couple of months.

Thirty-five percent (35%) of men believe the worst is behind us. So do 20% of women.

Forty-six percent (46%) of Republicans now believe the worst is behind us. However, 70% of Democrats and 53% of independents believe the worst is still to come.

The table below highlights selected results showing trends over the past few months.

	Worst of Pandemic is Behind Us	Worst of Pandemic is Still to Come
Oct. 1-3	24%	55%
Sept. 3-5	29%	49%
Aug. 13-15	20%	59%
July 23-25	15%	63%
June 4-6	29%	42%
April 9-11	16%	60%

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Methodology

The survey of 1,457 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from October 8-10, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 198 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Certain quotas were applied to the overall sample and lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, 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 error for the full sample is +/- 2.6 percentage points.

Pessimism About Pandemic Grows–55% Believe Worst is Still to Come

Posted on October 5, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Fifty-five percent (55%) of voters now believe the worst of the pandemic is still to come. That’s an increase of seven points from a week ago. A Scott Rasmussen national survey also found that 24% believe the worst is behind us and 21% are not sure.

Those results suggest an increase in pessimism following news that President Trump tested positive for COVID. The vast majority of interviews in the latest survey were conducted following release of that information.

We have been tracking this question weekly for several months. During August, optimism was growing on this question. By early September, the number saying the worst was still to come had fallen below the 50% mark and it remained there until this week.

Forty-four percent (44%) of Republicans now believe the worst is behind us. However, 72% of Democrats and 57% of Independents believe the worst is still to come.

The table below highlights selected results showing trends over the past few months.

Behind Still to Come

Oct 1-3 24% 55%

Sept 3-5 29% 49%

Aug 13-15 20% 59%

July 23-25 15% 63%

June 4-6 29% 42%

April 9-11 16% 60%

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from October 1-3, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 121 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Certain quotas were applied to the overall sample and lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, 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.

29% Believe Worst of Pandemic Behind Us, Highest Yet; Red/Blue State Divide

Posted on September 8, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Twenty-nine percent (29%) of Registered Voters now believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us. matches the highest level yet measured in polls by Scott Rasmussen this year. The number holding that optimistic view has nearly doubled from the summer low recorded in July.

The number who believe the worst is still to come is 49%. It’s the first time ever that number has remained below 50% in back-to-back weeks.

Among Likely Voters, 32% believe the worst is behind us while 48% take the opposite view.

However, there is a substantial gap between the views of Red and Blue state voters.

Blue States are far more pessimistic. In states where Democrats won by more than 4 points in 2016, 54% believe the worst is still to come while just 27% believe it is behind us.

In Red States, voters are evenly divided—38% say it’s behind us while 43% believe the worst is still to come.

In the ten purple states—decided by less four points or less in 2016—32% believe the worst is behind us while 45% believe it is still to come.

This is the first time we have measured the views of Likely Voters, but the trend lines among Registered Voters show a steadily declining level of pessimism.

The number who believe the worst is behind us is up two points from a week ago, up three from two weeks ago, and up nine from three weeks ago. It has nearly doubled from the 15% recorded in July.

Scott Rasmussen has been tracking this question on a weekly basis and will continue to do so. Results in this feature are based upon a survey of 1,200 Registered Voters conducted September 3-5, 2020. The sample included 942 Likely Voters.

Other data from last week’s survey found that 59% of voters believe it’s time to move forward by adapting to the ongoing nature of the pandemic. Thirty-one percent (31%) take the opposite view and believe it is better for America to lockdown again until the pandemic is completely behind us.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from September 3-5, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 186 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Certain quotas were applied to the overall sample and lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, 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 sample included 942 Likely Voters were defined as those who say they are “Definitely going to vote” or “Very Likely to Vote” and who know how they will vote. The Likely Voter sample was 35% Republican, 39% Democrat, and 26% Independent.

27% Believe Worst of Pandemic Behind Us; 48% Believe Worst Still to Come

Posted on September 1, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Americans are growing a bit less pessimistic about the pandemic.

Twenty-seven percent (27%) of voters nationwide believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 48% disagree and believe the worst is still to come.

The number who believe the worst is still to come is down seven points from a week ago and down eleven points from two weeks ago. This marks only the second time–and the first since June–that fewer that half the nation’s voters believed the worst was still to come.

The 27% who believe that the worst is behind us is up a point from last week, up seven points from two weeks ago, and up 12 points since July.

Earlier this year, from April thru June, confidence about getting the pandemic behind us grew steadily. But, in July that confidence collapsed before starting to grow again in August. If confidence continues to grow, it would be a significant benefit to President Trump’s hopes of re-election.

Republicans, by a 50% to 26% margin, believe the worst is behind us. Democrats reject that notion by a 67% to 10% margin. Among Independent voters, 24% believe the worst has come and gone while 48% take the opposite view.

Scott Rasmussen has been tracking this question on a weekly basis and will continue to do so. Results in this feature are based upon a survey of 1,200 Registered Voters conducted August 27-29, 2020.

Other data from the survey found that 59% of voters believe it’s time to move forward by adapting to the ongoing nature of the pandemic. Thirty-one percent (31%) take the opposite view and believe it is better for America to lockdown again until the pandemic is completely behind us.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from August 27-29, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 188 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Certain quotas were applied to the overall sample and lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, 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.

59% Believe It’s Time to Adapt and Move Forward; 31% Prefer Lockdowns Until Pandemic is Gone

Posted on September 1, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Fifty-nine percent (59%) of voters nationwide believe it’s time to move forward by adapting to the ongoing nature of the pandemic. A Scott Rasmussen survey found that 31% take the opposite view and believe it is better for America to lockdown again until the pandemic is completely behind us.

Eighty-one percent (81%) of Republicans believe it is time to adapt and move forward. So do 54% of Independent voters.

Democrats, however, are evenly divided. Forty-six percent (46%) of those in Joe Biden’s party believe more lockdowns are needed while 44% prefer moving forward by adapting to the ongoing nature of the pandemic.

By a 63% to 27% margin, White voters believe it is time to move forward. Other voters are more evenly divided.

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Methodology

43% Have Experienced Financial Problems Due to Pandemic

Posted on August 25, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Forty-three percent (43%) of voters say the Coronavirus pandemic has caused serious financial problems for them or a member of their immediate family. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that total includes 60% of Hispanic voters, 53% of Black voters, and 37% of White voters.

The financial hardships have impacted more than twice as many people as the health problems. Twenty percent (20%) say the Coronavirus has caused serious health issues for them or a member of their immediate family.

Interestingly, despite the fact that the virus represents a far greater risk to older Americans, young people are far more likely to report a serious health impact. Among senior citizens, just 10% say the pandemic has caused a serious health issue for their family. Among voters under 45, that figure is nearly three times as high at 27%.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from August 20-22, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 142 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Certain quotas were applied to the overall sample and lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, 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.

26% Believe Worst of the Pandemic Behind Us

Posted on August 24, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Twenty-six percent of voters (26%)believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 55% disagree and believe the worst is still to come.

While the overall numbers reflect ongoing concern, the numbers reflect a recent burst in confidence. The number believing the worst is behind us is up six points from a week ago and 11 points since July.

Perceptions of the pandemic have sent the nation an emotional roller-coaster. In early April, as the lockdowns were getting started, just 16% thought the worst was behind us, but confidence was growing rapidly. By the end of that month, 23% thought we had gotten through the toughest moments. In May, confidence slipped back to 17% before soaring to 29% in June. That was the highest level of confidence yet measured. However, just a month later, confidence that the worst was behind us fell back to 15% in July.

For now, the roller-coaster appears headed back up again. It will be interesting to see if confidence keeps growing in the weeks to come. If it does, that would be a significant benefit to President Trump’s hopes of re-election.

As always, Republicans are more upbeat about the pandemic than anyone else. Forty-five percent (45%) of GOP voters believe the worst is behind us. That optimism is shared by 23% of Independents and 11% of Democrats.

It is possible—probably likely—that perceptions of this question may have shifted over time. For some people the prospect that the worst is still ahead of us means we have to hunker down for a longer period of time. For others, it may mean that we need to find a way to adapt and go on living with a challenge that is going to be with us for a while.

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Methodology

56% More Worried About Pandemic Health Threat Rather than Economic Threat

Posted on August 19, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Fifty-six percent (56%) of voters are more worried about the Health Threat from the coronavirus pandemic rather than the economic threat. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that just 39% are more worried about the economic threat.

These figures highlight a growing level of concern about the health threat from the pandemic.

The number worried most about the health threat has risen 13 points since mid-June and three points since the end of last month. . The number more concerned about the economy has fallen a dozen points since mid-June and one point since the end of last month.

There remains a huge partisan gap on the issue. Seventy-six percent (76%) of Democrats and 55% of Independents are most concerned about the health threat. However, 62% of Republicans take the opposite view and worry more about the economy.

In mid-June, members of all parties were relatively less concerned about the health threat than they are today.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from August 13-15, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 181 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Certain quotas were applied to the overall sample and lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, 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.

53% Have Some Confidence in Public Health Officials

Posted on August 18, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Fifty-three percent (53%) of voters nationwide are at least Somewhat Confident that that public health officials really understand the coronavirus and what policies are needed to overcome it. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 46% lack confidence in the officials.

Those figures reflect growing confidence in public health officials over the past couple of months. In June, just 45% had even a modest level of confidence in the public health officials. The eight-point improvement came exclusively from Democrats and Independent voters.

In June, 49% of Republican voters expressed confidence in the public health officials. That figure is unchanged in the latest survey.
Confidence among Democrats increased twelve points, from 49% in June to 61% today.
Among Independents, there was a thirteen point gain, from 35% in June to 48% today.

Overall, the current numbers show that 16% of voters are Very Confident in the public health officials while 15% are Not at All confident.

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Methodology

53% More Worried About Pandemic Threat to Health Than U.S. Economy

Posted on July 28, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

When asked about what worries them most about the coronavirus threat to our nation, 53% now express concern about the health threat while 40% are more worried about the threat to the U.S. economy.

These numbers reflect a significant change from mid-June when a Ballotpedia national survey found more concern about the economy.

Broadly speaking, optimism about recovering from the pandemic grew steadily from late March until mid-June. Since then, they have moved in the opposite direction.

In late March, just 38% were more worried about the economic threat while 53% expressed greater concern about the health threat.
By mid-June, however,three straight weeks of polling found more concern about the economic threat rather than the health threat.
Now, the numbers have returned to the levels first recorded in late March. Whatever bounce in optimism took place, it is gone.

Most Republicans (59%) are still more concerned about the economic threat. Most Democrats (69%) and Independents (54%) are primarily concerned with the health threat.

Other data from the survey shows that just 15% of voters believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us. Sixty-three percent (63%) believe the worst is still to come. That also reflects growing pessimism since mid-June. The highest level of optimism measured found that 29% of voters believed that the worst was behind us while 42% thought the worst was still to come.

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Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any connection or relationship with Rasmussen Reports. Scott Rasmussen left that firm more than seven years ago and has had no involvement with it since then.

Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from July 23-25, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 161 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Certain quotas were applied to the overall sample and lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, 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.

42% Believe Professional Sports Should Be Shut Down Until 2021

Posted on July 23, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

As Major League Baseball launches its truncated 2020 season, American voters are evenly divided as to whether they should be allowed to do so. A JustTheNews.com national survey found that 44% think they should be allowed to play while 42% believe professional sports should remain shut down until next year.

Most men (51%) favor a resumption of sports while a plurality of women (46%) are opposed.

More generally, attitudes towards the reopening of sports follow patterns similar to reopening other aspects of American society. Most Republicans (59%) like the idea while most Democrats (52%) are opposed. Independents are fairly evenly divided.

Older voters and White voters are more supportive of re-opening than younger voters and non-White voters.

34% Say It Will Be At Least Six Months Before They’ll Feel Safe in Public Without a Mask

Posted on July 8, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Thirty-four percent (34%) of voters nationwide say it will be six month or longer before they feel safe going out in public without a mask. That total is up from 25% three months ago and includes 9% who say they will never feel safe without a mask.

Forty-eight percent (48%) of Democrats say it will take at least six months, up twelve points from the earlier survey.
Thirty percent (30%) of Independents say it will be at least six months, up ten points from May.
Nineteen percent (19%) of Republicans share those views, up four points in three months.

At the other extreme, 37% are already comfortable without a mask or expect to be soon (within a month). That’s down two points from the earlier survey. The decline is primarily driven by Republicans. In May, 58% of GOP voters were comfortable or expected to be soon. That’s down to 51% now.

From a different perspective, a majority (55%) of those in the May survey expected they would be comfortable going out with a mask by now.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from July 2-4, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 129 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Certain quotas were applied to the overall sample and lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, 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.

64% Believe Worst of Pandemic is Still To Come–Most Pessimistic Assessment Yet Measured

Posted on June 24, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Just 16% of voters now believe the worst of the Coronavirus is behind us. A Ballotpedia national survey of 1,000 Registered Voters found that 64% believe the worst is still to come.

That’s quite a change from earlier in the month when 29% believed the worst was behind us and only 42% took the more pessimistic view. In fact, those earlier numbers were the most optimistic yet recorded. The current numbers are the most pessimistic.

In mid-April, just 16% believed the worst was behind us. That matches the current numbers. At that time, 60% feared the worst was still to come, four points lower than the current total.
Later in April, 23% held the optimistic view while 49% disagreed.
However, in mid-May, confidence fell. The number thinking the worst was behind us fell to 17%. At the same time, the number fearing the worst was still to come jumped seven points to 56%.

Given this history, it seems likely that the emotional roller-coaster will continue.

The pessimistic view is now shared by 75% of Democrats, 62% of Independents, and 52% of Republicans.

Those who are out working and interacting with customers and co-workers are a bit more optimistic. Twenty-seven percent (27%) of them believe the worst is behind us. Among those who have no in-person interactions, just 11% share that view.

Methodology

The online survey of 1,000 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen on June 20, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Certain quotas were applied to the overall sample and lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, 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.

42% Know Someone Who Lost Their Job During The Pandemic and Have Been Rehired

Posted on June 17, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Forty-two percent (42%) of voters nationwide have a close friend or family member who lost their job during the shutdown and since been rehired. A Ballotpedia survey of 1,200 Registered Voters found that 49% do not and 9% are not sure.

There is a significant generational divide on this question. Among voters under 45, just over half (51%) know someone close to them who has been rehired. That falls to 27% among senior citizens.

Beyond that, however, there are few noticeable demographic divides.

Forty-three percent (43%) of Republican voters know someone who lost their job and been rehired. So do 38% of Democrats and 44% of Independents.

We will continue to track this measure as part of our effort to monitor the reopening of American society.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from June 11-13, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 306 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Certain quotas were applied, and the overall sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, 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.

51% Worry About Economic Threat from Pandemic More Than Health Threat

Posted on June 10, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

When asked about what worries them most about the coronavirus, 51% now say it’s threat to the U.S. economy. A Ballotpedia national survey found that 43% are more worried about the health threat.

This is the third straight week that more people have expressed greater concern about the economic threat rather than the health threat. It’s the first time more than 50% have expressed that concern.

These figures represent a significant change from late March when just 38% were more worried about the economic threat. At that time, 53% expressed greater concern about the health threat.

By late April and early May, the figures had generally evened up. Since then, the trend has continued to show a relative decline in concern about the health threat.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from June 4-6, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 246 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Certain quotas were applied, and the overall sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, 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.

29% Believe Worst of Pandemic Behind Us

Posted on June 9, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Twenty-nine percent (29%) of voters now believe the worst of the coronavirus pandemic is behind us. A Ballotpedia survey found that 42% disagree and think the worst is still to come. Another 29% are not sure.

These are by far the most optimistic assessments of the situation found in months of regular polling on the topic.

In mid-April, just 16% believed the worst was behind us while 60% feared it was still to come.
Later in April, 23% held the optimistic view while 49% disagreed.
However, in mid-May, confidence fell. The number thinking the worst was behind us fell to 17%. At the same time, the number fearing the worst was still to come jumped seven points to 56%.

Given this history, it’s too early to say whether the optimism will continue.

Throughout all the bouncing around, Republicans were always more optimistic than Democrats or Independents. That remains true today. By a 52% to 23% margin, Republicans believe the worst is behind us. Democrats, by a 56% to 14% margin, take the opposite view and believe the worst is still to come. Among Independents, 23% say it’s behind us while 42% worry that the worst is still to come.

Women, by a 2-to-1 margin, believe the worst is still to come. Men are evenly divided.

This data was featured in Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day on Ballotpedia. The Number of the Day has now expanded to a podcast format with a new release every weekday morning at 8:00 a.m. Eastern.

Ballotpedia is Documenting America’s Path to Recovery by providing comprehensive coverage on how the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is affecting America’s political and civic life. Click here to sign up for daily email updates.

Coverage includes how federal, state, and local governments are responding, and the effects those responses are having on campaigns and elections. We document the plans for recovery put forth by states, localities, and others in a way that allows citizens, policymakers, influencers, pundits, and the nation’s reporters to engage in fruitful comparisons about moving forward. We will curate the ongoing debates, as well as the political impact of the conversations.

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Methodology

45% of Today’s Workers Using Zoom Calls

Posted on June 4, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Forty-five percent (45%) of workers today are regularly taking part in Zoom calls or other video conferencing efforts. A Ballotpedia survey total includes 65% of those working primarily from home and 29% of those working primarily in a company office.

The survey found that total includes 24% of workers who use Zoom but have no in-person interaction with either co-workers or customers. Not surprisingly, 93% of those Zoom-only workers are primarily working from home.

Seventy percent (70%) of these Zoom-only workers have a college degree and 25% earn more than $100,000 annually.

Forty-two percent (42%) are Democrats, 28% Republican, and 30% are not affiliated with either major party.

Just 27% approve of the way President Trump is performing his job.

The survey of 1,026 working Americans was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen from May 30- June 2, 2020.

38% of Today’s Workers Interact With Customers In Person

Posted on June 3, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Thirty-eight percent (38%) of working Americans today regularly see customers in person.

A Ballotpedia survey found that 64% of those workers are generally comfortable with the safety protocols that have been established during the pandemic. Thirty percent (30%) are nervous about seeing customers and/or co-workers in person while 5% are not sure.

In terms of their own personal situation, 52% of these workers worry more about the economic threat of the coronavirus than the health threat. Forty-two percent (42%) are more concerned about the health issues.

Those numbers are nearly the reverse of attitudes expressed by workers who don’t interact with customers these days. Among those workers, 54% worry more about the health threat while 41% have greater concerns about the economic impact.

Fifty-one percent (51%) of those interacting with customers believe the lockdowns have done more harm than good. Just 33% of other workers share that view.

The national survey of 1,026 working Americans was conducted by Scott Rasmussen. Additional data from the survey will be released in the near future.

53% More Worried About Coronavirus Threat to Their Health Than Their Finances

Posted on June 1, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Fifty-three percent (53%) of voters nationwide are more worried about the Coronavirus threat to their health rather than their finances. A Ballotpedia survey of 1,200 Registered Voters found that 39% are more concerned about the economic threat.

Perhaps surprisingly, there is only a modest difference between young and old on this question. Among voters under 45, nearly half (48%) are more concerned about their health. As for older voters, 56% are concerned primarily about their health.

The similarity of concern exists alongside the reality that older people are far more likely to have coronavirus related health issues. While nursing homes house less than 1% of the U.S. population, they account for 42% of all deaths attributed to the disease.

There is no gender gap on the issue, and views are broadly similar across racial lines, employment status, income levels, and other factors. The only exceptions are found along partisan and ideological lines.

Seventy-one percent (71%) of Democrats are more concerned for their health, a view shared by just 38% of Republicans.
Fifty-two percent (52%) of conservatives are more concerned about their personal economic challenges, a view shared by just 19% of liberals.

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Methodology

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from May 28-30, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 172 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Certain quotas were applied, and the overall sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, 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.

20% Lack Confidence They Could Receive Appropriate Treatment for Coronavirus

Posted on May 28, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

If infected by the coronavirus, a Ballotpedia national survey found that 20% of registered voters nationwide lack confidence they could receive appropriate medical treatment. That total includes 14% who are Not Very Confident and 6% who are Not at All Confident about access to treatment.

Those figures reflect a ten-point improvement since early April when 30% lacked such confidence.

Looked at from a different angle, 75% are now confident they could receive appropriate treatment. That’s up nine-points from 66% in the previous survey.

Among lower-income voters today, 28% lack confidence they could receive appropriate treatment. That concern is shared by 19% of middle-income voters and 13% of upper income voters.

56% Believe Worst is Still to Come

Posted on May 19, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Fifty-six percent (56%) of voters believe the worst of the pandemic is still to come. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that just 17% believe the worst is now behind us.

That’s a more pessimistic assessment than voters offered at the end of April. At that time, just 49% believed the worst was still to come while 23% thought it had come and gone.

Sixty-six percent (66%) of Democrats believe the worst is still to come, as do 60% of Independents. However, Republicans are fairly evenly divided–39% say the worst is still to come while 32% believe it is behind us.

Still, while recognizing the difficulties that lie ahead, polling data shows that voters are ready to re-open society. Most are ready to resume visiting their favorite restaurants, salons, and churches. Sixty percent (60%) of voters nationwide believe every business that establishes safe social distancing protocols should be allowed to open. Just 26% are opposed.

47% Primarily Concerned About Health Threat from Pandemic; 47% About Economic Threat

Posted on May 18, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Voters are evenly divided about what is the greatest threat from the coronavirus pandemic. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 47% of Registered Voters are most concerned about the Health Threat while another 47% are primarily concerned about the Economic Threat.

This is the third consecutive week of polling that has found an even divide. Two weeks ago, a slight plurality was more concerned about the Economic Threat. Last week, a slight plurality was more concerned about the Health Threat.

Sixty-five percent (65%) of Republicans worry more about the Economic Threat while 64% of Democrats take the opposite view. Independent voters are evenly divided. While there are modest differences along various demographic lines, partisanship is the strongest indicator of an individual’s perceptions on this topic.

Men, by a 50% to 45% margin, are more worried about the economy. Women, by a 49% to 44% margin, are more worried about health issues.

Rural voters are somewhat more worried about the economy while urban voters are a bit more likely to worry about the health aspects of the pandemic.

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from May 14-16, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online while 238 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Certain quotas were applied, and the overall sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, 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.

65% Concerned Officials Using Pandemic As Excuse to Infringe on Constitutional Rights

Posted on May 11, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Sixty-five percent (65%) of voters nationwide are at least somewhat concerned that public officials are using the pandemic as an excuse to infringe upon the Constitutional rights of individual Americans. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that total includes 39% who are Very Concerned.

Eighty-one percent (81%) of Republicans are concerned along with 63% of Independent voters and 52% of Democrats.

Sixty-eight percent (68%) of urban voters are concerned. So are 66% of rural voters and 63% in the suburbs. Other data shows that urban voters tend to be more supportive of lockdowns than others. Their level of concern about Constitutional Rights being infringed may result from the fact that many urban voters are living under more severe restrictions than others.

Data released earlier shows that 38% of voters want the lockdowns to continue in their community. However, 57% disagree. Most voters believe rules and guidelines should be set locally rather than nationally.

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The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from May 7-9, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online while 174 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Certain quotas were applied and the overall sample and lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, 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.

49% Fear Economic Threat More Than Health Threat From Coronavirus

Posted on May 4, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Forty-nine percent (49%) of voters nationwide now fear the economic threat from the coronavirus more than the health threat. A Scott Rasmussen national survey conducted over the past weekend (April 30-May 2) found that 45% take the opposite view and are more worried about the health threat.

These numbers reflect a significant change over the past month. In late March, by a 55% to 38% margin, voters were more concerned about the health threat.

By a 53% to 42% margin, men are more worried about the economic threat. Women are evenly divided.

There remains a gaping partisan divide. By a 73% to 21% margin, Republicans are more worried about the economic threat. Democrats, by a 64% to 31% margin, worry more about threats to health.

In late March, Independent voters were more worried about the health threat by a 55% to 34% margin. Now, they are evenly divided (49% say health, 45% economy).

These results are consistent with other data showing that people are looking for actions that may loosen some of the restrictions. Voters nationwide are evenly divided as to whether the lockdowns should continue. And, they have come to recognize that it’s not simply a question of stay home to stay safe or go out and get sick. Voters recognize that there are significant mental and physical health risks associated with ongoing lockdowns.

Additionally, 51% now favor a proposal that would allow all who are not sick or vulnerable in their area to return to work. Thirty-eight percent (38%) are opposed, and 10% are not sure. That question was framed in the context of the area that the respondents lived in. These numbers are not a call for a national rule, but a recognition that different dynamics exist in different communities.

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from April 30-May 2, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online while 179 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Certain quotas were applied, and the overall sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, 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.

23% Believe Worst of Pandemic Is Behind Us, Up 7 Points in Two Weeks

Posted on April 27, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Twenty-three percent (23%) of voters nationwide now believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us. That’s up seven points from just 16% two weeks ago.

A Scott Rasmussen national survey also found that 49% believe the worst is still to come. That’s down 11 points from 60% in the earlier survey.

The survey also found that, if infected by the coronavirus, 24% of Registered Voters nationwide are not confident they could receive appropriate medical treatment. That’s down from 30% two weeks ago. The number who are Not at All Confident about access to treatment has fallen from 10% to 6%.

The partisan divides remain very significant and most of the increased confidence comes from Republicans.

Sixty percent (60%) of Democrats believe the worst is yet to come, down from 72% earlier. Among Independent voters, 52% now believe the worst days remain ahead of us (down from 58%).

However, Republicans perceive things much differently. By a 43% to 35% margin, a plurality of GOP voters now believe the worst is behind us. Two weeks ago, just 28% of Republicans thought the worst was behind us. Forty-nine percent (49%) believed the worst was still to come.

Data released earlier showed that 22% believe our nation’s response to the pandemic would have been better if private insurance companies were banned and all health coverage was provided by the federal government. However, a Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 38% believe things would be worse.

Overall, 34% of voters at least somewhat favor the idea of banning private insurance companies to create a national health care system. Fifty-four percent (54%) are opposed.

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The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from April 23-25, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online while 272 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Certain quotas were applied to the overall sample and lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, 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.

46% More Worried About Pandemic’s Economic Threat Than Health Threat

Posted on April 21, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Forty-six percent (46%) of voters are more worried about the economic threat posed by the coronavirus pandemic than the health threat. However, the latest Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 49% are more worried about health issues. The survey was conducted this past weekend (April 16-18).

Those figures reflect a modest increase in concern about the economic threat.

Last month, just 38% were more worried about the economic threat while 53% primarily feared the health threat.

The partisan divide on the issue is sharp. Sixty-six percent (66%) of Republicans are more worried about the economic threat while 67% of Democrats are more concerned about the health threat. Independent voters are evenly divided.

Data released earlier showed that, when the lockdown ends, 34% of voters expect the U.S. economy to bounce back quickly. However, a 45% have the opposite view and believe the nation will suffer through a long recession. There’s a similar partisan divide on that question, though the differences are not as sharp.

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from April 16-18, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online while 167 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Certain quotas were applied to the overall sample and lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, 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.

69% Believe China’s Disinformation Made Pandemic Worse; 10% Believe China Telling Truth Now

Posted on April 20, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Sixty-nine percent (69%) of voters believe the Chinese government made the global pandemic worse by withholding important research and releasing false information. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that just 8% disagree with that assessment while 23% are not sure.

The belief that China’s untruthfulness made things worse is shared by 83% of Republicans, 65% of Independents, and 60% of Democrats.

The survey also found that just 10% consider information the Chinese government is now releasing to be truthful and reliable. Thirty-nine percent (39%) believe it is not while 50% are not sure.

Most Republicans (57%) say information coming from China today is not truthful and reliable. Most Democrats (62%) and Independents (51%) are not sure.

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70% Favor Temporary Ban on Entry Into United States

Posted on April 20, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Seventy percent (70%) of Registered Voters believe the federal government place a temporary ban on allowing people from any other country to enter the United States. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that total includes 34% who believe that even Americans living abroad should have to wait until the pandemic is over before returning.

The temporary ban is supported by 82% of Republicans, 66% of Independents, and 64% of Democrats.

Among those who Strongly Approve of President Trump, 84% support the ban. Among those who Strongly Disapprove of the president, 57% share that same view.

Overall, among all voters, just 15% oppose a temporary ban. In no measured demographic group does opposition reach 25%.

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The pandemic is shaking up everything. Government shouldn’t be an exception

Posted on April 15, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Last week, I wrote about how the pandemic-induced experiment in home schooling will shake up our system of education. By unleashing the creativity of great teachers, the next wave of innovations will give teachers and parents more control over how and what their students learn.

This week, I’ll focus on a similar change coming to the larger political realm.

In Federalist 8, Alexander Hamilton wrote that “Safety from external danger is the most powerful director of national conduct. Even the ardent love of liberty will, after a time, give way to its dictates. … To be more safe, they at length become willing to run the risk of being less free.”

Hamilton’s clear appreciation of human nature is now visible in every day’s news coverage during the pandemic. There is broad public support for lockdowns, stay-at-home orders, and other measures that would have been unimaginable just a few months ago. Who could have conceived of a scenario where political leaders would be allowed to define which businesses are essential and which are not?

However, when the crisis is over, many politicians will resist giving up the emergency powers they enjoyed exercising. Even worse, some will see the pandemic as a breakthrough moment when voters finally appreciate the value of a powerful government.

For example, New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio has expressed his preference for a system where “the city government would determine (for) every single plot of land, how development would proceed.” He thought most voters “would like to have the city government be able to determine which building goes where, how high it will be, who gets to live in it, what the rent will be.”

When the pandemic is over, these attitudes will pit citizens who want a restoration of freedom against politicians who don’t want to give up their newfound powers.

In the larger sense, though, the pandemic is merely bringing to a head a battle that has been brewing for decades. Since the 1970s, our political system has been growing more centralized with ever increasing authority being vested in a regulatory state. The regulators are treated as experts — many are — and are generally unaccountable to any external checks and balances.

The regulatory state promised to make our society safer, but it required giving up individual freedoms and our commitment to self-governance.

Additionally, while the political system has been growing more centralized, America’s culture has been moving in the opposite direction. Following the invention of the microchip and what I call the Great Turnaround, everything in America has been decentralizing —everything that is except our political system.

The disconnect between a decentralizing society and a centralizing government is simply not sustainable. It’s also the reason that so much of our political dialogue seems so irrelevant or toxic. Twenty-first century politics is simply out of synch with twenty-first century America.

How did we get to this point? How did this disconnect come to be? How did the American people come to accept a regulatory state that is at odds with our founding ideals of freedom, equality, and self-governance?

The short answer is that, in the immediate aftermath of World War II, the American people trusted their government as never before or since. Not only did the government win the war, a long economic boom followed. The trust faded quickly, but not before the Nixon administration put in place the foundations of today’s regulatory state.

The imposition of the regulatory state created the central political conflict of our time. It’s a conflict between our nation’s founding ideals and our current form of governance.

The pandemic is highlighting this disconnect. People see governments exercising draconian power, but they do not trust the governments. They are willing to accept and support such decisions during an emergency but can’t wait for the emergency to end.

When the pandemic is defeated, the defeat of the regulatory state will follow. Hamilton’s words of warning are certainly appropriate, but the American people are not yet ready to give up their freedom for promises of security.

50% Say Top Priority Should Be Letting People Gather in Homes

Posted on April 15, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

There has been a lot of recent debate about how and when to re-open the U.S. economy. However, data from the latest Scott Rasmussen survey suggests that voters are interested in a broader discussion about how to re-open American society. The survey asked voters to prioritize the re-opening of various activities when the lockdown ends. For each activity, voters were asked whether it should happen right away or if it should be a second or third priority.

Fifty percent (50%) said that allowing people to gather in small groups at someone’s home should happen right away.
Thirty-five percent (35%) said that churches and other religious gatherings should be opened right away.
Re-opening retail stores was also seen as a top priority by 35%.
Thirty-one percent (31%) said the same about schools.
Just 21% thought re-opening bars and restaurants should happen right away.
Only 14% said the same about major league sports events and stadium concerts.

These results suggest that voters are interested in the broader questions of re-opening society, rather than narrow concerns about the economy. That’s not surprising since 23% say that the biggest impact they’ve felt from the pandemic is boredom, depression and isolation. Thirty percent (30%) cited loss of income as the biggest impact.

Additionally, even the re-opening of retail stores may reflect something more than economic concerns. Many people have experienced difficulties obtaining needed supplies during the pandemic—everything from food to health care items. Opening retail stores may be seen as a way to help address those concerns.

There are significant partisan differences in priorities. The most dramatic concerns the re-opening of churches and religious services. Forty-seven percent (47%) of Republicans believe that should be a top priority while only 29% of Democrats agree.

These results come from a survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from April 9-11, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online while 217 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Certain quotas were applied to the overall sample and lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, 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.

On Pandemic, 60% Believe Worst is Yet to Come, 16% Think It’s Behind Us

Posted on April 13, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

In terms of the pandemic, 60% of voters believe the worst is yet to come. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that just 16% believe the worst is behind us and 24% are not sure.

As on just about everything these days, there is a significant partisan divide. Seventy-two percent (72%) of Democrats believe the worst is yet to come, a view shared by just 49% of Republicans. Independent voters are in the middle with 58% believing the worst days remain ahead of us.

Overall, 34% of voters at least somewhat favor the idea of banning private insurance companies to create a national health care system. Fifty-four percent (54%) are opposed.

If infected by the coronavirus, 30% of Registered Voters nationwide are not confident they could receive appropriate medical treatment. That total includes 20% who are Not Very Confident and 10% who are Not at All Confident about access to treatment.

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Worst Is Still To Come: 60%

Behind Us: 16%

Not Sure: 24%

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from April 9-11, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online while 217 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Certain quotas were applied to the overall sample and lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, 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.

22% Say Response to Pandemic Would Have Been Better With National Healthcare System

Posted on April 7, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Twenty-two percent (22%) of Registered Voters believe our nation’s response to the pandemic would have been better if private insurance companies were banned and all health coverage was provided by the federal government. However, a Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 38% believe things would be worse.

Eighteen percent (18%) don’t believe things would be all that different while 21% are not sure.

In just about every measured demographic group, a plurality believes things would be worse with such a national healthcare system in place. The only exceptions are among Democrats and political liberals. Democrats, by a 36% to 21% margin, believe a national healthcare system would have produced a better outcome. Liberals, by a 36% to 20% margin, share the same sentiment.

Republicans strongly disagree. Sixty-one percent (61%) of GOP voters believe a national healthcare system would have made things worse. Only 11% say better. The numbers are similar among conservatives (64% to 10%).

Nineteen percent (19%) of independent voters believe things would have been better while 35% say worse

A plurality of all age groups believe things would have been worse, but the belief is much stronger among voters over 55.

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The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from April 2-5, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online while 198 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Certain quotas were applied to the overall sample and lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, 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.

30% Not Confident They Could Receive Medical Treatment for Coronavirus

Posted on April 6, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

At the other end of the spectrum, a Scott Rasmussen national survey found 66% are confident they could receive appropriate treatment. That total includes 27% who are Very Confident and 37% who are Somewhat Confident.

Confidence is lowest in urban areas and highest in the suburbs.

Among those living in Urban areas, 58% have at least some confidence that they could receive appropriate treatment while 37% do not have such confidence.

In the suburbs, 70% are confident while 26% are not.

As for Americans living in rural areas, 66% have confidence that they could receive treatment while 31% are not.

Republicans have more confidence than Democrats or Independents.

Those with a high level of interest in the presidential election are more confident than others

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Coronavirus Polling in Utah

Posted on April 1, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

A Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll found that Utah voters think the federal government was slow to react to coronavirus, but give high marks to President Trump.

The survey also showed how the virus has impacted the life of just about every Utah voter in some way.

The survey of 979 Registered Voters was conducted by me from March 23-28. It’s part of a monthly polling series.

38% Fear Economic Impact of Pandemic More Than Health Concerns

Posted on March 31, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Thirty-eight percent (38%) of voters are more worried about the economic threat posed by the coronavirus than the health threat. However, a national survey conducted by Scott Rasmussen found that 53% are more worried about the health issues.

Republicans, by a 60% to 33% margin, are more worried about the economic impact. Democrats, by a 70% to 22% margin, are more worried about the health threat. Fifty-five percent (55%) of Independent voters are most concerned about the health issues, but 34% take the opposite view.

In terms of their own life, 46% are Very Worried the coronavirus will cause serious economic problems for their immediate family.

Thirty-six percent (36%) are Very Worried it will cause serious health issues.

How worried are you that the Coronavirus will cause serious health issues for you or a member of your immediate family?

36% Very Worried

43% Somewhat Worried

16% Not Very Worried

5% Not at All Worried

How worried are you that the Coronavirus will cause serious economic problems for you or a member of your immediate family?

46% Very Worried

38% Somewhat Worried

13% Not Very Worried

3% Not at All Worried

For the United States as a whole—which worries you the most about the coronavirus: the health threat or the economic threat?

53% Health Threat

38% Economic Threat

8% Not Sure

The survey of 1,000 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from March 26-28, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Approximately 72% of the survey respondents were selected at random from lists of Registered Voters. The remainder were selected through Random Digital Engagement. Most were contacted online while 247 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Certain quotas were applied to the overall sample and lightly weighted by gender, age, race, 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.

47% Believe China To Blame For Pandemic

Posted on March 31, 2020 | by Scott Rasmussen

Forty-seven percent (47%) of voters believe that China is primarily to blame for the coronavirus pandemic. A national survey conducted by Scott Rasmussen found that 34% disagree and 19% are not sure.

The survey also found that 27% of voters think it’s at least somewhat likely that the Chinese government intentionally created and released the coronavirus.

As with just about everything in the news, there is a massive partisan divide. Seventy-three percent (73%) of Republicans believe that China is primarily responsible for the pandemic. That view is shared by 41% of Independent voters and 30% of Democrats.

Forty-three percent (43%) of Republicans believe it’s likely the virus was intentionally released by the Chinese government. Just 23% of Independents and 16% of Democrats agree.

Is China primarily to blame for the coronavirus pandemic?

47% Yes

34% No

19% Not Sure

How likely is it that the Chinese government intentionally created and released the coronavirus?

13% Very likely

14% Somewhat likely

9% Not Very Likely

6% Not at All Likely

5% Not Sure

53% Not Asked

NOTE: This question was asked only of those who believed China was primarily to blame for the pandemic.