Lifestyle

Most Still Favor Death Sentence for Colorado Theater Shooter

Most Americans still think the man who killed 12 and wounded 70 in a Colorado theater mass shooting in 2012 should get the death penalty, but there’s less support for punishing a suspect who’s proven to be mentally ill.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 55% of American Adults still believe the suspect in the Aurora, Colorado shooting should receive the death penalty if convicted. But that’s down 11 points from 66% in July 2012 just after the incident occurred. Twenty-five percent (25%) now say the mass killer should not get the death penalty, unchanged from the earlier survey, but nearly as many (20%) are now undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 800 American Adults was conducted on February 2-3, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Most Say Media Hype Worse Than the Weather

Far fewer Americans think the winter weather has been worse in their area this year, but you wouldn’t necessarily know it by the media coverage.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 15% of Americans say this winter has been worse where they live than it has been in past years. That’s down dramatically from 62% a year ago and is the lowest level measured in five years. Seventy-five percent (75%) say this winter is not worse than in past years, while 10% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 800 Adults was conducted on January 30-31, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Americans Insist: No Vaccine, No School

Following reports of a measles outbreak in 14 states, Americans are more concerned than ever about the danger unvaccinated children pose to others and overwhelmingly support requiring children to be vaccinated before being allowed to attend school.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 83% of American Adults are now at least somewhat concerned that children who do not receive all their vaccinations will cause health problems for other children. This includes 51% who are Very Concerned, up from 43% last April and 40% in 2010. Just 14% are not concerned about potential health problems caused by children who don’t receive their vaccinations, with four percent (4%) who are Not At All Concerned. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The national survey of 800 American Adults was conducted on January 30-31, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Most Americans Are Good Tippers

An overwhelming majority of Americans say they receive good service at the restaurants they visit, and they tip accordingly.

Eighty-eight percent (88%) of Americans are at least somewhat satisfied with the service they get in restaurants they visit, including 32% who are Very Satisfied. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just eight percent (8%) aren’t satisfied with their dining experiences, with one percent (1%) who are Not At All Satisfied. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 800 American Adults was conducted on January 22-23, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Super Bowl Viewers Predict The Winner

Now that we’ve spent two weeks discussing deflated footballs, there’s a game to be played today between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, and Super Bowl viewers have a clear favorite.

Forty-nine percent (49%) of American Adults who plan to watch Super Bowl XLIX think Seattle will win, while 35% pick New England to emerge victorious. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 16% are still undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).    Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

The survey of 558 Adults Planning to Watch the Super Bowl was conducted on January 28-29, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Most Eat Fast Food For Convenience

Half of Americans say they rarely eat fast food, but for those who do, it’s not necessarily because they like it.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 48% of American Adults eat fast food at least once a week, with 14% who eat it two or more times weekly. Fifty percent (50%) say they never touch the stuff, although that’s down from 56% in July 2013.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 800 American Adults was conducted on January 22-23, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Katy Perry, Ads Are Big Draws for Many Super Bowl Fans

While the Super Bowl may be the biggest sporting event of the year, a sizable number of viewers are more attracted to the big budget commercials and the halftime show by pop star Katy Perry.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 38% of Americans who plan to watch the Super Bowl think the commercials are more interesting than the game itself. This is up four points from last year. Half (51%) of viewers find the game itself to be more interesting, but this finding has been trending downwards since 2011 when 58% felt that way. Eleven percent (11%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 558 Adults Planning to Watch the Super Bowl was conducted on January 28-29, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

How Do Americans Feel About Women, Gays in the Pulpit?

Americans support women in the pulpit and in senior leadership positions within the church. But they are more hesitant when it comes to supporting openly gay and lesbian religious leaders.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 60% of American Adults favor women in the pulpit, while just 16% are opposed. Twenty-five percent (25%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

The national survey of 800 Adults was conducted on January 26-27, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Americans Still Prefer Eating at Home

Americans are eating out more but still enjoying it less than a good meal at home.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 36% of American Adults rarely or never go out to a restaurant for dinner, but that’s down from 41% two years ago and a high of 47% in July 2012. Sixty-one percent (61%) say they eat out at least once a week, with 20% who do so two or more times weekly. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 800 American Adults was conducted on January 22-23, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Super Bowl Viewers Not Buying Brady's, Belichick’s Story

Had enough “Deflategate” yet? Americans who plan to watch the Super Bowl think the New England Patriots are hiding something, but they also don't believe the deflated footballs in question made any difference in the lopsided AFC Championship Game.

Fifty-two percent (52%) of Adults who plan to watch this year’s Super Bowl believe the Patriots deflated footballs against the Indianapolis Colts in the game just over a week ago. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 24% don’t believe the Patriots did what they are being accused of, but just as many (23%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 569 Adults Planning to Watch the Super Bowl was conducted on January 24-25, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Americans Are Less Critical Of Impact Movies Have on Society

Americans don’t feel as strongly as they used to that movies send a bad social message, especially when it comes to violence.

Thirty-nine percent (39%) of Adults now think movies and the movie industry have a negative impact on American society, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. That’s down from 50% in August 2013 and 51% in February 2011. Still, just 23% think movies have a positive impact on society. Nineteen percent (19%) say they have no impact at all, but just as many (18%) are undecided. The number who are undecided or think movies have no societal impact is up from past surveys. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 800 American Adults was conducted on January 20-21, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

The new film “American Sniper,” based on the autobiography of former U.S. Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle, has been breaking box office records despite criticism from some that it glorifies a killer. Half of Americans have now seen the film or plan to go, while most dismiss the critics as politically motivated.

Are Critics of 'American Sniper' Anti-Violence or Anti-Military?

The new film “American Sniper,” based on the autobiography of former U.S. Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle, has been breaking box office records despite criticism from some that it glorifies a killer. Half of Americans have now seen the film or plan to go, while most dismiss the critics as politically motivated.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 49% of American Adults have seen or are planning to see the Clint Eastwood-directed movie about a real-life highly-decorated U.S. serviceman fighting in Iraq. Thirty-two percent (32%) are not planning to see the film, but one-in-five (20%) still haven’t decided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 800 American Adults was conducted on January 20-21, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Americans Still Believe We Can Talk Honestly About Race

It’s been a difficult year for race relations in the United States, but most Americans still think they can talk honestly about race with each other.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 63% of American Adults believe it is possible for people of different races in America to have an honest and open discussion about race issues. Twenty-three percent (23%) say this type of discussion is not possible. Thirteen percent (13%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter and Facebook.

The survey of 800 Adults was conducted on January 14-15, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Americans Say MLK's Dream of Equality Remains Unfulfilled

Americans continue to hold Martin Luther King Jr. in high esteem nearly 50 years after his murder, but most think his dream of equality still hasn't been fulfilled.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 86% of American Adults have at least a somewhat favorable opinion of King, including 50% with a Very Favorable opinion. Just eight percent (8%) view the late civil rights leader unfavorably, including three percent (3%) with a Very Unfavorable view. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter and Facebook.

The survey of 800 Adults was conducted on January 14-15, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Confidence in Race Relations Tumbles

Americans still believe most of their fellow countrymen aren’t racist but think race relations in this country have taken a decided turn for the worse.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 17% of American Adults now rate race relations in America today as good or excellent, down by half from 34% a year ago. Twenty-nine percent (29%) describe race relations as poor, compared to 19% who felt that way in January 2014. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter and Facebook.

The survey of 800 Adults was conducted on January 14-15, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Voters Favor Free Community College If It’s Cost-Free to Them

Voters tend to like President Obama’s idea of free community college for millions of students - as long as it doesn’t cost them anything.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 47% of Likely U.S. Voters favor a new government program that would make community college tuition-free. Thirty-nine percent (39%) are opposed. Fourteen percent (14%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

The survey of 800 Likely Voters was conducted on January 9-10, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Is Congress A Help or Hindrance for the Postal Service?

Outgoing Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe criticized Congress this week for its inaction on needed reforms for the financially struggling U.S. Postal Service, but Americans aren’t entirely convinced the agency should be able to make budget changes without Congress.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 42% favor allowing the Postal Service to make budget decisions without congressional approval. Thirty-two percent (32%) oppose letting the agency act without congressional oversight. Twenty-six percent (26%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The national survey of 800 Adults was conducted on January 6-7, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Don't Call Us, We'll Text You

Telephone calls are fading dramatically as a regular means of communication.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 45% of American Adults say they still primarily communicate with friends and family through phone calls. But that's a 31-point drop from 76% just under five years ago. Half as many (22%) chiefly communicate via text messaging, up from five percent (5%) in the earlier survey.

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.)

The survey of 800 American Adults was conducted on January 6-7, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Americans Are Far Less Fearful of Ebola

Out of sight, out of mind. With only a handful of reported cases in this country, Americans are less concerned about the threat of Ebola and more confident the U.S. public health system can handle the killer virus.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 49% of American Adults still regard Ebola as a serious public health problem for this country, but that’s down 20 points from a high of 69% in early October. Just as many (49%) now say it’s not a serious health problem. These findings include 14% who consider it Very Serious and 14% who say it’s Not At All Serious.(To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 800 American Adults was conducted on January 2-3, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Americans Still Worry About Population Growing Too Fast

The U.S. birthrate declined for the sixth straight year in 2014, but Americans are still more worried about the population growing too fast rather than too slow.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 51% of American Adults believe a population growing too fast is a bigger problem for the United States than one that is growing too slowly. Just 22% disagree and think too-slow population growth is a bigger problem for the country. Twenty-seven percent (27%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 800 American Adults was conducted on January 2-3, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.