Lifestyle

58% Think America Should Still Honor Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus is widely regarded as the explorer who discovered America, immortalized for elementary school students in the rhyme, “In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” That line seems to have stuck with adults since most think America should still honor Columbus with a national holiday.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 58% of American Adults think we should still celebrate Columbus Day which officially falls today. One-in-four adults (26%) disagree, and 16% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

Just Two Days Left! Sign up for Rasmussen Reader subscription through December 31, 2014 for just $24.95 . Offer expires October 16, 2013.

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

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on October 9-10, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

34% Would Rather Win A Nobel Than A Pulitzer, Oscar, Emmy or Grammy

Most Americans still think politics play a part in deciding the winners of Nobel Prizes, but one-in-three would rather win one than any other major award. Still, most wouldn’t jump to read a book by a Nobel Prize winner.

Just 20% of American Adults believe politics does not play a part in the awarding of Nobel Prizes, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone poll. Fifty-one percent (51%) disagree and thinks politics is a behind-the-scenes factor. Twenty-nine percent (29%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Just Five Days Left!  Sign up for Rasmussen Reader subscription through December 31, 2014 for just $24.95. Offer expires October 16, 2013.

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

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on October 9-10, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

52% Plan on Getting Flu Shot This Year

Flu season is here again, and just over half of Americans plan on taking preventative measures to avoid getting sick.

Fifty-two percent (52%) of American Adults say they will get a flu shot this year, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Forty-four percent (44%) don’t plan on getting one. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

Special offer: A Rasmussen Reader subscription that lasts through December 31, 2014 is now just $24.95. Sign up today!

(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 1,000 Adults was conducted on October 5-6, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

9% Have Considered Quitting Their U.S. Citizenship

Few Americans have ever thought about giving up their U.S. citizenship, but nearly half think U.S. citizens should be able to be citizens of more than one country.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only nine percent (9%) of U.S. citizens have considered giving up their American citizenship. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Special offer: A Rasmussen Reader subscription that lasts through December 31, 2014 is now just $24.95. Sign up today!

(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 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 29-30, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

26% Think It's Too Easy To Become A U.S. Citizen

Americans strongly value being a citizen of the United States, but one-in-four thinks it's too easy these days for someone to become a citizen.

Ninety-eight percent (98%) of those contacted in a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey identified themselves as citizens of the United States, and 93% said they consider it at least somewhat important to be an American citizen. The latter figure includes 79% who think it is Very Important.

Just four percent (4%) say it is not very or Not At All Important to be a U.S. citizen. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Special offer: A Rasmussen Reader subscription that lasts through December 31, 2014 is now just $24.95. Sign up today!

(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 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 29-30, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Just 12% Think Most Americans Are Informed Voters

Most Americans consider themselves informed citizens but don’t express the same confidence in the greater U.S. population. Far fewer think their fellow citizens are informed voters.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 83% of American Adults consider themselves to be informed citizens. Just 12% admit they are not informed citizens. (To see survey question wording, click here).

Special offer: A Rasmussen Reader subscription that lasts through December 31, 2014 is now just $24.95. Sign up today!

(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 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 27-28, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

41% Look at U.S. Political News First, 30% Go Local

Americans still get most of their news from television and are most interested in what is going on nationally, with an emphasis on politics.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 47% of American Adults say they get most of their news from TV, while 30% rely most heavily on the Internet. Just 10% count on radio for the majority of their news, and eight percent (8%) look to newspapers. One percent (1%) each get most of their news from social media or from family and friends. Two percent (2%) cite other sources. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Special offer:  A Rasmussen Reader subscription that lasts through December 31, 2014 is now just $24.95. Sign up today!

(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 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 27-28, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

31% Have Had a Lost Wallet Returned to Them

Most Americans believe honesty is the best policy when they find a lost wallet or get extra change at the store but few have been on the receiving end of such honesty.

Seventy-one percent (71%) of American Adults say they have returned a lost wallet that they have found, according to a new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey.  Eighteen percent (18%) admit they have not done so, while 11% are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Special offer: A Rasmussen Reader subscription that lasts through December 31, 2014 is now just $24.95. Sign up today!

(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.

70% Think Americans Less Honest Than They Used To Be

Americans are a bit less trusting of each other these days.

Fifty-two percent (52%) of American Adults believe most of their fellow countrymen are basically honest, but that’s down from 58% in August of last year. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 29% think most Americans are not basically honest, while 19% are not sure. (To see survey question wording,click here.)

Special offer: A Rasmussen Reader subscription that lasts through December 31, 2014 is now just $24.95. Sign up today!

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

The survey of 1,000 American Adults nationwide was conducted on September 25-26, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

“Breaking Bad”, “Big Bang Theory” Lead Emmy Pack, But Most Won't Follow

Interest in tonight’s Primetime Emmy Awards is low among most Americans, but they do give a slight edge to an acclaimed series that is nearing the end of its run. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 23% of Americans are at least somewhat likely to follow the Emmy awards either on television or online, with seven percent (7%) who are Very Likely to do so. Three-out-of-four adults (74%) say it’s not likely they’ll be following the awards show, with 40% who are Not At All Likely to follow. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Special Offer: Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today.

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

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 19-20, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

40% Have Favorable Opinion of Teachers Unions

Americans are closely divided on whether it’s good or bad that most public school teachers belong to labor unions and share mixed opinions on those unions in general. But most continue to believe it’s too hard to get rid of bad teachers.

Forty percent (40%) of American Adults have a favorable opinion of teachers unions, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Forty-five percent (45%) view teachers unions unfavorably. These findings include 13% with Very Favorable opinions of teachers unions and 24% with Very Unfavorable ones. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Special Offer:   Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!

(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 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 11-12, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC . See methodology. 

74% Underestimate Average Teacher Salary in U.S.

Just over half of Americans agree that teachers are paid too little, but three-out-of-four underestimate what the average teacher salary really is.

Fifty-two percent (52%) of American Adults believe public school teachers are paid too little, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Just 15% believe teachers are paid too much, while 26% say they are paid about the right amount. (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 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 11-12, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC . See methodology.

Only 24% Think Most Americans Consider Teaching A Desirable Profession

Most adults still feel being a teacher is one of the most important jobs in the country, but even fewer consider it a desirable profession these days.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 67% of American Adults say teaching is one of the most important jobs in the United States today. Just one-in-five (20%) disagree, but 13% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Special Offer: Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!

(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 Facebook.  

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on September 11-12, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

46% Say America Less Safe If Only Cops, Military Have Guns

Americans think the United States could use more police officers, although nearly half think the country would be less safe if the police were among the only ones carrying guns.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 48% of American Adults believe there are not enough police officers in the United States.  Only seven percent (7%) think there are too many, while 36% feel the number of police is about right. Those who live in the suburbs feel a slightly stronger need for more police than city and rural residents. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Special Offer: Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!

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

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 9-10, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

65% See Overeating As Bigger Problem for Americans Than Not Enough Food

Most Americans are concerned about the level of hunger in the county today, but they also agree it might be better if a few more of their fellow citizens super-sized a little less often. 

Sixty-five percent (65%) of American Adults think a bigger problem in the country today is that Americans eat too much rather than they don’t eat enough. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone finds that just 15% think it’s a bigger problem that Americans don’t eat enough. Twenty percent (20%) 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 national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 5-6, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

67% Think Too Many Americans Dependent On Government

Americans continue to believe too many of their fellow citizens are dependent on the federal government for financial help, although few say they personally rely on the government.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 67% of American Adults think there are too many in this country who are dependent on the government for financial aid, up slightly from 64% in September of last year.  Eleven percent (11%) says not enough Americans are dependent on this aid. Another 11% feel the level of dependency is about right, down from 16% a year ago.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Special Offer: Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!

(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 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 5-6, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

38% Say Crime Up Where They Live

Most Americans think crime remains a serious problem in the country today, but only one-in-five think the United States is not as safe as most other countries in the world.

Eighty-nine percent (89%) of American Adults say crime is a somewhat serious problem in this country, with 46% who think it’s a Very Serious one. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just nine percent (9%) believe crime is not very or Not At All Serious in America today. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Special Offer: Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!

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

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 9-10, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

30% Think Hunger A Very Serious Problem in America

Most Americans see hunger in the country as at least a somewhat serious problem, and nearly half think it is getting worse.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 68% of American Adults say hunger in the United States today is at least a somewhat serious problem, including 30% who see it as a Very Serious one. Just 28% don’t think hunger's a serious problem, with five percent (5%) who say it’s Not At All Serious.  (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

Special Offer: Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!

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

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 5-6, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

49ers Once Again Early Super Bowl Favorites In A Crowded Field

For the second year in a row, football fans predict the San Francisco 49ers will win Super Bowl XLVIII. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 25% of Football Fans say the 49ers, last year’s runner-up, will win the Super Bowl.  In a distant second are the Denver Broncos with 14%.  The New England Patriots are seen as this year’s eventual champions by nine percent (9%), while nearly as many (8%) think the Green Bay Packers will win it all.  Seven percent (7%) say the same of the Seattle Seahawks and the Washington Redskins.  No other team surveyed reached five percent (5%) support.  (Please click here to find out the rest of the teams surveyed).

Special Offer: Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014.Sign up today!

(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 national survey of 1,000 Football Fans was conducted on September 3-4, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

70% Say They Are in Good Health

Most Americans believe they are healthy, although just over one-in-three admits to being overweight.

Seventy percent (70%) of American Adults rate their own overall health as good or excellent, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. This is generally unchanged from surveys for the past three years. Just seven percent (7%) say they are in poor health. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Special Offer: Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!

(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 1,000 Adults was conducted on August 30-31, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.