Election 2012: Generic Republican 47%, Obama 42%
A generic Republican candidate now leads President Obama by five points in a hypothetical 2012 election match-up.
Politics
Most Recent Releases
August 2, 2011
August 2, 2011
Voters Favor Pay Cuts for Congress, President Until Budget Is Balanced
An overwhelming majority of voters nationwide want members of Congress to take a pay cut until the federal budget is balanced, and a plurality also thinks the president should chop his salary in half until that time.
August 2, 2011
Three-Way Race: Romney 34%, Bachmann 27%, Perry 26%
Candidates will fall by the wayside as the primary battle for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination gets under way. If the race were already down to just the three top candidates, Mitt Romney would still be just slightly ahead.
August 1, 2011
Obama’s Full-Month Approval in July Falls to 2011 Low
When tracking President Obama’s job approval on a daily basis, people sometimes get so caught up in the day-to-day fluctuations that they miss the bigger picture. To look at the longer-term trends, Rasmussen Reports compiles the numbers on a full-month basis, and the results can be seen in the graphics below.
August 1, 2011
Voters Divided Between Candidate Who Promises Debt Reduction with Only Spending Cuts and One Who Calls for “Balanced Approach”
The debt ceiling debate has highlighted the political difficulty of coming to grips with the federal government’s massive debt. Voters now are almost evenly divided over whether they prefer a congressman who would reduce that debt with spending cuts only or opt for a mix of spending cuts and tax increases.
August 1, 2011
Romney, Perry, Bachmann Run Close Among GOP Primary Voters
The inclusion of likely candidate Rick Perry has tightened the race for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination dramatically, with former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney still ahead – but just barely.
July 31, 2011
30% Say Obama Too Confrontational, Highest Since Health Care Debate
The number of voters who see President Obama's leadership style as too confrontational has reached its highest level since the health care issue was front and center.
July 30, 2011
What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls - Week Ending July 29, 2011
Take this economy, puh-leez. And while you’re at it, take this Congress and this president with you, too. That’s the message from most Americans these days.
July 29, 2011
50% Give Obama Poor Marks On Economy
With the debate over the nation’s debt ceiling dragging on and consumer confidence near two-year lows, voters are souring even more on President Obama's handling of economic issues.
July 28, 2011
41% Rate U.S. Health Care System Good or Excellent, 28% Say Poor
Positive ratings for the U.S. health care system peaked last year in the midst of the health care reform debate, but they have fallen since.
July 28, 2011
Voters Expect Debt Ceiling To Be Raised, Doubt Long-Term Spending Will Be Cut
With less than five days left until the federal government could begin defaulting on its debts, voters continue to express unhappiness with both sides of the debt ceiling debate. While most voters continue to believe the debt ceiling will be raised before the government defaults, most don’t think the president and Congressional Republicans will agree on significant long-term spending cuts before the 2012 elections.
July 27, 2011
82% Say Workers Should Be Allowed To Choose Their Own Insurance
Though a majority of voters believe the system of employers providing health insurance to their workers is a good one, most believe employees should be allowed to pick their own.
July 27, 2011
New High: 46% Think Most in Congress Are Corrupt
Voters are more convinced than ever that most congressmen are crooks.
July 26, 2011
Generic Republican Candidate 48%, Obama 42%
President Obama now earns his lowest level of support yet against a generic Republican candidate in a hypothetical 2012 election matchup.
July 25, 2011
63% Oppose Giving Women, Minorities Special Treatment When It Comes to Hiring
Just over one-in-five Likely U.S. Voters (22%) now support government programs that give special treatment when hiring to women and minorities.
July 25, 2011
56% Favor A Congressional Candidate Who Endorses Balanced Approach to Debt Debate
Both major political parties are looking to next year’s elections to resolve the nation’s budget stalemate, and for now most voters would opt for a congressional candidate who balances spending cuts with tax hikes over one who’s totally opposed to any tax increases.
July 23, 2011
What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls - Week Ending July 22, 2011
Economic confidence was down, down, down this week, and therein, for now at least, lies the tale of the next presidential election.
July 22, 2011
Obama 41%, Ron Paul 37%
Congressman Ron Paul may be a long shot to win the Republican presidential nomination, but he runs competitively with President Obama right now.
July 22, 2011
Most Voters Are Unhappy With Both Sides in the Debt Ceiling Debate
Most voters don’t care much for the way either political party is performing in the federal debt ceiling debate.
July 22, 2011
Most Voters Fear Debt Deal Will Raise Taxes Too Much, Cut Spending Too Little
While Washington wrangles over how to avoid defaulting on the government’s massive debt load, voters are worried the final deal will raise taxes too much but won't cut spending enough.
