Daily Presidential Tracking Poll

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Sunday, January 22, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Sunday shows that 22% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Thirty-nine percent (39%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -19. The Presidential Approval Index is calculated by subtracting the number who Strongly Disapprove from the number who Strongly Approve. It is updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern

Today, Rasmussen Reports will begin daily tracking of the potential match-ups between President Obama and both former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and House Speaker Newt Gingrich. (sign up for free daily e-mail update).

Today’s numbers show Obama and Romney tied at 44% each while the president leads Gingrich 47% to 40%. Romney leads the president by four among unaffiliated voters while Gingrich trails by seven. Romney also does a bit better among Republicans, picking up 79% of the GOP vote while Gingrich attracts 74%. This is consistent with results found throughout the campaign season that Tea Party activists are willing to support whoever wins the nomination while more Establishment oriented Republicans are less likely to make such a commitment.

Rasmussen Reports will continue to track the match-ups of Congressman Ron Paul and former Senator Rick Santorum on a weekly basis for now.

While the political world has obsessively focused on events in South Carolina, consumer confidence nationwide has reached the highest level in a year.

Check out our review of last week’s key polls to see “What They Told Us.”

Overall, 45% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Fifty-three percent (53%) at least somewhat disapprove.

Fifty-eight percent (58%) of adults nationwide believe new campaign finance laws are needed. But a solid plurality still opposes public funding of presidential campaigns. Americans tend to view campaign financing as a form of legalized extortion. Seventy-four percent believe most business leaders contribute to political campaigns primarily because the government can do so much to help or hurt their businesses.

Confidence in the housing market improved over the past month. Fifty-six percent (56%) of homeowners now believe their home is worth more than the mortgage. Twenty-one percent (21%) expect the value of their home to go up over the next 12 months.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Monday, January 23, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Monday shows that 21% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Thirty-eight percent (38%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -17. The Presidential Approval Index is calculated by subtracting the number who Strongly Disapprove from the number who Strongly Approve. It is updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern.

Brand new numbers from Florida show that New Gingrich is still on a roll. In the Sunshine State, it’s Gingrich at 41% and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney at 32%.

Yesterday, Rasmussen Reports began daily tracking of the potential match-ups between President Obama and both former Romney and Gingrich. (sign up for free daily e-mail update). Subscribers can review the tracking history.

Today’s numbers show Obama at 45% and Romney at 43%. Matched against Gingrich, the president leads 48% to 39%. Romney trails by nine among women while Gingrich trails by twelve. Among men, Romney has a slight advantage over the president while Gingrich is down six.

Rasmussen Reports will continue to track the match-ups of Congressman Ron Paul and former Senator Rick Santorum on a weekly basis for now.

Overall, 47% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Fifty-two percent (52%) at least somewhat disapprove.

Fifty-eight percent (58%) favor a welcoming immigration policy that excludes only criminals, national security threats, and those who would live off the U.S. welfare system.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Wednesday, January 25, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Wednesday shows that 22% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Thirty-eight percent (38%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -16. The Presidential Approval Index is calculated by subtracting the number who Strongly Disapprove from the number who Strongly Approve.

Nationally, Newt Gingrich has opened a seven-percentage point lead over Mitt Romney in the race for the GOP nomination. In Florida, it’s Gingrich 41% Romney 32%.

In potential 2012 match-ups, it’s Obama 46% and Romney at 43%. If Gingrich is the GOP opponent, the president leads 48% to 41%. These tracking poll numbers are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update). Subscribers can review the entire tracking history along with more than 20 exclusive stories per week. Sign up now.

Rick Santorum trails the president by eight points, 48% to 40%. Ron Paul trails by ten, 47% to 37%. Numbers for Santorum and Paul are being updated every week.

Overall, 48% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Fifty-one percent (51%) at least somewhat disapprove.

Fifty-nine percent (59%) believe that creating jobs is more important than protecting the environment.

Sixty-eight percent (68%) of Likely Republican Primary voters believe that Gingrich's ethics are at least as good as most politicians. That's less an endorsement of Gingrich than a reflection of how voters view politicians.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

NC Susan

Deceased
Nielsen: Obama's Smallest State of Union Audience
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/nielsen-obamas-smallest-state-union-audience-15444045

NEW YORK January 26, 2012 (AP)

The interest among television viewers in President Barack Obama's annual State of the Union addresses is dwindling.

The Nielsen measurement company said Wednesday an estimated 37.8 million people watched Obama's speech the night before on one of the 14 networks airing it. Obama's audience for the speech has dropped each year, from a high of 52.4 million in 2009.

Obama narrowly missed President George W. Bush's least-watched State of the Union. Bush's last one was seen by 37.5 million people in 2008.

The largest individual audience for Obama's speech was NBC's, more than 8 million. On cable, MSNBC beat CNN for the first time for second place behind Fox News Channel.
 

NC Susan

Deceased
TOONFNL0126.jpg.cms
enlarge-pic.png
01/25/2012 Michael Ramirez Cartoon
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Thursday, January 26, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Thursday shows that 25% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Thirty-eight percent (38%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -13.

That’s the president’s best rating in a month and comes at a time when the number who say the country is moving in the right direction has reached the highest level in seven months at 26%. Consumer confidence is up sharply from three months ago, but still down from a year ago.

In potential 2012 match-ups, it’s Obama 46% and Romney at 43%. If Gingrich is the GOP opponent, the president leads 48% to 41%. These tracking poll numbers are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update). Subscribers can review the entire tracking history along with more than 20 exclusive stories per week. Sign up now.

The race for the Republican nomination continues to be a wild roller-coaster ride. New numbers from Florida show Romney leading by eight. Just three days ago, he trailed by nine. That’s the mirror image of what happened a week ago in South Carolina. A third of Republican voters nationwide say it would be good for someone new to jump into the race.

The Presidential Approval Index is calculated by subtracting the number who Strongly Disapprove from the number who Strongly Approve.

Overall, 46% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Fifty-two percent (52%) at least somewhat disapprove.

Sixty-eight percent (68%) of Likely Republican Primary voters believe that Gingrich's ethics are at least as good as most politicians. That's less an endorsement of Gingrich than a reflection of how voters view politicians.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

NC Susan

Deceased
http://congressmantomtancredo.com/

Update – Judge Malihi has stated that he will enter a “DEFAULT JUDGEMENT” against Obama.

by Marla on January 26, 2012 in Birther news, Corruption, Obama's Transparency with 1 Comment Tweet
THE JUDGE HAS STATED HE WILL BE FORMALIZING HIS VERDICT BY FEBRUARY 5TH.

The Georgia Secretary of State has already stated that he will follow the Judges Recommendations. That mean that Barack Hussein Obama will NOT APPEAR on the Great State of Georgia Presidential Ballot in 2012!
Here’s a little more thorough report from this morning.
Source
By Craig Andresen on January 26, 2012 at 9:25 am
Given the testimony from today’s court case in Georgia, Obama has a lot of explaining to do. His attorney, Jablonski, was a NO SHOW as of course, was Obama.
The following is a nutshell account of the proceedings.
Promptly at 9am EST, all attorneys involved in the Obama Georgia eligibility case were called to the Judge’s chambers. This was indeed a very interesting beginning to this long awaited and important case.
The case revolved around the Natural Born clause of the constitution and whether or not Obama qualifies under it to serve. More to the point, if found ineligible, Obama’s name would not appear on the 2012 ballot in Georgia.
With the small courtroom crowded, several in attendance could be seen fanning themselves with pamphlets as they waited for the return of the attorneys and the
appearance of the judge. Obama himself, who had been subpoenaed to appear, of course was nowhere near Georgia. Instead, Obama was on a campaign swing appearing in Las Vegas and in Colorado ignoring the court in Georgia.
Over the last several weeks, Obama’s attorney, Michael Jablonski, had attempted several tactics to keep this case from moving forward. He first tried to have it dismissed, then argued that it was irrelevant to Obama. After that, Jablonski argued that a state could not, under the law, determine who would or would not be on a ballot and later, that Obama was simply too busy with the duties of office to appear.
After all these arguments were dispatched by the Georgia court, Jablonski, in desperation, wrote to the Georgia Secretary of State attempting to place Obama above the law and declared that the case was not to he heard and neither he nor his client would participate.
Secretary of State, Brian Kemp, fired back a letter hours later telling Jablonski he was free to abandon the case and not participate but that he would do so at his, and his clients peril.
Game on.
5 minutes.
10 minutes.
15 minutes with the attorneys in the judge’s chambers.
20 minutes.
It appears Jablonski is not in attendance as the attorneys return, all go to the plantiffs table 24 minutes after meeting in the judge’s chambers.
Has Obama’s attorney made good on his stated threat not to participate? Is he directly ignoring the court’s subpoena? Is he placing Obama above the law? It seems so. Were you or I subpoenaed to appear in court, would we or our attorney be allowed such action or, non action?
Certainly not.
Court is called to order.
Obama’s birth certificate is entered into evidence.
Obama’s father’s place of birth, Kenya East Africa is entered into evidence.
Pages 214 and 215 from Obama’s book, “Dreams from My Father” entered into evidence. Highlighted. This is where Obama indicates that, in 1966 or 1967 that his father’s history is mentioned. It states that his father’s passport had been revoked and he was unable to leave Kenya.
Immigration Services documents entered into evidence regarding Obama Sr.
June 27th 1962 is the date on those documents. Obama’s father’s status shown as a non citizen of the United States. Documents were gotten through the freedom of information act.
Testimony regarding the definition of Natural Born Citizen is given citing Minor vs Happersett opinion from a Supreme Court written opinion from 1875. The attorney points out the difference between “citizen” and “Natural Born Citizen” using charts and copies of the Minor vs Happersett opinion.
It is also pointed out that the 14th Amendment does not alter the definition or supersede the meaning of Natural Born. It is pointed out that lower court rulings do not conflict with the Supreme Court opinion nor do they over rule the Supreme Court Minor vs Happersett opinion.
The point is, to be a natural born citizen, one must have 2 parents who, at the time of the birth in question, be citizens of the United States. As Obama’s father was not a citizen, the argument is that Obama, constitutionally, is ineligible to serve as President.
Judge notes that as Obama nor his attorney is present, action will be taken accordingly.
Carl Swinson takes the stand.
Testimony is presented that the SOS has agreed to hear this case, laws applicable, and that the DNC of Georgia will be on the ballot and the challenge to it by Swinson.
2nd witness, a Mr. Powell, takes the stand and presents testimony regarding documents of challenge to Obama’s appearance on the Georgia ballot and his candidacy.
Court records of Obama’s mother and father entered into evidence.
Official certificate of nomination of Obama entered into evidence.
RNC certificate of nomination entered into evidence.
DNC language does NOT include language stating Obama is Qualified while the RNC document DOES. This shows a direct difference trying to establish that the DNC MAY possibly have known that Obama was not qualified.
Jablonski letter to Kemp yesterday entered into evidence showing their desire that these proceedings not take place and that they would not participate.
Dreams From My Father entered.
Mr. Allen from Tuscon AZ sworn in.
Disc received from Immigration and Naturalization Service entered into evidence. This disc contains information regarding the status of Obama’s father received through the Freedom of Information Act.
This information states clearly that Obama’s father was NEVER a U.S. Citizen.
At this point, the judge takes a recess.
The judge returns.
David Farrar takes the stand.
Evidence showing Obama’s book of records listing his nationality as Indoneasan. Deemed not relevant by the judge.
Orly Taitz calls 2nd witness. Mr. Strump.
Enters into evidence a portion of letter received from attorney showing a renewal form from Obama’s mother for her passport listing Obama’s last name something other than Obama.
State Licensed PI takes the stand.
She was hired to look into Obama’s background and found a Social Security number for him from 1979. Professional opinion given that this number was fraudulent. The number used or attached to Obama in 1979, shows that Obama was born in the year 1890. This shows that the number was originally assigned to someone else who was indeed born in 1890 and should never have been used by Obama.
Same SS number came up with addresses in IL. D.C. and MA.
Next witness takes the stand.
This witness is an expert in information technology and photo shop. He testifies that the birth certificate Obama provided to the public is layered, multiple layered. This, he testifies, indicates that different parts of the certificate have been lifted from more than one original document.
Linda Jordan takes the stand.
Document entered regarding SS number assigned to Obama. SS number is not verified under E-Verify. It comes back as suspected fraudulent. This is the system by which the Government verifies ones citizenship.
Next witness.
Mr. Gogt.
Expert in document imaging and scanners for 18 years.
Mr. Gogt testifies that the birth certificate, posted online by Obama, is suspicious. States white lines around all the type face is caused by “unsharp mask” in photo shop. Testifies that any document showing this, is considered to be a fraud.
States this is a product of layering.
Mr. Gogt testifies that a straight scan of an original document would not show such layering.
Also testifies that the date stamps shown on Obama documents should not be in exact same place on various documents as they are hand stamped. Obama’s documents are all even, straight and exactly the same indicating they were NOT hand stamped by layered into the document by computer.
Next witness, Mr. Sampson a former police officer and former immigration officer specializing in immigration fraud.
Ran Obama’s SS number through database and found that the number was issued to Obama in 1977 in the state of MA. Obama never resided in MA. At the time of issue, Obama was living in Hawaii.
Serial number on birth certificate is out of sequence with others issued at that hospital. Also certification is different than others and different than twins born 24 hours ahead of Obama.
Mr. Sampson also states that portion of documents regarding Mr. Soetoro, who adopted Obama have been redacted which is highly unusual with regards to immigration records.
Suggests all records from Social Security, Immigration, Hawaii birth records be made available to see if there are criminal charges to be filed or not. Without them, nothing can be ruled out.
Mr. Sampson indicates if Obama is shown not to be a citizen, he should be arrested and deported and until all records are released nobody can know for sure if he is or is not a U.S. Citizen.
Taitz shows records for Barry Soetoro aka Barack Obama, showing he resides in Hawaii and in Indonesia at the same time.
Taitz takes the stand herself.
Testifies that records indicate Obama records have been altered and he is hiding his identity and citizenship.
Taitz leave the stand to make her closing arguments.
Taitz states that Obama should be found, because of the evidence presented, ineligible to serve as President.
And with that, the judge closes the hearing.
What can we take away from this?
It’s interesting.
Now, all of this has finally been entered OFFICIALLY into court records.
One huge question is now more than ever before, unanswered.
WHO THE HELL IS THIS GUY?


Without his attorney present, Obama’s identity, his social security number, his citizenship status, and his past are all OFFICIALLY in question.
One thing to which there seems no doubt. He does NOT qualify, under the definition of Natural Born Citizen” provided by SCOTUS opinions, to be eligible to serve as President.
What will the judge decide? That is yet to be known, but it seems nearly impossible to believe, without counter testimony or evidence, because Obama and his attorney chose not to participate, that Obama will be allowed on the Georgia ballot.
It also opens the door for such cases pending or to be brought in other states as well.
Obama is in it deep and the DNC has some…a LOT…of explaining to do unless they start looking for a new candidate for 2012.




Respectfully submitted by SilenceDogood2010 this Twenty Sixth Day of January in the Year of our Lord, Two Thousand Twelve.
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Friday, January 27, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Friday shows that 26% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Forty percent (40%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -14.

In potential 2012 matchups, it’s President Obama 45% and Mitt Romney 42%. If Newt Gingrich is his Republican opponent, the president leads 48% to 41%. These matchups are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update).

Seventy-seven percent (77%) of Americans believe it's Very Important for the United States to have a strong manufacturing and industrial base. By an 80% to 12% margin, Americans think it is more important to keep manufacturing jobs in this country than it is to keep prices low for consumers.

Forty-eight percent (48%) of Likely U.S. Voters believe the United States and its allies are winning the War on Terror, while just 17% think the terrorists are winning. However, only 16% believe the situation in Afghanistan will get better over the next year, while 43% believe it will get worse.

In his weekly syndicated column, Scott Rasmussen notes that, as with all politicians, voters grade Gingrich's ethics on a curve. Electability is what GOP voters want more than anything.

A third of voters (35%) believe a member of Congress can be bought for $10,000 or less.

The Presidential Approval Index is calculated by subtracting the number who Strongly Disapprove from the number who Strongly Approve.

Overall, 46% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Fifty-two percent (52%) at least somewhat disapprove.

In Florida, Romney leads the Republican pack by eight. A third of Republican voters nationwide say it would be good for someone new to jump into the race.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Saturday, January 28, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Saturday shows that 26% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Thirty-nine percent (39%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -13.

In potential 2012 match-ups, it’s President Obama 46% and Mitt Romney 42%. However, if Newt Gingrich is his Republican opponent, the president has opened a double digit lead, 49% to 39% (see tracking history).

These match-ups are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update).

By a 47% to 40% margin, more voters trust Republicans than Democrats on the economy.

Check out our review of last week's key polls to see "What They Told Us."

The Presidential Approval Index is calculated by subtracting the number who Strongly Disapprove from the number who Strongly Approve.

Overall, 47% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Fifty-one percent (51%) at least somewhat disapprove.

Scott Rasmussen’s new book, The People’s Money, is being released on Tuesday. Scott shows how the fiscal crisis has been created by the Political Class pursuing its own agenda rather than listening to the American people. As has happened repeatedly throughout American history, the public is well ahead of their politicians and the problem will be resolved only when the nation's political leaders listen to the voters. Scott shows specific proposals that enjoy popular support and would cut spending, reduce the deficit and pay off the federal debt. There is something in the book to offend every member of Congress, a fact that highlights just how out of touch the nation’s political leaders have become. The People's Money: How Voters Will Balance the Budget and Eliminate the Federal Debt can be pre-ordered now at Amazon.com .

In Florida, Romney leads the Republican pack by eight. Rasmussen Reports will release updated numbers on the Florida race Sunday morning.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Sunday, January 29, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Sunday shows that 24% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Thirty-nine percent (39%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -15.

Mitt Romney has opened a 16-point lead over Newt Gingrich in the Florida GOP Primary.

In potential Election 2012 matchups, it’s President Obama 45% and Romney 43%. However, if Gingrich is his Republican opponent, the president holds a double-digit lead, 50% to 37%. Romney’s numbers have been fairly steady over the past week, but Gingrich’s have tumbled in recent days (see tracking history).

Romney currently picks up 77% of the Republican vote, while Gingrich earns 70%. Among unaffiliated voters, the president leads Romney by four and Gingrich by 17. Among women, the president leads Romney by 11 and Gingrich by 22. Among men, Romney leads the president by seven, but Gingrich trails Obama by four. These matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update).

The Presidential Approval Index is calculated by subtracting the number who Strongly Disapprove from the number who Strongly Approve.

Overall, 49% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Fifty percent (50%) at least somewhat disapprove. Opinions of the job the president is doing vary depending on a voter’s level of education and the job he or she holds.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Monday, January 30, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Monday shows that 23% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Thirty-seven percent (37%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -14.

In the Florida GOP Primary, it’s Romney 44%, Gingrich 28%, Santorum 12% and Paul 10%. The final vote's tomorrow.

In potential Election 2012 matchups, it’s President Obama 47% and Romney 41%. However, if Gingrich is his Republican opponent, the president holds a double-digit lead, 52% to 35%. That’s the president’s biggest lead over Romney since November and his largest advantage over Gingrich since October. (see tracking history). That’s consistent with the uptick in the president’s approval rating over recent months and an increase in consumer confidence Over the past week, the president has earned between 44% and 47% of the vote every day when matched against Romney. Against Gingrich, the president has earned from 47% to 52%. These matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update).

The Presidential Approval Index is calculated by subtracting the number who Strongly Disapprove from the number who Strongly Approve.

Overall, 51% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. That’s the president’s highest level of overall approval in more than a year. Forty-seven percent (47%) at least somewhat disapprove. Opinions of the job the president is doing vary depending on a voter’s level of education and the job he or she holds.

Forty-five percent (45%) believe free trade is good for the U.S. economy, 28% disagree.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Wednesday, February 01, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Wednesday shows that 25% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Thirty-seven percent (37%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -12.

Just 5% believe Congress is doing a good or an excellent job.

In potential Election 2012 matchups, it’s President Obama 47% and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney 43%. However, if former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is the Republican nominee, the president holds a double-digit lead, 50% to 38% (see tracking history). These matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update).

Twenty-two percent (22%) of working Americans in January reported that their firms are hiring, while 21% say are reporting layoffs. That’s the first time since September 2008 that the number reporting hiring has topped the number reporting layoffs. Overall, the Rasmussen Employment Index improved to the highest level in fifteen months.

Seventy-four percent (74%) favor right-to-work laws eliminating mandatory union dues.

In Florida, Romney defeated Gingrich by a margin of 46% to 32%. The final Rasmussen Reports Poll in Florida showed Romney leading 44% to 28%.

The Presidential Approval Index is calculated by subtracting the number who Strongly Disapprove from the number who Strongly Approve.

Overall, 49% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Forty-nine percent (49%) at least somewhat disapprove.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Thursday, February 02, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Thursday shows that 26% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Thirty-nine percent (39%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -13.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) yesterday reported that the federal budget deficit is projected to reach $1.1 trillion in 2012. That number is troubling enough but the reality is much worse. The United States will actually go about $4 trillion further in debt during the year.

In potential Election 2012 matchups, it’s President Obama 46% and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney 45%. However, if former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is the Republican nominee, the president holds an eight point lead, 49% to 41% (see tracking history). These matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update). Rick Santorum trails the president by two points, 46% to 44%. Ron Paul trails by three, 45% to 42%.

Thirty-nine percent (39%) of voters regard labor unions as bad for business, while 31% say they’re good for business.

Twenty-nine percent (29%) now believe the country is heading in the right direction. That’s the most positive assessment since May of last year.

As the Republican primary season has unfolded, the number of Americans who call themselves Democrats has fallen to a record low. Now, 35.9% of Americans consider themselves Republicans while 32.5% are Democrats. Just a couple of months ago, there were slightly more Democrats than Republicans.

The Presidential Approval Index is calculated by subtracting the number who Strongly Disapprove from the number who Strongly Approve.

Overall, 47% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Fifty-one percent (51%) at least somewhat disapprove.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg has instituted a plan requiring those receiving food stamps to be fingerprinted first. Fifty-three percent (53%) of voters nationwide think that’s a good idea. Americans show greater support for drug testing requirements: 63% believe those applying for food stamps should be drug tested, while 25% do not. Twelve percent (12%) more are not sure.

Overall, 48% believe food stamps are too easy to get in America today while 15% believe it is too hard.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Friday, February 03, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Friday shows that 26% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Forty-one percent (41%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -15.

In a potential Election 2012 matchups, it’s President Obama 45% and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney 45%. This is the first time that Romney has been even with the president since late December (see tracking history).Obama receives 84% support from Democrats while Romney picks up 80% of the GOP vote. The Republican frontrunner has a four point advantage among unaffiliated voters. These matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update).

Romney leads upcoming primaries in both Michigan and Arizona.

Matchups for other Republican contenders are updated weekly on a rotating basis. The latest numbers show former Senator Rick Santorum trailing the president by two points, 46% to 44%. Congressman Ron Paul trails by three, 45% to 42%. However, if former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is the Republican nominee, the president holds an eight point lead, 49% to 41% (see tracking history).

The Presidential Approval Index is calculated by subtracting the number who Strongly Disapprove from the number who Strongly Approve.

Overall, 46% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Fifty-two percent (52%) at least somewhat disapprove. 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. The president’s ratings for the full month of January were his best in seven months.

A record 46.2 million Americans received food stamps last fall, but the Obama administration is still concerned that some are missing out on government food assistance. However, just 11% favor new government efforts to encourage more people to receive food stamps.Even among those who know someone who has received food stamps, 62% oppose trying to give more people such government food assistance. A plurality (48%) of Americans already thinks it is too easy to get food stamps.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Monday, February 06, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Monday shows that 27% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Thirty-seven percent (37%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -10.

That’s the president’s best Approval Index rating in eight months, since June 9, 2011. Following last Friday’s jobs report, consumer confidence has moved to the highest level since last January 23, 2011. Scott Rasmussen’s latest weekly column looked at the question of whether the trends are Obama’s friend.

In a potential Election 2012 matchup, President Obama attracts 49% of the vote and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney earns 42% (see tracking history). If Ron Paul were to be the Republican nominee, the president leads by twelve, 50% to 38%. Matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update).

Most voters continue to favor repeal of the president’s health care law.

Check out our review of last week’s key polls to see “What They Told Us.”

The Presidential Approval Index is calculated by subtracting the number who Strongly Disapprove from the number who Strongly Approve.

Overall, 50% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Forty-eight percent (48%) at least somewhat disapprove.

In Arizona, however, the president’s job approval is at 41%. Governor Jan Brewer gets a more favorable response.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Tuesday, February 07, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Tuesday shows that 26% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Thirty-six percent (36%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -10.

In a potential Election 2012 matchup, President Obama attracts 48% of the vote and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney earns 42% (see tracking history). Matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update). It is interesting to note that Romney leads among Republicans by only a 76% to 16% margin. President Obama leads 84% to 10% among Democrats. If Romney had the same level of support among his own party, the race would be a toss-up.

Rasmussen Reports is updating the matchup numbers for other GOP candidates on a rotating basis. Numbers for Santorum, Gingrich, and Paul are updated weekly and the tracking history for all remaining candidates is available for subscribers. Rasmussen Reader subscribers also receive more than 20 exclusive stories every week for less than a dollar a week. Sign up now.

After trailing by a point last week, Republicans now have a two-point advantage on the Generic Congressional Ballot.

The Presidential Approval Index is calculated by subtracting the number who Strongly Disapprove from the number who Strongly Approve.

Overall, 51% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Forty-eight percent (48%) at least somewhat disapprove.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Wednesday, February 08, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Wednesday shows that 25% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Thirty-six percent (36%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -11.

Only 38% believe the current Congress is better than a group randomly selected from the phone book. A plurality (43%) thinks names picked out of the phone book would do a better job. Fifty-nine percent (59%) believe that election rules are rigged to benefit congressional incumbents.

In a potential Election 2012 matchup, President Obama attracts 47% of the vote and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney 43% (see tracking history). Matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update). If former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is the GOP nominee, it’s Obama 46% and Gingrich 43%.

Polling from last week showed former Senator Rick Santorum leading the president by a single point, 45% to 44%. Santorum had a big night on Tuesday, winning primary contests in Colorado, Minnesota and Missouri. Several Republican challengers have led Obama in a single poll. None other than Romney have been ahead of the incumbent more than once (see tracking history for all remaining candidates). Polling for Santorum vs. Obama will be updated in the next few days.

In the race for the GOP nomination, Romney leads nationally, but he remains a modest front-runner. It’s Romney 34%, Gingrich 27%, Santorum 18% and Congressman Ron Paul at 11%. The poll was conducted on Monday before Santorum’s recent victories. In head-to-head matchups among the GOP leaders, Romney leads Gingrich 46% to 40% and Santorum 50% to 38%. If it’s a choice between Romney and Ron Paul, 58% prefer Romney and 30% pick Paul.

The Presidential Approval Index is calculated by subtracting the number who Strongly Disapprove from the number who Strongly Approve.

Overall, 50% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Forty-nine percent (49%) at least somewhat disapprove.

Sixty-seven percent (67%) of voters favor ending the U.S. combat role in Afghanistan next year.

After trailing by a point last week, Republicans now have a two-point advantage on the Generic Congressional Ballot.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Friday, February 10, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Friday shows that 27% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Thirty-seven percent (37%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -10.

In a potential Election 2012 matchup, the president attracts 50% of the vote and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney 40% (see tracking history). This is the largest lead the president has enjoyed against Romney in regular polling going back more than a year. It’s also the first time that the president has reached the 50% level of support against Romney.

Rick Santorum now trails the president by four percentage points, 46% to 42%. Rasmussen Reports will now be tracking the Obama-Santorum race on a daily basis. Matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update). Last week, Santorum had a one-point advantage over Obama. However, like Rick Perry, Herman Cain and Newt Gingrich before him, Santorum was unable to sustain that advantage beyond a single poll.

In the crucial swing state of Ohio, Santorum is now even with the president. Romney trails by four. Democrat Sherrod Brown has a modest lead in the Ohio Senate race. Rasmussen Reports will release new data on the race for president in Florida at noon Eastern today.

The Presidential Approval Index is calculated by subtracting the number who Strongly Disapprove from the number who Strongly Approve.

Overall, 51% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Forty-nine percent (49%) at least somewhat disapprove.

John Boehner is viewed favorably by 34% of voters nationwide, Nancy Pelosi by 30%. Their Senate counterparts, Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell, are each viewed favorably by 26%.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Saturday, February 11, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Saturday shows that 26% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Thirty-nine percent (39%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -13.

President Obama yesterday eased his controversial requirement that Catholic institutions pay for contraception that they morally oppose. Prior to the president’s reversal, Scott Rasmussen outlined the political downside of that policy in his new column, “Team Obama Fumbles, Offends Catholics.”

In a potential Election 2012 matchup, the president posts a 49% to 42% lead over former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney (see tracking history).

Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum trails the president by four percentage points, 46% to 42%. Rasmussen Reports will now be tracking the Obama-Santorum race on a daily basis. Matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update). Last week, Santorum had a one-point advantage over Obama. However, like Rick Perry, Herman Cain and Newt Gingrich before him, Santorum was unable to sustain that advantage beyond a single poll.

In Florida as in Ohio and among voters nationally, Santorum now runs slightly stronger against Obama than Romney does. Obama is essentially even with Santorum in the Sunshine State but leads Romney by three points.

The Presidential Approval Index is calculated by subtracting the number who Strongly Disapprove from the number who Strongly Approve.

Overall, 49% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Fifty percent (50%) at least somewhat disapprove.

With political chaos continuing in Egypt and Libya, voters are now evenly divided over whether the political changes from last year’s so-called “Arab Spring” are good or bad for the United States. Most favor an end to long-standing U.S. aid to Egypt.

Most Americans continue to view teachers’ unions negatively and believe even more strongly that it's too hard to get rid of bad teachers.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Monday, February 13, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Monday shows that 26% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Thirty-nine percent (39%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -13.

In a potential Election 2012 matchup, the president posts a 48% to 42% lead over former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum trails the president by eight, 49% to 41%. Matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update).

This is the first time since February 3, shortly after the Florida primary, that Romney has been closer to the president than Santorum (see tracking history). In polling conducted February 2-3, Santorum had a one-point advantage over the president. However, he quickly fell back and has now joined Rick Perry, Herman Cain, and Newt Gingrich who led the president once in a single poll but could not sustain it.

Romney is the only Republican to lead the president in more than one poll during 2011 and 2012. However, he has not had a lead over President Obama since late December.

The Presidential Approval Index is calculated by subtracting the number who Strongly Disapprove from the number who Strongly Approve.

Overall, 50% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Forty-eight percent (48%) at least somewhat disapprove.

Fifty-six percent (56%) of voters believe that the average Democrat in Congress is more liberal than they are. Fifty-two percent (52%) say the same of President Obama. Forty-six percent (46%) believe that the average Republican in Congress is more conservative than they are.

Fifty-two percent (52%) believe the Republican Congressional agenda is extreme. Forty-six percent (46%) say the same of the Democratic agenda.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Wednesday, February 15, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Wednesday shows that 27% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Thirty-eight percent (38%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -11.

Among Catholic voters, 40% approve and 59% disapprove.

In a potential Election 2012 matchup, the president posts a 47% to 43% lead over former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. If former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum is the Republican nominee, the president leads 48% to 42%. Matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update). See tracking history for all candidates.

In Michigan, it’s Santorum 35%, Romney 32%. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Congressman Ron Paul are far off the pace. Rasmussen Reports will release new national GOP primary numbers today at noon Eastern.

Early polling on Senate races in Florida and Ohio show close races. Both seats are currently held by Democrats. On the Generic Congressional Ballot, Republicans lead by two.

The Presidential Approval Index is calculated by subtracting the number who Strongly Disapprove from the number who Strongly Approve.

Overall, 49% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Forty-nine percent (49%) at least somewhat disapprove.

Fifty-nine percent (59%) of voters have a favorable opinion of Social Security. However, 53% lack confidence that they will receive all promised benefits. Eighty-five percent (85%) still believe there is a trust fund that requires all Social Security funding to pay for Social Security benefits. Just seven percent (7%) recognize that the government claims the right to spend Social Security taxes anyway it wants.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Thursday, February 16, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Thursday shows that 27% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Thirty-nine percent (39%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -12.

Thirty-four percent (34%) now believe the United States is generally heading in the right direction. That’s up 10 points from a month ago and 15 points from two months ago.

In a potential Election 2012 matchup, the president posts a 47% to 43% lead over former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. If former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum is the Republican nominee, the president leads 47% to 41%. Matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update). Santorum narrowly leads Romney in Michigan and leads by twelve nationally. In a head-to-head race with no other candidates involved, it’s Santorum 55%, Romney 34%.

If Ron Paul is the Republican nominee, Obama leads 44% to 39%. With Newt Gingrich as the opponent, the president leads 51% to 37%. See tracking history for all candidates.

In New Mexico, new data released this morning shows Obama holding a commanding lead over both Santorum and Romney. The race is much closer in the key swing states of Florida and Ohio. The Presidential Approval Index is calculated by subtracting the number who Strongly Disapprove from the number who Strongly Approve.

Overall, 49% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Fifty percent (50%) at least somewhat disapprove.

While the presidential race in New Mexico is currently providing good news for the Democrats, the New Mexico Senate race is a toss-up. The Florida Senate race and Ohio Senate Race are also very close. All three seats are currently held by Democrats.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Monday, February 20, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Monday shows that 26% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Thirty-nine percent (39%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -13.

In a potential Election 2012 matchup, the president leads Mitt Romney by a 46% to 42% margin. If Rick Santorum is the Republican nominee, the president leads 47% to 44%. Matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update).

Romney has now been within four points of the president in four of the last six days. Over the preceding six days, he had trailed the president by six to 10 points. For Santorum, this is the closest he has been in two weeks. In fact, only once in polling since July 2011 has Santorum performed better in a polling matchup against the president. See tracking history for all candidates.

This President’s Day, 89% of Americans have a favorable opinion of George Washington, and 84% say the same about Abraham Lincoln.

Forty percent (40%) consider Ronald Reagan the most influential president of the past half century. Sixteen percent (16%) name Bill Clinton, and 14% pick John F. Kennedy.

Overall, 49% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Forty-eight percent (48%) at least somewhat disapprove.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

FarmerJohn

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I wonder, of the 48% that at least somewhat disapprove, how does that break down?

Do those disapprovers wish he were more conservative or do they wish he were more liberal?

Those who wish he were more conservative may go with the GOP nominee yet unnamed. Those who disapprove of Obama because he's been so moderate are unlikely to bolt to the GOP.

If the GOP nominates a polarizing figure, that will be a huge factor on where the lines are drawn. Somebody like Santorum, for example would push a lot of the moderates/independents into the Obama camp.
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Wednesday, February 22, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Wednesday shows that 25% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Forty percent (40%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -15.

In a potential Election 2012 matchups, the president leads Rick Santorum 46% to 43%. If Mitt Romney is the Republican nominee, the president leads 47% to 41%. Matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update). Both GOP hopefuls trail the president among voters under 40 but lead among those over 50. See tracking history for all candidates.

The Michigan GOP Primary remains very close with Santorum up four over Romney. In his weekly syndicated column, Scott Rasmussen shows how the Michigan primary is a critical test for Santorum and Romney. In Arizona, which also votes next Tuesday, Romney leads by eight. Nationally, it’s Santorum 39%, Romney 27% with Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul far behind.

Overall, 50% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Forty-nine percent (49%) at least somewhat disapprove.

Just 29% of voters nationwide favor subsidies for electric cars.

Fifty-nine percent (59%) are at least somewhat concerned that efforts to identify and deport illegal immigrants will also end up violating the civil rights of some U.S. citizens. However, 83% say that before receiving government services, residents should be required to prove they are legally allowed to be in the United States.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
I wonder, of the 48% that at least somewhat disapprove, how does that break down?

Do those disapprovers wish he were more conservative or do they wish he were more liberal?

Those who wish he were more conservative may go with the GOP nominee yet unnamed. Those who disapprove of Obama because he's been so moderate are unlikely to bolt to the GOP.

If the GOP nominates a polarizing figure, that will be a huge factor on where the lines are drawn. Somebody like Santorum, for example would push a lot of the moderates/independents into the Obama camp.

The polling is done in an automated fashion, so the answers they collect do not go any deeper than approve, strongly approve, disapprove, strongly disapprove. I suspect that a lot of people who are lukewarm or disapprove of the candidate for their party, will stay home or just not cast a vote for president. I don't think there are many independents who are really so much in the middle that they might vote either way. At least not for this election. JMHO
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Thursday, February 23, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Thursday shows that 28% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Forty percent (40%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -12.

In a potential Election 2012 matchups, the president leads Rick Santorum 48% to 41%. If Mitt Romney is the Republican nominee, the president leads 49% to 39%. Matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update). The overwhelming majority of interviews for this update were conducted prior to last night’s GOP debate. See tracking history for all candidates.

President Obama leads both Santorum and Romney in Virginia. However, the Virginia Senate race between George Allen (R) and Tim Kaine (D) is a tossup.

Political analyst Larry Sabato looks at the larger meaning of the Santorum surge. The former Pennsylvania senator leads big in Oklahoma and Ohio. Looking ahead to next Tuesday's Republican primaries, the race in Michigan is very close, and Romney leads in Arizona.

Overall, 50% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Forty-nine percent (49%) at least somewhat disapprove.

Thirty-eight percent (38%) favor requiring insurance companies to provide coverage for morning after pills at no cost. Fifty percent (50%) are opposed. That’s a higher level of opposition than is found for the new government mandate to cover contraceptive services.

Thirty-one percent (31%) say the United States is generally heading in the right direction. That’s down three points from a week ago but up from earlier in the year.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Monday, February 27, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Monday shows that 26% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Forty-two percent (42%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -16. That’s the president’s lowest rating in over a month.

Matchups between President Obama and GOP hopefuls shift along with the president’s Job Approval ratings. As a result, with the president’s overall approval ratings down six points since Valentine’s Day, the general election polling is looking weaker for the incumbent. It remains to be seen, of course, if this is merely statistical noise or a lasting change signaling that the president’s recent bounce in the polls has come to an end.

For the first time since late December 2011, Mitt Romney leads the president in a hypothetical 2012 matchup. Romney earns 45% of the vote, while the president attracts support from 43%. Romney holds a nine-point advantage among unaffiliated voters.

For the first time ever, Texas Congressman Ron Paul also leads the president. In that matchup, 43% prefer Paul and 41% Obama. Ten percent (10%) would vote for some other option, a figure that includes 17% of Republicans.

If former Senator Rick Santorum is the Republican nominee, the president leads by two, 45% to 43%. With former House Speaker Newt Gingrich as his opponent, the president enjoys a 10-point lead, 49% to 39%. Matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update). See tracking history for Obama vs. all four Republican candidates.

Paul has the biggest gender gap of any GOP hopeful. The libertarian congressman leads by 13 among men and trails by eight among women. Paul also picks up 15% of the vote from self-identified liberals.

Paul now joins Rick Perry, Herman Cain, Santorum and Gingrich as front-runners who have led the president in a single Rasmussen Reports poll. However, it remains to be seen whether Paul can do what those others have not accomplished and lead the president more than once. So far, the only GOP candidate to do that is Romney.

Rasmussen Reports will release new data on the Michigan Primary at 10:30 a.m. Eastern.

Overall, 45% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Fifty-three percent (53%) at least somewhat disapprove.

Twenty-four percent (24%) favor Affirmative Action programs for college admissions while 55% are opposed. Sixty-three percent (63%) of voters continue to think American society is generally fair and decent. Just 27% say it’s unfair and discriminatory.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Tuesday, February 28, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Tuesday shows that 26% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Forty percent (40%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -14.

On the day GOP Primary voters go to the polls in Michigan and Arizona, 55% of Republicans nationwide believe that Mitt Romney will eventually be the party nominee. Thirty-one percent (31%) believe it will be Rick Santorum. Romney currently holds a very narrow two-point advantage in Michigan and a commanding double-digit lead in Arizona.

In a possible 2012 matchup, the president and Romney are tied, with each candidate attracting 44% of the vote. If Santorum is the Republican nominee, the president leads by three, 46% to 43%. Matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update). See tracking history for Obama vs. all four Republican candidates.

Republicans lead by four on the Generic Congressional Ballot.

Overall, 47% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Fifty-two percent (52%) at least somewhat disapprove.

Just 11% have an even somewhat favorable opinion of Fannie Mae, and only 10% share such a positive view of Freddie Mac. The two housing agencies, which played a key role in the housing market bubble, cost taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars. They also helped facilitate no-money down home purchases. Most Americans (55%), however, think it is better for the housing market to require a 20% down payment from people buying a home. By a 67% to 23% margin, Americans believe the federal government should be primarily concerned with backing mortgages only for people who can afford to pay them back rather than making it possible for more people to own a home.

Sixty-three percent (63%) of American Adults believe that reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil is more important that reducing the price of gasoline. By a 48% to 31% margin, Americans also think that free market competition is more likely than government subsidies and regulations to accomplish that goal.

Thirty-nine percent (39%) of voters nationwide favor providing health care services for free to all Americans. However, if they had to give up their own coverage and go on a government program, support for “free” health care falls to 23%.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Wednesday shows that 25% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Forty percent (40%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -15.

Just 19% favor increased U.S. involvement in Syria. The Obama administration receives mixed reviews for handling that situation to date.

On the energy front, 58% believe that free market competition is the best way to get gas prices down. Just 27% think government regulations are a better approach. However, 67% believe that oil companies are using bad news to gouge customers.

In a possible 2012 matchup, Mitt Romney earns 45% of the vote, while the president attracts 44%. If Rick Santorum is the Republican nominee, the president leads by three, 46% to 43%. Matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update). See tracking history for Obama vs. all four Republican candidates.

Next Tuesday is Super Tuesday in the GOP race. Polling conducted before last night’s primaries in Michigan and Arizona showed Santorum ahead in Ohio and Oklahoma, while Newt Gingrich had the edge in his home state of Georgia. Romney is expected to win in Massachusetts and Vermont.

Rasmussen Reports will be polling on Super Tuesday states in the coming days. It is hard to know what impact, if any, Romney’s narrow win in Michigan will have going forward. His victory in Michigan was consistent with pre-primary polling.

Overall, 48% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Fifty-one percent (51%) at least somewhat disapprove.

In Wisconsin, 54% of voters oppose the recall of Governor Scott Walker. Former Governor Tommy Thompson enjoys a double-digit lead in the . Other GOP hopefuls don’t fare as well but are stronger than they were last fall in matchups with Democrat Tammy Baldwin.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Thursday, March 01, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Thursday shows that 27% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Forty percent (40%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -13.

Just 27% believe that government efforts to manage the economy actually help the economy. Fifty percent (50%) believe the government efforts do more harm than good. Upper income Americans are evenly divided on the question. Middle income Americans strongly believe that government attempts to run the economy end up hurting the economy.

The number of Republicans in the country was virtually unchanged in February, while the number of Democrats fell to a new low for the third month in a row.

In a possible 2012 matchup, the president leads Mitt Romney by three points, 46% to 43%. If Rick Santorum is the Republican nominee, the president leads by four, 46% to 42%. Matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update). See tracking history for Obama vs. all four Republican candidates.

The president leads both Romney and Santorum in Wisconsin. Republicans fare better in the Wisconsin Senate race.

Rasmussen Reports will release new numbers on the GOP race nationally at 10:00 a.m. Eastern.

Overall, 48% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Fifty-one percent (51%) at least somewhat disapprove.

Thirty-two percent (32%) now believe the country is generally heading in the right direction.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Monday, March 05, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Monday shows that 25% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Forty-three percent (43%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -18.

New numbers from Ohio show that Super Tuesday race to be a tossup with Rick Santorum up by just a single point over Mitt Romney. Just over two weeks ago, it was Santorum by 18, but Romney's been surging nationally since his wins last Tuesday in Arizona and Michigan. In Tennessee, home of another Super Tuesday primary, Santorum is clinging to a four-point lead.

Nationally, Romney leads Santorum 40% to 24%.

In a hypothetical 2012 matchup, the president leads Romney 45% to 43%. If Santorum is the Republican nominee, the president leads 46% to 42%. Matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update).

If Texas Congressman Ron Paul wins the Republican nomination, it’s Obama 43%, Paul 41%. A week ago, Paul had a two-point advantage over the president. He becomes the latest in a long line of Republican contenders to lead Obama in a single poll. If former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is the Republican nominee, the president leads by eight, 48% to 40%. See tracking history for Obama vs. all four Republican candidates.

Scott Rasmussen’s weekly syndicated column looks at why politicians can’t connect with the middle class.

Overall, 45% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Fifty-four percent (54%) at least somewhat disapprove.

The economy remains far and away the most important issue of 2012. Eighty-two percent (82%) say it’s Very Important. Health care, government corruption and taxes are far behind but seen as Very Important by 60% or more.

Seventy-nine percent (79%) of voters think members of Congress typically leave office wealthier than when they were first elected. Seventy-two percent (72%) favor a ban on all stock trading and investing by members of Congress while they are in office.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Tuesday, March 06, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Tuesday shows that 26% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Forty-one percent (41%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -15.

Most voters nationally continue to favor repeal of the president’s health care law. In Massachusetts, voters are evenly divided on the president’s plan. However, 48% think the state’s health care reform has been a success. Twenty-four percent (24%) believe it has made health care more affordable, while 34% say the opposite.

On Super Tuesday, most of the attention will be focused on Ohio, a state where Rick Santorum once held a strong lead but which Mitt Romney has turned into a tossup. Santorum is also thought to be competitive in Oklahoma and Tennessee but is fighting off late Romney surges in both states. Native son Newt Gingrich is expected to win in Georgia.Sixty-five percent (65%) of voters nationwide now expect the former Massachusetts governor to win the GOP nomination.

In a hypothetical 2012 matchup, the president leads Romney 48% to 42%. If Santorum is the Republican nominee, the president leads 48% to 41%. Matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update). See tracking history for Obama vs. all four Republican candidates.

Republicans lead by three on the Generic Congressional Ballot.

Overall, 48% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Fifty-one percent (51%) at least somewhat disapprove.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Friday, March 09, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Friday shows that 28% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Forty-four percent (44%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -16.

Mitt Romney still holds a double-digit lead over Rick Santorum among Republicans nationwide, although the gap between the two is slightly narrower following Super Tuesday’s mixed signals. But more GOP voters than ever now expect Romney to be the party’s nominee. State GOP races in Alabama and Mississippi will be released later today.

Most voters still think this country is overtaxed, and half think any federal tax increase be submitted to the public for a vote. In today’s commentary, Scott Rasmussen talks about the The Real 'Entitlement Mentality' That Is Bankrupting America.

In a hypothetical 2012 matchup, Mitt Romney now leads President Obama 47% to 45%. If Rick Santorum is the Republican nominee, the president leads 47% to 44%. Matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update). See tracking history for Obama vs. all four Republican candidates.

Yesterday, Scott Rasmussen’s new book became become the number one bestseller at BarnesandNoble.com. He makes the case that voters are ready to make the tough choices needed to balance the federal budget. The only thing standing in their way are politicians committed to defending the status quo. “The Political Class wants to govern like its 1775, a time when kings were kings and consent of the governed didn’t matter.” Order THE PEOPLE’S MONEY today.

Overall, 46% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Fifty-three percent (53%) at least somewhat disapprove.

Vladimir Putin’s back as president of Russia following Sunday’s elections, but that doesn’t mean Americans like him any more than they did when he was out of office.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

NC Susan

Deceased
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/mar/8/mitt-beat-rick-but-newt-beat-barack/


WOLF: Mitt beat Rick, but Newt beat Barack

Only one Republican has made Obama squirm

This wouldn’t be the first time the media missed the real story. In the wake of a split Super Tuesday, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum scored wins against each other, but it was former Speaker Newt Gingrich who single-handedly drove President Obama into panic mode.

Mr. Romney deserves enormous credit for his success in the early primaries, but the undeniable fact remains that he has not demonstrated the ability to win a race without vastly outspending his opponents, often by 5-to-1 and even 12-to-1. He will not enjoy this luxury against the sitting president and the billion-dollar Obama machine. Veteran political writer John Fund says Republicans are “fooling themselves” if they ignore this sobering reality.

Mr. Santorum has outperformed expectations but continues to make himself an easy target for Democrats. Eagerly taking the bait, the former senator declared of birth control, “It’s not OK.”

Mr. Santorum offered up the verbal equivalent of former President Lyndon B. Johnson showing off his gallbladder surgical scar by doubling down on his prior assertion that former president John F. Kennedy’s speech on the separation of church and state makes him want to “throw up.” Sigh. The commercials write themselves.

And Ron Paul. Few love our Constitution as much as Mr. Paul, and for that, many of us love him dearly. If only we could convince him that a nuclear Iran poses as much of a threat to our Constitution as does the Federal Reserve. Should Mahmoud Ahmadinejad successfully launch a strike against Israel, or worse yet, America, brace yourself for a beefed-up Patriot Act 2.0 and a military budget that expands faster than Terry Bradshaw’s waistline before Nutrisystem.

And then there was Newt Gingrich, the Lazarus of the presidential campaign, as the Drudge Report recently called him, ready to rise once again. While the mainstream media stayed focused on the game of checkers between Mr. Romney and Mr. Santorum, Mr. Gingrich forced President Obama into an astonishing game of chess.

In a 30-minute video titled “$2.50 per Gallon Gasoline, Energy Independence and Jobs,” Mr. Gingrich unveiled his vision for renewed American prosperity centered around oil and natural-gas production. He demonstrated his unparalleled insight into the intersection of energy, security and prosperity. Mr. Gingrich rightly declared that never again should an American president bow before a Saudi king. Meanwhile, Mr. Obama, stung by his recent half-billion-dollar failed Solyndra boondoggle, began floating his latest green fantasy of harvesting algae to cure the pain at the pump.

Panicked by Mr. Gingrich, Mr. Obama was forced off his game and repeatedly tried to respond, only making matters worse for himself. He stayed true to the Democrats’ anti-energy agenda and mocked Republicans for wanting to drill for new oil. This made the president the butt of a joke for Jay Leno on “The Tonight Show”: Democrats claim that new drilling for oil won’t help us for at least 10 years, but haven’t they been saying that now for more than 10 years?

Mr. Obama boasts that oil production is up under his administration. True, but only because the president hasn’t yet stopped production on privately owned land. Mr. Gingrich cut right through his profound dishonesty: “Under President Obama, because he is so anti-American-energy, we have actually had a 40 percent reduction in development of oil offshore, and we have had a 40 percent reduction in the development of oil on federal lands,” Mr. Gingrich pounced. “So in the area he controls, production is down and the area that is hard at the free enterprise stuff where people get rich, production is up. So he is now claiming credit for the area he can’t control in order to have us think he is actually for what he opposes.”

Mr. Gingrich reduced the once-confident “Yes, we can!” 2008 version of Mr. Obama into the backpedaling “It’s not my fault” 2012 version right before our eyes. A defensive Mr. Obama dissembled: “We know there’s no silver bullet that will bring down gas prices or reduce our dependence on foreign oil overnight.” Wait, what about that algae?

Newt had Barack right where he wanted him.

“A presidential pen could today sign approval of the Keystone pipeline. That’s 700,000 barrels a day. A presidential pen could today sign approval to go back to the Gulf of Mexico. That’s about 400,000 barrels a day. A presidential pen could today approve areas of Alaska that we know have oil.” With three signatures, Mr. Gingrich instructed the president, “you would have 2.3 million barrels a day of additional energy in the United States. So I would say, we’re not looking for silver bullets. We’re looking for presidential leadership.” Check and checkmate.

With this, Peter Ferrara, former adviser to President Reagan, declared that Mr. Obama had just lost his first debate. The GOP race remains open. So ask yourself this: Which Republican candidate beside Newt Gingrich has demonstrated the ability to make Barack Obama squirm?

Dr. Milton R. Wolf, a Washington Times columnist, is a radiologist and President Obama’s cousin.
He blogs at miltonwolf.com.
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Sunday, March 11, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Sunday shows that 25% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Forty-four percent (44%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -19.

Scott Rasmussen's new syndicated column takes a look at The Real 'Entitlement Mentality' That is Bankrupting America. It has nothing to do with greedy taxpayers looking for a handout and everything to do with a small group of people who believe they are entitled to rule over the rest of us.

For the third consecutive day, Mitt Romney leads President Obama by five points in a hypothetical 2012 matchup. It is still, however, too early to tell if these results reflect a lasting change in the race or are merely statistical noise. Today's numbers show Romney at 48%, Obama at 42%. That matches the largest lead Romney has ever enjoyed over the president. Matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update).

Romney’s support among Republican voters has moved up to 83%, just about matching the president’s 84% support among Democrats. However, only six percent (6%) of GOP voters would vote for Obama if Romney is the nominee. Twice as many Democrats (12%) would cross party lines to vote for Romney. The former governor of Massachusetts also has an eight-point advantage among unaffiliated voters.

If Rick Santorum is the Republican nominee, he is up by one point over the president, 45% to 44%. He receives 77% support from Republican voters and is up three among unaffiliateds. Santorum and Romney are the only Republican candidates to lead the president more than one time in the polls. See tracking history for Obama vs. all four Republican candidates.

Santorum and Romney both lead Obama among men but trail among women. Both Republicans trail the president among those under 40 but lead among those 40 and older.

Overall, 44% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Fifty-four percent (54%) at least somewhat disapprove.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Tuesday, March 13, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Tuesday shows that 28% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Forty-two percent (42%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -14.

Fifty-nine percent (59%) say the president is more liberal than they are. Eleven percent (11%) say the president is more conservative.

Sixty-nine percent (69%) say it is not appropriate for a potential employer to ask for access to their Facebook page as part of the hiring process. However, just 35% believe it should be against the law. That gap is consistent with the American tradition of self-governance.

In a hypothetical general election matchup, Mitt Romney and President Obama are tied at 45% apiece. If Rick Santorum is the GOP nominee, the president leads by five, 47% to 42%. Matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update). See tracking history for Obama vs. all four Republican candidates.

On the Generic Congressional Ballot, Republicans lead by six.

Overall, 49% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Fifty-one percent (51%) at least somewhat disapprove.

Nearly half the nation’s voters underestimate the size of the tax burden on the average American. Seventy-six percent (76%) believe the average American should pay no more than 20% of their income in taxes on a combined basis to state, local, and federal governments.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 

TerriHaute

Hoosier Gardener
Thursday, March 15, 2012

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Thursday shows that 26% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Forty-one percent (41%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -15.

Mitt Romney continues to hold a very slight lead over President Obama in a hypothetical 2012 matchup. Today's numbers show Romney at 47% and the president at 45%. If Rick Santorum is the GOP nominee, the president is up by just a single point, 46% to 45%. See tracking history for Obama vs. all four Republican candidates.

Matchup results are updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update).

In Florida, Republican hopeful Connie Mack has opened a modest lead over Democratic Senator Bill Nelson. In Arizona, the Republican Senate candidates lead as well.

Overall, 47% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Fifty-one percent (51%) at least somewhat disapprove.

Thirty-two percent (32%) now believe the United States is generally heading in the right direction.

Just 35% believe they will receive all promised benefits from Medicare.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/pub...ministration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
 
Top