United Nations as an Ally?

2024567President Obama is scheduled to be the first U.S. chief executive to chair a meeting of the Security Council, but the views most U.S. voters have of the United Nations remain largely unchanged.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 29% of voters see the United Nations as an ally of the United States, while 15% regard the international organization as an enemy. For 47%, the U.S. falls somewhere in between the two.

In April, 27% said ally, 17% enemy and 49% somewhere in between.

As is often the case, the partisan and ideological divide is notable. Forty-six percent (46%) of Democrats view the U.N. as an ally, a view shared by just 17% of Republicans and 22% of voters not affiliated with either party. Fifty-four percent (54%) of liberals agree, while 26% of conservatives say the U.N. is an enemy of America.

But 63% of all voters say the United States should continue to participate in the United Nations, compared to 60% in April and 66% in March. Twenty percent (20%) say America should not be part of the U.N., and 17% are undecided. 

Seventy-three percent (73%) of Democrats favor continued involvement in the U.N., compared to 53% of GOP voters and 61% of unaffiliateds. Liberals by a two-to-one margin – 90% to 45% - over conservatives say the United States should continue to participate in the U.N.

Americans are almost evenly divided in their views of the U.N., although those who don’t like the organization feel more strongly about it. Forty-seven percent (47%) now have at least a somewhat favorable opinion of the U.N., and 48% have an unfavorable view. Yet while 11% rate their opinion as very favorable, 27% say they regard the U.N. very unfavorably.

These numbers are roughly comparable to the findings in the earlier surveys this year. But in April 2004, as the U.N. was plagued with scandal and dithered over the Iraq situation, just 38% of voters held a favorable opinion of it. By September 2006, that number had fallen to 31%.

Seventy-three percent (73%) of Democrats now view the U.N. favorably, but just 28% of Republicans and 33% of unaffiliated voters agree. Forty percent (40%) of GOP voters and 38% of unaffiliated voters have a very unfavorable opinion of the U.N.

Septiembre 30, 2009 · Filed Under INTERNATIONAL

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Great News for Obama!

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Septiembre 29, 2009 · Filed Under GENERAL

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Don’t Worry, Obama is Thinking on Afghan War

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Septiembre 28, 2009 · Filed Under INTERNATIONAL

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Americans and Economic Confidence

1233335091657-0-6ed3-sots-obamaoneconomyThe Rasmussen Consumer Index, which measures the economic confidence of consumers on a daily basis, remained steady on Sunday at 80.9. That’s up two points from its level a week ago and up five points from a month ago. Consumer confidence is up 21 points from the beginning of 2009.

Nationally, only 9% of adult consumers rate the economy as good or excellent. Forty-nine percent (49%) believe the economy is in poor condition. Men are slightly more optimistic than women when rating the economy. Twelve percent (12%) of men rate the economy as good or excellent, while only 7% of women feel the same way. Meanwhile, 47% of men feel the economy is in poor condition and 50% of women agree.

The Rasmussen Investor Index, which measures the economic confidence of investors on a daily basis also remained steady on Sunday.. At 89.9, the index is a point below its level one week ago but it is nearly three points higher than one month ago. Overall, investor confidence is up 27 points from the beginning of the year.

Among investors, 9% rate the economy as good or excellent, while 47% believe the economy is poor.

Economic confidence among small business owners jumped to its highest level in 18 months in August as more owners expressed faith that the U.S. economy is on the rise and gave signs that they are more willing to invest in advertising and new inventory, according to the latest Discover (R) Small Business Watch (SM). The index rose to 89.8, up 7.7 points from July and the highest level since 90.9 in February 2008.

The Rasmussen Consumer Index and Investor Indexes are derived from nightly telephone surveys of 500 adults and reported on a three-day rolling average basis. The baseline for the Index was established at 100.0 in October 2001. Readings above 100.0 indicate that confidence is higher than in the baseline month. Detailed supplemental information is available for Premium Members. Historical data for the Consumer and Investor indexes as well as attitudes about the economy and personal finances are also available to Premium Members.

Septiembre 28, 2009 · Filed Under INTERNATIONAL

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Unhappiness with Government Policies and Leaders

no-politicsSixty-six percent (66%) of voters nationwide say they’re at least somewhat angry about the current policies of the federal government. That figure includes 36% who are Very Angry.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 30% are not angry about the government’s policies, including 10% who are Not at All Angry.

Adding to the voter frustration is the fact that 60% believe neither Republican nor Democratic political leaders have an understanding of what is needed today.

Among those who are Very Angry about government policies, 80% say that neither political party’s leaders have the answers.

Ninety percent (90%) of Republicans are at least somewhat angry along with 44% of Democrats and 77% of those not affiliated with either major party.

More than seven-of-10 Republicans and unaffiliated voters say the neither party has the answers. Democrats are more evenly divided.

Forty-three percent (43%) of voters nationwide are at least somewhat concerned that the political anger will spill over into violence, as some politicians have suggested. Twenty-two percent (22%) are Very Concerned.

Sixty-three percent (63%) of Democrats are worried about the threat of political violence, while 71% of Republicans are not concerned. Among those not affiliated with either major party, 63% are not concerned.

Among all voters, 54% are not that worried about potential political violence, including 36% who are not very concerned and 18% who are not at all concerned.

Those who are most angry are the least concerned about violence. Among those who are Very Angry at the government’s policies, just 15% are Very Concerned about the possibility of violence. Among those who are Not at all Angry about government policies, 51% fear violence.

This unhappiness with government policies and leaders is reflected in numerous other Rasmussen Reports surveys. Americans, for example, now view being a member of Congress as the least respected job one can hold.

Fifty-seven percent (57%) of voters have an unfavorable opinion of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and they express similar negative views, not quite as strongly, about the other top Democratic and GOP congressional leaders.

Septiembre 24, 2009 · Filed Under GENERAL

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