polls

Doubts Rise Among Americans About Obama's Handling of Economy

For the third year in a row, the nation's economic recovery has hit a springtime soft spot, prompting many Americans to now hold a dimmer view of their own finances.

Overwhelming Support for Taxpayers Giving the Least They Can

A strong majority of Americans support their fellow citizens' doing everything they can within the law to minimize their tax obligations: 85% approve, 56% strongly.

President Romney? Gamblers Say Don't Bet on It

We've heard from poll after poll in recent months predicting who would win the presidential race: Barack Obama or Mitt Romney. But poll respondents don't have anything to lose when they give their opinions. Gamblers betting on the outcome do, and they give overwhelming odds to one candidate.

Does Rising Economic Confidence Spell Trouble for Romney?

A boost in confidence in the U.S. economy could be bad news for Mitt Romney's presidential bid. Though Romney's campaign has tried to paint the Obama presidency as unsuccessful at boosting the economy, The U.S. Gallup Economic Confidence Index surged after the DNC.

If Americans 'Vote Their Wallets,' What'll That Mean in November?

Voters are expected to "vote their pocketbooks" -- incumbents tend to win in good economies, and challengers in bad ones. If that holds true, 2012 could be a bad year for President Obama. But -- no surprise -- the realities are a bit more complicated.

Fewer Americans Struggling to Pay Mortgage

Fewer Americans are having trouble paying their mortgages now compared to a year ago, according to a new survey. The bad news? Fewer Americans have mortgages. Some of those who were struggling last year have since sold or foreclosed.

Most Americans Support Legalizing Medical Marijuana Via States

According to a new poll, almost three-quarters of Americans favor legalizing marijuana within their respective states for medical use, while just 18% oppose such a measure. A majority also believe legalizing pot could help boost tax revenues in their state.

The New 65 Is 70: Retirement Age Shifts Upward

Almost a quarter of Americans and Canadians say they expect to work past the age of 70, and 6% say they'll likely retire after their 80th birthday -- two years longer than the nations' life expectancy. That's according to a recent Nielsen survey, and it's not just a North American trend.

Public Opinion of Unions Remains Near Quarter-Century Low

U.S. public opinion of labor unions rose slightly in the past year, though remains far below 2007 levels, as Americans continue to question organized labors' effect on U.S. productivity, according to a Pew Research report released Thursday.

What's the 'Most Romantic' U.S. City?

In the U.S., which is the most romantic city of all? It depends on who you ask. According to Redbox's list, based on the number of romantic comedies rented, the answer is Greensboro, N.C. Meanwhile, Alexandria, Va., topped Amazon's list based on romantic purchases.

Approval Ratings Rise for Obama and Congress

Approval ratings for both President Barack Obama and Congress have reached their highest levels in more than a year, according to a Harris Interactive poll released Monday.

Why Jobs are Essential to the Economy

Americans who are unemployed or underemployed are three times as likely to fall behind on their bills as those who are fully employed, according to a Gallup Poll released Tuesday.

Who Pays for Kids' Mobile Use? In the U.S., Parents

Here's one reason why U.S. teens and young adults are luckier than their international counterparts: Unlike in many other countries, most American youths don't have to pay their own cell-phone bills.

Growing Public Support for Tax Package

Gallup, Pew Center and Washington Post/ABC News surveys all showed that Americans, for the most part, support the tax package approved by the Senate on Wednesday.

Young People's Favorite Brands: M&Ms, Google, Reese's

In the eyes of 8- to 24-year-old consumers, M&Ms are cooler than Google. That's according to a new poll by Harris Interactive, which found that sugary snacks made up four of that age group's top 10 favorite brands.

Gallup Survey: Americans Trust Nurses, Distrust Car Salesmen

For the ninth year in a row, nurses topped the list of professions that Americans consider the most ethical, according to a new Gallup poll released Friday. Who do Americans trust least? Car salesman and members of Congress.

Which Retailers Give the Best Customer Service?

Amazon.com, Kohl's and Nordstrom rank among the top 10 companies for customer service, according to a shopper survey released by the National Retail Federation on Tuesday. Online electronics retailer Newegg made the list this year, while Coldwater Creek and HSN fell off.

U.S. Consumer Spending Grew in October

U.S. consumer spending grew about 7% in October from September, but remained down 5% from the same month last year, according to a Gallup poll released Thursday. The figures could indicate more financial comfort heading into the all-important holiday shopping season.

Americans' Perception of Their Standard of Living is Unchanged From a Year Ago

Americans' perception of their standard of living is unchanged from both last month and a year ago, indicating that any optimism from gains in the stock market and U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) is being offset by issues such as unemployment and a stagnant housing market, according to a Gallup poll.

Most Americans Say the Recession Isn't Over Yet

About three out of four Americans say the U.S. is still in a recession, with Republicans and women slightly more pessimistic about the economy than Democrats and men, according to a new AOL survey.

Poll: Americans Split on Control of Congress

Americans are evenly split on which political party should control Congress, while about a third of likely voters are apathetic, according to a Pew Research Center poll released Monday.

Mobile Phones Are the Most Popular Gadgets for Americans

Americans are about 50% more likely to own a mobile phone than either a laptop or desktop computer, making handsets easily the most commonly used gadget in the U.S., Pew Research Center said in a report released today.

Tax Breaks for the Rich: Do They Help the Economy?

According to a Pew Research Center poll, 40% of Americans believe that the expiration of tax cuts for the wealthy would hurt the economy, while only 26% think it would help.

Taxes are Fair, Say a Growing Number of U.S. Taxpayers

In spite of growing discontent about the federal government in general, a surprising number of Americans say they're comfortable with the taxes they're paying, according to a Pew Research Center poll released Monday. Half of those surveyed say they're paying their fair share.

The Web Eclipses Print Newspapers as a News Source

It's official: Newspapers now trail the Internet as a source of news for Americans, according to the Pew Research Center. Of those polled, 34% said they had gone online for news the previous day, while 31% said they had read a newspaper. But it's not all bad news for newspapers.

Is Immigration Bad for the Economy? Many Say Yes

A new Financial Times/Harris poll finds that many people in the U.S. and Europe believe immigration -- not just illegal immigration -- has a negative impact on the economy, jobs and public services.

Obama's Business-Friendly Proposals Aim to Quiet His Critics

Recognizing that voters are worried about the economy, President Obama is offering an olive branch to his critics with a $50 billion infrastructure plan and a deal to make the R&D tax credit permanent. Conservatives say it's too little too late, but the game is far from over for the Democrats.

Will Michigan Pick the Tough Nerd or the Angry Mayor?

After Tuesday's primary, the governor's race in Michigan sounds like a battle between comic book villains. The GOP's Rick Snyder, former head of Gateway Computer, calls himself "one tough nerd." His Democratic foe, Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, has the nickname "America's Angriest Mayor."