April 2014 National Telephone Survey
Topline results
APRIL 2014 TOPLINE RESULTS
RELEASED: APRIL 3, 2014
The Reason-Rupe April 2014 Poll interviewed 1,003 adults on both mobile (503) and landline (500) phones, including 274 respondents without landlines from March 26-30, 2014 from the continental United States and the District of Columbia using live telephone interviews. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.6%. For questions asked only of Form A respondents (n=526), the margin of error is +/- 5.0%. For Form B respondents (n=477), the margin of error is +/- 5.2%. Princeton Survey Research Associates International (PSRAI) conducted the survey. Interviews were done in English by Princeton Data Source. Statistical results are weighted to correct known demographic discrepancies. When feasible, answer choices within questions were rotated or randomized. For more methodological information, please visit the methodology page. Don't know and Refused responses are voluntary. Due to rounding, accumulated responses may not total 100%. Responses less than 1% are denoted by a "*".
The poll questionnaire, crosstabs, and analysis can be found at here.
1. Generally speaking, would you say things in this country are heading in the right direction or in the wrong direction?
• Right direction………………………………. 30%
• Wrong direction…………………………….. 60%
• Neither (VOL.)…………………………………. 4%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 4%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
2. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling his job as president?
• Approve………………………………………… 43%
• Disapprove……………………………………. 51%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 4%
• Refused………………………………………….. 2%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
3. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling the situation in Ukraine?
• Approve………………………………………… 37%
• Disapprove……………………………………. 40%
• Don't Know……………………………………. 21%
• Refused………………………………………….. 2%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
4. Do you approve or disapprove of the job the U.S. Congress is doing?
• Approve………………………………………… 17%
• Disapprove……………………………………. 74%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 8%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
5. If the elections for U.S. Congress were being held TODAY, would you vote for the Republican Party's candidate or the Democratic Party's candidate for Congress in your district?
• Republican Party's candidate………….. 36%
• Democratic Party's candidate…………. 40%
• Other (VOL.) …………………………………… 8%
• Don't Know……………………………………. 14%
• Refused………………………………………….. 2%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
6. Which of the following outcomes would you most want to see happen as a result of the Congressional elections being held later this year?
• Republicans control Congress………….. 24%
• Democrats control Congress…………… 29%
• Neither Republicans nor Democrats
control Congress……………………………. 43%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 3%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
7. If you were voting today in the 2016 Democratic primary for president, would you vote for…
Dem Ind Rep Total
Hillary Clinton 64% 37% 24% 45%
Joe Biden 11% 7% 9% 10%
Elizabeth Warren 6% 1% 4% 5%
Andrew Cuomo 2% 3% 6% 4%
Brian Schweitzer 1% 0% 4% 2%
None of these 5% 36% 41% 23%
DK/Refused 11% 15% 12% 12%
8. If you were voting today in the 2016 Republican primary for president, would you vote for…
Rep Ind Dem Total
Mike Huckabee 15% 3% 4% 8%
Paul Ryan 12% 8% 7% 9%
Rand Paul 11% 11% 5% 8%
Jeb Bush 11% 6% 6% 8%
Chris Christie 10% 8% 15% 12%
Ted Cruz 6% 3% 2% 4%
Marco Rubio 6% 3% 3% 4%
Scott Walker 5% 0% 2% 3%
Bobby Jindal 1% 4% 3% 2%
None of these 11% 42% 36% 27%
DK/Refused 13% 13% 16% 15%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100%
9. What percentage of politicians, from zero to one hundred, do you think use their power to help their friends and hurt their enemies? (ASKED OF FORM A)
• MEAN…………………………………………… 66%
• MEDIAN………………………………………… 70%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 7%
• Refused………………………………………….. 2%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
10. What percentage of politicians, from zero to one hundred, do you think are corrupted by campaign donations and lobbyists? (ASKED OF FORM B)
• MEAN…………………………………………… 70%
• MEDIAN………………………………………… 75%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 3%
• Refused………………………………………….. 2%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
11. Which of the following would bother you the most if you found out a politician did it?
• Used his or her political power to bully someone 70%
• Used drugs……………………………………. 14%
• Was unfaithful to his/her spouse……… 11%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 4%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
12. Which of the following do you think is a more serious problem?
• Special interest groups spending private money on campaigns to elect the politicians they favor 30%
• Elected officials enacting policies and spending taxpayer money that benefit
the special interests they favor……….. 63%
• Neither are a problem (VOL.)……………. 1%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 5%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
13. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. Do you favor or oppose raising the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour?
• Favor……………………………………………. 67%
• Oppose…………………………………………. 32%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 2%
• Refused………………………………………….. *%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
14. Do you think raising the minimum wage would decrease the number of jobs, increase the number of jobs, or have no impact on the number of jobs?
• Decrease the number of jobs………….. 38%
• Increase the number of jobs……………. 20%
• Have no impact on the number of jobs……….. 40%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 2%
• Refused………………………………………….. *%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
15. What about if raising the minimum wage caused some employers [To lay off workers or hire fewer workers]? Would you favor or oppose raising the minimum wage?
• Favor……………………………………………. 39%
• Oppose…………………………………………. 58%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 3%
• Refused………………………………………….. *%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
16. What about if raising the minimum wage caused some employers [To raise prices]? Would you favor or oppose raising the minimum wage?
• Favor……………………………………………. 51%
• Oppose…………………………………………. 46%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 2%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
17. How do you think MOST companies would PRIMARILY pay for a higher minimum wage? Would they pay higher wages by…
• Charging higher prices…………………… 38%
• Laying off some workers or hiring fewer workers 32%
• Reducing CEO and executive salaries. 18%
• Reducing company profits………………… 6%
• Some other way (VOL.)…………………….. 3%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 3%
• Refused………………………………………….. *%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
18. Would you favor or oppose changing the federal tax system to a ?at tax, where everyone pays the same percentage of his or her income?
• Favor……………………………………………. 62%
• Oppose…………………………………………. 33%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 4%
• Refused………………………………………….. *%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
19. If a flat tax were implemented, what percentage of income, from zero to 100, do you think Americans should pay in federal taxes? (ASKED OF THOSE WHO FAVOR FLAT TAX)
• MEAN…………………………………………… 18%
• MEDIAN………………………………………… 15%
• Don't Know……………………………………. 10%
• Refused………………………………………….. 2%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
20. For every dollar you pay in federal taxes, about how many cents do you think are wasted by the government? (ASKED OF FORM A)
• MEAN…………………………………………… 54%
• MEDIAN………………………………………… 50%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 7%
• Refused………………………………………….. *%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
21. Do you think the amount of money you personally paid in income taxes in 2013 improved society more, less, or about the same than if you had instead given that amount of money to charity?
• More……………………………………………. 17%
• Less………………………………………………. 35%
• About the same……………………………… 41%
• Did not pay any income taxes (VOL.)…. 2%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 4%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
22. Do you think the amount of money you paid in income taxes in 2013 improved society more, less, or about the same than if you had instead invested that amount of money in private businesses?
• More……………………………………………. 17%
• Less………………………………………………. 33%
• About the same……………………………… 40%
• Did not pay any income taxes (VOL.)…. 3%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 6%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
23. Do you think it is morally acceptable for [the middle class] to try to reduce the amount they have to pay in taxes, even if it means bending the rules?
• Yes, morally acceptable………………….. 21%
• No, not morally acceptable…………….. 77%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 1%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
24 Do you think it is morally acceptable for [the wealthy] to try to reduce the amount they have to pay in taxes, even if it means bending the rules?
• Yes, morally acceptable………………….. 15%
• No, not morally acceptable…………….. 83%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 1%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
25. If you could designate your tax money to go to specific federal or state government programs, what would be your top one or two choices? (ASKED OF FORM B)
• Education……………………………………… 29%
• Help for the poor ………………………….. 13%
• Infrastructure………………………………… 10%
• National Defense…………………………….. 7%
• Health Care…………………………………….. 7%
• Health Children/Youth……………………… 4%
• Helping Seniors……………………………….. 3%
• Other …………………………………………… 29%
• Total ………………………………………….. 100%
26. Would you say President Obama's handling of foreign policy has been better or worse than former President George W. Bush's handling of foreign policy, or are they about the same?
• Better…………………………………………… 35%
• Worse…………………………………………… 32%
• About the same……………………………… 31%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 3%
• Refused………………………………………….. *%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
27. When it comes to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, would you prefer the United States to continue imposing economic sanctions, send US military troops and assets to Ukraine, or stay out of it altogether?
• Continue imposing economic sanctions 31%
• Send US military troops and assets to Ukraine 8%
• Stay out of it altogether………………….. 58%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 3%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
28. If Russia attempts to invade additional parts of Ukraine, would you favor or oppose [sending US troops to Ukraine]
• Favor……………………………………………. 20%
• Oppose…………………………………………. 76%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 3%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
29. If Russia attempts to invade additional parts of Ukraine, would you favor or oppose [Sending US military aid and weapons to Ukraine]
• Favor……………………………………………. 33%
• Oppose…………………………………………. 62%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 4%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
30. If Russia attempts to invade additional parts of Ukraine, would you favor or oppose [Imposing stricter economic sanctions]
• Favor……………………………………………. 61%
• Oppose…………………………………………. 32%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 6%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
31. If an elected official believes it was a good idea for the United States to fight the war in Iraq that started in 2003, would you be more likely or less likely to take that person's advice on how the US should deal with Russia, or would it make no difference?
• More Likely…………………………………….. 8%
• Less Likely…………………………………….. 31%
• No difference………………………………… 57%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 4%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
32. As you probably know, the federal health care law signed in 2010 is being implemented. Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of the federal health care law? Is that a very or somewhat (favorable/unfavorable) opinion?
• NET FAVORABLE……………………………. 36%
• NET UNFAVORABLE……………………….. 53%
• Very favorable………………………………. 16%
• Somewhat favorable………………………. 20%
• Somewhat unfavorable…………………… 16%
• Very unfavorable…………………………… 37%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 9%
• Refused………………………………………….. 2%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
33. If your health care plan changes, or if your insurance premiums increase in the next year, do you think you'll blame…
• The federal health care law……………. 43%
• The health insurance company………… 26%
• The economy…………………………………. 17%
• Your employer………………………………… 5%
• Other (VOL.) …………………………………… 4%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 4%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
34. The federal government provides subsidies to oil, gas and coal companies. Do you favor or oppose these subsidies?
• Favor……………………………………………. 31%
• Oppose…………………………………………. 62%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 5%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
35. The federal government provides subsidies to wind, solar and hydrogen companies. Do you favor or oppose these subsidies?
• Favor……………………………………………. 58%
• Oppose…………………………………………. 36%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 6%
• Refused………………………………………….. *%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
36. Do you favor or oppose building the Keystone XL pipeline that would carry oil from Canada through the Midwest to refineries in Texas?
• Favor……………………………………………. 61%
• Oppose…………………………………………. 32%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 7%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
37. If the Obama administration approves the Keystone XL pipeline plan, would you view the administration more favorably, less favorably, or no differently?
• More favorably……………………………… 18%
• Less favorably……………………………….. 14%
• No differently………………………………… 65%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 2%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
38. As you probably know, Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 went missing on March 8th. Would you say the events surrounding Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 make you more likely to fly, less likely, or doesn't it have much effect on whether or not you will fly?
• More likely……………………………………... 1%
• Less likely……………………………………… 17%
• Not much effect…………………………….. 81%
• Don't Know……………………………………… *%
• Refused………………………………………….. *%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
39. Which of the following do you think most likely happened to Malaysia Airlines Flight 370?
• It crashed due to mechanical problems 35%
• It was crashed intentionally by the pilots………. 22%
• It was destroyed by terrorists………….. 12%
• It landed safely and is in hiding…………. 9%
• It's linked to supernatural or alien activity 5%
• It was shot down by a foreign government…….. 3%
• Other (VOL.) …………………………………… 4%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 9%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
40. Which of the following do you trust the most with your personal information?
• The Internal Revenue Service or IRS… 35%
• The National Security Agency or NSA.. 18%
• Google………………………………………….. 10%
• Facebook………………………………………… 5%
• None (VOL.) ………………………………….. 28%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 3%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
41. Who do you think is most likely to violate your privacy?
• The National Security Agency or NSA.. 36%
• Facebook………………………………………. 26%
• The Internal Revenue Service or IRS… 18%
• Google………………………………………….. 12%
• None (VOL.) ……………………………………. 1%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 6%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
42. Do you have a favorable or unfavorable view of the police? Is that a very or somewhat (favorable/unfavorable) opinion?
• NET Favorable……………………………….. 78%
• Net Unfavorable…………………………….. 18%
• Very Favorable………………………………. 42%
• Somewhat Favorable……………………… 36%
• Somewhat Unfavorable………………….. 10%
• Very Unfavorable…………………………….. 8%
• None (VOL.) ……………………………………. 1%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 2%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
43. Do you think the public should be allowed to videotape uniformed police officers who are arresting, restraining, or involved in an altercation with people in public?
• Yes……………………………………………….. 88%
• No ……………………………………………….. 10%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 1%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
44. Do you think cases of police misconduct, such as the use of excessive force or covering up mistakes, have been increasing, decreasing, or have stayed about the same over the past decade?
• Increasing……………………………………… 41%
• Decreasing……………………………………… 9%
• Staying about the same………………….. 48%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 2%
• Refused………………………………………….. *%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
45. Do you think police officers are generally held accountable for misconduct, or not?
• Yes……………………………………………….. 46%
• No ……………………………………………….. 50%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 4%
• Refused………………………………………….. *%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
46. How much have you heard about the digital currency called Bitcoin, a lot, some, a little, or nothing at all?
• A lot……………………………………………….. 8%
• Some……………………………………………. 11%
• A little…………………………………………… 24%
• Nothing at all………………………………… 56%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 1%
• Refused………………………………………….. 0%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
READ TO ALL: As you may know, Bitcoin is a new online digital currency that is not connected to any particular country's currency system and is not controlled by any government.
47. Do you think the government should allow people to use Bitcoins to purchase goods and services, or not?
• Allow……………………………………………. 38%
• Not allow………………………………………. 47%
• Don't Know……………………………………. 14%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
48. And, how often do you play video games on a video game console, computer, tablet, or cellular phone: frequently, occasionally, rarely, or never?
• Frequently…………………………………….. 18%
• Occasionally………………………………….. 17%
• Rarely…………………………………………… 21%
• Never……………………………………………. 44%
• Don't Know……………………………………… *%
• Refused………………………………………….. *%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
52. Should college basketball players be allowed to receive a portion of the revenues generated from NCAA tournaments or should that not be allowed?
• Should be allowed………………………….. 42%
• Should not be allowed…………………….. 50%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 7%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
53. Now consider that the NCAA receives over $700 million every year from the television networks broadcasting the NCAA tournament games. In general, college basketball players receive scholarships, which pay for tuition, room and board. Would you say the basketball players in the NCAA tournament should…
• Receive a large portion of the television revenue generated by their games 12%
• Receive a small portion of the television revenue generated by their games 38%
• Receive only a scholarship………………. 47%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 2%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
54. When a college or company sells a jersey with a college football or basketball player's number on it, or sells a video game with a player's likeness in it, do you think that player should receive some of the money from the sale of his likeness or jersey, or should that not be allowed?
• Should be allowed………………………….. 64%
• Should not be allowed…………………….. 32%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 4%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
OTHER/DEMOGRAPHIC
READ TO ALL: Next…as I read the following pairs of statements, please tell me which comes closer to your own opinion.
49. Which comes closer to your own opinion?
• "The less government the better"……. 50%
• "There are more things government should be doing" 47%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 3%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
50. Which comes closer to your own opinion?
• "We need a strong government to handle today's complex economic problems" 43%
• "People would be better able to handle today's problems within a free market with less government involvement"…………………………………. 54%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 3%
• Refused………………………………………….. *%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
51. Some people think the government should promote traditional values in our society. Others think the government should not favor any particular set of values. Which comes closer to your own view?
• Should promote traditional values…… 47%
• Should not favor any particular set of values 49%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 3%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
55. GENDER
• Male…………………………………………….. 49%
• Female…………………………………………. 51%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
56. AGE
• 18-24……………………………………………. 13%
• 25-34……………………………………………. 15%
• 35-44……………………………………………. 17%
• 45-54……………………………………………. 19%
• 55-64……………………………………………. 17%
• 65+………………………………………………. 18%
• Don't Know……………………………………… *%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
57. In politics today, do you consider yourself a:
• Republican……………………………………. 23%
• Democrat……………………………………… 31%
• Independent …………………………………. 38%
• Or what? ……………………………………….. 8%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 1%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
58. Party Identification (DERIVED, Independent Leaners Sorted)
• Democrat……………………………………… 31%
• Independent-Lean Democrat…………… 19%
• Independent …………………………………. 10%
• Independent-Lean Republican…………. 17%
• Republican …………………………………… 23%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 1%
• Refused………………………………………….. *%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
59. Thinking about your overall political philosophy, would you describe yourself as:
• Conservative…………………………………. 29%
• Moderate……………………………………… 26%
• Liberal………………………………………….. 15%
• Libertarian……………………………………… 4%
• Progressive……………………………………… 7%
• Or something else? ……………………….. 14%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 3%
• Refused………………………………………….. *%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
60. Do you consider yourself to be a supporter of the Tea Party movement, or not?
• Supporter……………………………………… 24%
• Not a supporter……………………………… 68%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 7%
• Refused………………………………………….. 1%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
61. What is the highest level of school you have completed or the highest degree you have received?
• High school or less…………………………. 41%
• Some college…………………………………. 31%
• College…………………………………………. 17%
• Post-Grad……………………………………… 11%
• Don't Know……………………………………… *%
• Refused………………………………………….. *%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
62. Which of the following BEST describes your current employment status?
• Employed Full-Time……………………….. 36%
• Employed Part-Time………………………… 8%
•.. Small business owner or self-employed……….. 11%
• Taking care of home and family………… 8%
• Retired…………………………………………. 20%
• Student…………………………………………… 6%
• Unemployed……………………………………. 8%
• Disabled (VOL.)……………………………….. 4%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 0%
• Refused………………………………………….. 0%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
63. Race/Ethnicity
• White……………………………………………. 66%
• African-American…………………………… 12%
• Hispanic………………………………………… 13%
• Other……………………………………………… 7%
• Don't Know……………………………………… *%
• Refused………………………………………….. 2%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
64. What is your household income category?
• <$30,000………………………………………. 28%
• $30,000 but less than $45,000…………. 14%
• $45,000 but less than $60,000…………. 14%
• $60,000 but less than $75,000…………. 10%
• $75,000 but less than $90,000…………… 7%
• $90,000 but less than $110,000…………. 6%
• $110,000 but less than $150,000……….. 5%
• $150,000 but less than $250,000……….. 5%
• $250,000 or more……………………………. 2%
• Don't Know……………………………………… 2%
• Refused………………………………………….. 5%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
65. Region
• Northeast……………………………………… 18%
• Midwest……………………………………….. 22%
• South……………………………………………. 37%
• West…………………………………………….. 22%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
66. Community Type
• Rural…………………………………………….. 17%
• Suburban………………………………………. 51%
• Urban…………………………………………… 32%
• Total…………………………………………… 100%
