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Problems and Priorities


 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Oct. 6-9, 2020. N=879 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"Which of the following is the single most important issue in your choice for president: the economy, the coronavirus outbreak, crime and safety, health care, equal treatment of racial groups, or the next appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court?" Options rotated

 
      10/6-9/20 9/21-24/20    
      % %    
 

Economy

29 23    
 

Coronavirus

15 17    
 

Equal treatment

14 13    
 

Health care

13 14    
 

Supreme Court

10 13    
 

Crime and safety

8 13    
 

Other (vol.)

9 5    
 

Unsure

2 2    

 

Monmouth University Poll. March 18-22, 2020. N=851 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.4.

             

"Turning to issues closer to home, what is the biggest concern facing your family right now?" Open-ended

 
      %      
 

Coronavirus/COVID-19

57      
 

Job security, unemployment

7      
 

Everyday bills, groceries, etc.

6      
 

The economy

5      
 

Health care costs

5      
 

Family illness, health

3      
 

Climate change, environment

1      
 

Education policy

1      
 

Housing, mortgage, rent

1      
 

Safety, crime

1      
 

Taxes

1      
 

Trump as president

1      
 

Other (vol.)

2      
 

Unsure

9      

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by Hart Research Associates (D) and Public Opinion Strategies (R). April 28-May 1, 2019. N=900 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.3.

             

"Let me list some issues that have been proposed for the federal government to address. Please tell me which ONE OR TWO of these items you think should be the top priority for the federal government: Health care. Immigration and border security. Job creation and economic growth. National security and terrorism. Climate change. The deficit and government spending. Guns. Trade agreements with other countries." If only one choice: "And, which of these issues do you think should be the second highest priority for the federal government to address?"

 
      1st
choice
2nd
choice
1st + 2nd
choices
 
      % % %  
 

Health care

24 18 42  
 

Immigration, border security

18 11 30  
 

Jobs, economic growth

14 18 32  
 

National security, terrorism

11 14 25  
 

Climate change

11 10 21  
 

The deficit, spending

11 12 23  
 

Guns

5 7 12  
 

Trade

2 5 7  
 

Other (vol.)

1 1 2  
 

All equally (vol.)

2 - 2  
 

None of these (vol.)

- 1 1  
 

Unsure

1 3 1  

 

Gallup Poll. Dec. 3-12, 2018. N=1,025 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

             

"How important is it to you that the president and Congress deal with each of the following issues in the next year? Is it extremely important, very important, moderately important, or not that important? How about [see below]?"

 
    Extremely
important
Very
important
Moderately
important
Not that
important
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

"Education"

 

12/3-12/18

42

45

10

3

-

 
 

"Health care policy"

 

12/3-12/18

39

46

13

3

-

 
 

"The economy"

 

12/3-12/18

34

51

13

1

-

 
 

"Gun policy"

 

12/3-12/18

34

32

19

14

-

 
 

"Social Security"

 

12/3-12/18

33

47

18

2

-

 
 

"Immigration"

 

12/3-12/18

33

42

19

6

1

 
 

"The federal budget deficit"

 

12/3-12/18

32

44

18

5

1

 
 

"Drug abuse"

 

12/3-12/18

31

44

20

5

-

 
 

"Climate change"

 

12/3-12/18

31

31

19

18

1

 
 

"The nation's infrastructure"

 

12/3-12/18

27

45

25

2

2

 
 

"U.S. trade and tariff policies"

 

12/3-12/18

25

46

24

3

3

 
 

"The distribution of income and wealth"

 

12/3-12/18

25

37

19

17

3


 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 2018. N=1,041 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"Now for each of those items, please tell me how important each will be in your vote for Congress this year. ... Health care / The economy / Reducing the divisions between people and groups in this country / Immigration / Taxes / Border security / Global warming. Will it be one of the single most important issues, very important, somewhat important, or less important than that?"

 
      One of
single most/
Very important
     
      %      
 

Health care

78      
 

The economy

76      
 

Reducing divisions

69      
 

Immigration

67      
 

Taxes

66      
 

Border security

59      
 

Global warming

48      

 

NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist Poll. Oct. 21-23, 2018. N=738 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.4.

             

"Now, let me list some issues that may factor into deciding your vote for Congress in November. Please tell me which one of these items you think will be the most important factor in deciding your vote: The economy and jobs. Health care. Immigration. Federal taxes and spending. Climate change. Guns. Foreign policy and terrorism. Abortion. Opioid addiction."

 
      %      
 

Economy, jobs

20      
 

Health care

17      
 

Immigration

17      
 

Taxes, spending

9      
 

Climate change

7      
 

Guns

5      
 

Foreign policy, terrorism

5      
 

Abortion

4      
 

Opioid addiction

3      
 

All equally (vol.)

11      
 

Other (vol.)

1      
 

Unsure

1      

 

Quinnipiac University Poll. June 27-July 1, 2018. N=1,020 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.7.

             

"What is the most important issue to you in deciding how to vote in this year's election for the U.S. House of Representatives: the economy, taxes, health care, immigration, or gun policy?"

 
      %      
 

Immigration

27      
 

Economy

23      
 

Health care

22      
 

Gun policy

13      
 

Taxes

9      
 

Something else (vol.)

3      
 

Unsure/No answer

4      

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by Hart Research Associates (D) and Public Opinion Strategies (R). June 1-4, 2018. N=900 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.3.

             

"Now, let me list some issues that may factor into deciding your vote for Congress in November. Please tell me which one or two of these items you think will be the most important factor in deciding your vote: Health care. The economy and jobs. Guns. Taxes and spending. Immigration. The candidates' opposition to Donald Trump. The candidates' support for Donald Trump. Foreign policy and terrorism." If only one choice: "And, which of these issues will be the second most important factor in deciding your vote?"

 
      1st
choice
1st + 2nd
choices
   
      % %    
 

Health care

22 38    
 

Economy, jobs

19 37    
 

Guns

13 25    
 

Taxes, spending

11 24    
 

Immigration

10 23    
 

Opposition to Trump

7 12    
 

Support for Trump

7 12    
 

Foreign policy, terrorism

6 18    
 

Other (vol.)

1 3    
 

All equally (vol.)

1 2    
 

None of these (vol.)

- 2    
 

Unsure/No answer

3 1    

 

CBS News Poll. May 3-6, 2018. N=974 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

             

"Which one of the following issues will be most important in deciding your vote for Congress this November: the economy, immigration, gun policy, health care, or taxes?"

 
      %      
 

Health care

27      
 

Economy

23      
 

Gun policy

21      
 

Immigration

13      
 

Taxes

11      
 

Something else (vol.)

2      
 

Unsure/No answer

2      

 

Quinnipiac University Poll. March 16-20, 2018. N=1,291 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.3.

             

"What is the most important issue to you in deciding how to vote in this year's midterm election: the economy, taxes, health care, immigration, or gun policy?"

 
      %      
 

Health care

23      
 

Economy

22      
 

Gun policy

21      
 

Immigration

19      
 

Taxes

8      
 

Something else (vol.)

3      
 

Unsure/No answer

4      

 

CNN Poll conducted by SSRS. Oct. 12-15, 2017. N=1,010 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5. 3/17: CNN/ORC Poll

             

"Which of the following is the most important issue facing the country today: the economy, health care, national security, immigration, civil rights, foreign policy?" Options rotated

 
      10/12-15/17 3/1-4/17    
      % %    
 

National security

21 16    
 

Health care

21 20    
 

The economy

17 26    
 

Civil rights

14 12    
 

Foreign policy

11 7    
 

Immigration

10 13    
 

Other (vol.)

3 6    
 

Unsure

3 -    

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by Hart Research Associates (D) and Public Opinion Strategies (R). Aug. 5-9, 2017. N=approx. 600 adults nationwide.

             

"Now, let me read you a number of issues that create much discussion, but unlike foreign policy, national defense, and the economy, they sometimes do not get as much attention. Of these issues, which one or two, if any, are important enough to you to have an impact on how you vote in an election? Gun rights or gun control. Environmental issues. Immigration. Abortion. Legalization of drugs or penalties for drug use. Religious issues and issues of faith. Gender equality issues. Gay rights." Options rotated. Up to two responses accepted.

 
      %      
 

Guns

35      
 

Environment

30      
 

Immigration

28      
 

Abortion

17      
 

Drugs

15      
 

Religion/Faith

15      
 

Gender equality

12      
 

Gay rights

10      
 

All of these (vol.)

6      
 

None of these (vol.)

3      
 

Unsure

1      

 

Suffolk University/USA Today. Dec. 14-18, 2016. N=1,000 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Of the following five issues, what is the number one issue you want Donald Trump to address when he takes office? Creating and preserving jobs. Fighting terrorism including ISIS. Changing the way Washington works -- 'draining the swamp.' Strengthening U.S. borders, 'build a wall' and deport illegal immigrants. Seeking a special prosecutor to investigate Hillary Clinton." Options rotated

 
      %      
 

Create and preserve jobs

46      
 

Fight terrorism, ISIS

17      
 

Change Washington

15      
 

Build a wall, deport immigrants

7      
 

Investigate Hillary Clinton

1      
 

Unsure

12      
 

Refused

2      

 

Bloomberg National Poll conducted by Selzer & Company. Dec. 2-5, 2016. N=999 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"Which of the following do you see as the most important issue facing the country right now? Unemployment and jobs. Health care. Terrorism. The federal deficit. Immigration. Taxes. Trade." Options rotated

 
      %      
 

Unemployment and jobs

26      
 

Health care

20      
 

Terrorism

15      
 

The federal deficit

10      
 

Immigration

9      
 

Taxes

4      
 

Trade

2      
 

Other (vol.)

6      
 

None of these (vol.)

2      
 

Unsure

5      

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Oct. 28-Nov. 1, 2016. N=1,333 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"In deciding who you would like to see elected president this year, which one of the following issues will be most important to you: national security and terrorism, the economy and jobs, health care, immigration, or something else?" Issues rotated

 
      10/28 -
11/1/16
9/9-13/16    
      % %    
 

Economy and jobs

38 32    
 

National security, terrorism

28 29    
 

Health care

11 16    
 

Immigration

7 8    
 

Environment (vol.)

2 2    
 

Something else

9 7    
 

All are important (vol.)

3 3    
 

Unsure/No answer

1 3    

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Sept. 5-8, 2016. N=1,002 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"Which of these is the single most important issue in your choice for president? Is it the economy and jobs, immigration issues, terrorism and national security, law and order, or corruption in government?" Options rotated

 
      %      
 

Economy, jobs

35      
 

Terrorism, national security

19      
 

Corruption in government

16      
 

Immigration issues

8      
 

Law and order

6      
 

Other (vol.)

2      
 

Any 2 or more (vol.)

11      
 

None (vol.)

2      

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by Hart Research Associates (D) and Public Opinion Strategies (R). May 15-19, 2016. N=1,000 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"Let me list some issues that have been proposed for the federal government to address. Please tell me which ONE OR TWO of these items you think should be the top priority for the federal government: Job creation and economic growth. National security and terrorism. The deficit and government spending. Health care. Climate change. Immigration. Religious and moral values." Options rotated

 
      %      
 

Job, economic growth

26      
 

National security, terrorism

21      
 

Deficit, government spending

16      
 

Health care

15      
 

Climate change

8      
 

Immigration

6      
 

Religious, moral values

5      
 

Other (vol.)

1      
 

All equally (vol.)

1      
 

Unsure

1      

 

CBS News Poll. April 8-12, 2016. N=1,320 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"What do you think is the most important problem facing this country today?" Open-ended

 
      %      
 

The economy, jobs

19      
 

Terrorism, Islamic extremism, ISIS

7      
 

Immigration, illegal immigrants

5      
 

Racism, race relations

4      
 

Education, school loans

3      
 

Health care, health insurance

3      
 

Poverty, homelessness

3      
 

Budget, national debt

3      
 

Income gap, plight of middle class

3      
 

Other (vol.)

45      
 

Unsure/No answer

5      

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Nov. 16-19, 2015. N=1,004 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"Which of these is the single most important issue in your choice for president? Is it the economy, health care, immigration issues, tax policy, or the threat of terrorism?" Options rotated

 
      %      
 

Economy

33      
 

Terrorism

28      
 

Health care

13      
 

Immigration

10      
 

Tax policy

5      
 

Other (vol.)

1      
 

Any 2 or more (vol.)

9      
 

None (vol.)

1      
 

Unsure

1      

 

Quinnipiac University. July 23-28, 2015. N=1,644 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.4.

             

"Which of these is the most important issue in deciding your vote in the 2016 general election for president: the economy and jobs, terrorism, immigration, the federal deficit, health care, foreign policy, climate change, or taxes?"

 
      %      
 

Economy and jobs

37      
 

Health care

13      
 

Terrorism

12      
 

Foreign policy

9      
 

Immigration

9      
 

Climate change

6      
 

Federal deficit

6      
 

Taxes

3      
 

Unsure/No answer

4      

 

CNN/ORC Poll. July 22-25, 2015. N=898 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"Which of the following issues will be MOST important to you when you decide how to vote for president: foreign policy, illegal immigration, health care, terrorism, or the economy?" Options rotated

 
      %      
 

The economy

44      
 

Health care

20      
 

Terrorism

12      
 

Illegal immigration

11      
 

Foreign policy

10      
 

Other (vol.)

3      
 

Unsure

1      

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. April 30-May 3, 2015. N=1,027 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"What do you think is the most important problem facing this country today?" Open-ended

 
      %      
 

The economy, jobs

20      
 

Misc. social issues

7      
 

Racism, race relations

5      
 

Misc. government issues

4      
 

Income gap/disparity

4      
 

Immigration, illegal immigrants

3      
 

Barack Obama, the president

3      
 

Religious values, school prayer

3      
 

Police problems, corruption

3      
 

Other (vol.)

44      
 

Unsure/No answer

4      

 

George Washington University Battleground Poll conducted by the Tarrance Group (R) and Lake Research Partners (D). Dec. 7-11, 2014. N=1,000 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"What do think is the most important issue that Congress should be dealing with next year? Would you say it is jobs, the economy, health care, illegal immigration, or foreign threats?"

 
      %      
 

The economy

29      
 

Illegal immigration

15      
 

Jobs

14      
 

Health care

12      
 

Foreign threats

9      
 

Combination/Other (vol.)

18      
 

None (vol.)

2      
 

Unsure/Refused

1      

 

CBS News Poll. Oct. 23-27, 2014. N=1,079 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

             

"Which ONE of the following issues will be/was MOST important in deciding your vote for Congress this November: the economy, health care, terrorism, immigration, the federal budget deficit, or international conflicts?" Options rotated

 
      10/23-27/14 10/3-6/14 9/12-15/14  
      % % %  
 

The economy

38 34 38  
 

Health care

23 17 16  
 

Terrorism

11 16 17  
 

Immigration

9 13 10  
 

Federal budget deficit

8 9 8  
 

International conflicts

7 7 6  
 

Something else (vol.)

2 2 1  
 

Unsure/No answer

2 3 3  

 

USA Today Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Oct. 23-26, 2014. N=1,210 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.2.

             

"If Congress could pass just one major piece of legislation next year, what would you want it to be: immigration reform; overhaul of the tax code; national security, including terrorism; medical threats, such as Ebola; or job creation?"

 
      %      
 

Job creation

29      
 

National security

21      
 

Immigration reform

16      
 

Overhaul tax code

15      
 

Medical threats

11      
 

Other (vol.)

5      
 

Unsure/Refused

4      

 

CNN/ORC Poll. Sept. 25-28, 2014. N=1,055 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Thinking ahead to the elections for Congress this November, if you had to choose, which of the following issues will be more important to your vote: economic conditions in the U.S., or the military action against ISIS forces in Iraq and Syria?"

 
    Economic
conditions
Military action
against ISIS
Both (vol.) Neither
(vol.)
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

9/25-28/14

65

29

5

1

1


 

CNN/ORC Poll. Sept. 5-7, 2014. N=1,014 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Which of the following is the most important issue facing the country today? The economy. Terrorism. Illegal immigration. Health care. Education. The federal budget deficit. The situation in Iraq and Syria. Energy and environmental policies."

 
      %      
 

The economy

30      
 

Terrorism

14      
 

Illegal immigration

12      
 

Health care

11      
 

Education

11      
 

The federal budget deficit

8      
 

The situation in Iraq and Syria

7      
 

Energy and environmental policies

4      
 

Other (vol.)

2      
 

Unsure

1      

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by Hart Research Associates (D) and Public Opinion Strategies (R). Sept. 3-7, 2014. N=approx. 500 registered voters nationwide.

             

"Which is more important to you in your vote for Congress this November: domestic issues such as the economy, health care, and immigration, or international issues such as Iraq, Russia, and terrorism?"

 
    Domestic
issues
International
issues
Both
equally (vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

9/3-7/14

64

22

13

1

 

 

CBS News Poll. July 29-Aug. 4, 2014. N=1,344 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"What do you think is the most important problem facing this country today?" Open-ended

 
      %      
 

Economy/Jobs

22      
 

Immigration/Illegal immigrants

13      
 

Health care/Health insurance

5      
 

Partisan politics

4      
 

Barack Obama/The president

4      
 

Misc. government issues

4      
 

Other

43      
 

Unsure/No answer

5      

 

Bloomberg National Poll conducted by Selzer & Company. June 6-9, 2014. N=1,005 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"Which of the following do you see as the most important issue facing the country right now? Immigration. Health care. The federal deficit. Terrorism. Taxes. A decline in real income for American workers. Climate change. Unemployment and jobs." Options rotated

 
      %      
 

Unemployment and jobs

28      
 

Health care

17      
 

Decline in real income

16      
 

Federal deficit

13      
 

Immigration

6      
 

Climate change

5      
 

Taxes

4      
 

Terrorism

4      
 

Other (vol.)

3      
 

None of these (vol.)

1      
 

Unsure

3      

 

CNN/ORC Poll. May 29-June 1, 2014. N=1,003 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Which of the following is the most important issue facing the country today? The economy. Health care. Foreign policy. The federal budget deficit. The environment. Gun policy. Immigration." Options rotated

 
      5/29 -
6/1/14
1/14-15/13    
      % %    
 

The economy

40 46    
 

Health care

19 14    
 

The federal budget deficit

15 23    
 

The environment

8 2    
 

Gun policy

6 6    
 

Foreign policy

5 4    
 

Immigration

5 3    
 

Other (vol.)

1 1    
 

Unsure

1 -    

 

Kaiser Family Foundation Health Tracking Poll. May 13-19, 2014. N=1,279 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Thinking about the campaigns for the U.S. House and Senate this fall, what two issues would you most like to hear your congressional candidates talk about?" If respondent gives one issue, probe: "Is there another issue you'd like to hear about?" Open-ended. Up to two responses.

 
      %      
 

Economy/Jobs

34      
 

Health care

25      
 

Education

8      
 

Energy/Environment

8      
 

Debt/Deficit/Gov't spending

8      
 

Immigration/Border security

7      
 

Gov't/Congress/Politics

6      
 

Defense/War

5      
 

Taxes/Tax reform

5      
 

Foreign policy

3      
 

Other

30      
 

Unsure/Refused

20      

 

Quinnipiac University Poll. Jan. 4-7, 2014. N=1.487 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.5.

             

"Which of the following do you think should be the most important priority for President Obama and Congress in 2014: the economy, the federal budget deficit, health care, taxes, gun policy, immigration issues, or something else?"

 
      %      
 

The economy

39      
 

The federal budget deficit

23      
 

Health care

16      
 

Immigration issues

5      
 

Taxes

4      
 

Gun policy

3      
 

Something else

9      
 

Unsure

2      

 

CBS News Poll. Nov. 15-18, 2013. N=1,010 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"What do you think is the most important problem facing this country today?" Open-ended

 
      %      
 

Economy/Jobs

31      
 

Health care

15      
 

Budget

7      
 

Partisan politics

5      
 

President Obama

4      
 

Misc. government issues

3      
 

Family values/Moral values

3      
 

Other

28      
 

Unsure/No answer

4      

 

CBS News Poll. Oct. 18-21, 2013. N=1,007 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"What do you think is the most important problem facing this country today?" Open-ended

 
      %      
 

Economy/Jobs

26      
 

Budget

12      
 

Health care

8      
 

Partisan politics

8      
 

Misc. government issues

5      
 

Immigration

3      
 

President Obama

3      
 

Other

33      
 

Unsure/No answer

2      

 

CBS News Poll. July 18-22, 2013. N=1,036 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Which ONE of the following do you think is the most important thing for Congress to concentrate on right now: the economy, the federal budget deficit, illegal immigration, health care, education, the environment, abortion, or something else?"

 
      %      
 

The economy

40      
 

The federal budget deficit

16      
 

Health care

15      
 

Education

12      
 

Illegal immigration

8      
 

The environment

3      
 

Abortion

2      
 

Something else

3      
 

Unsure/No answer

2      

 

Gallup Poll. June 20-24, 2013. N=2,048 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Looking ahead, what is your greatest worry or concern about the future of the United States?" Open-ended

 
      %      
 

The economy

17      
 

Debt/Deficit/Nation's finances

11      
 

Employment/Jobs

6      
 

Wars/Conflicts in other countries

5      
 

Gov't not working for betterment of the people

4      
 

Health care/Cost of health care

4      
 

Country is getting worse/Won't get better

4      
 

Losing freedom/Civil liberties

4      
 

National security/Defense

3      
 

Government overreach/power

3      
 

Education/Cost of education

3      
 

Other

30      
 

Nothing

3      
 

Unsure

3      

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. May 31-June 4, 2013. N=1,022 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"What do you think is the most important problem facing this country today?" Open-ended

 
      %      
 

Economy/Jobs

34      
 

Budget/National debt

6      
 

Health care

5      
 

Immigration

3      
 

Religious values

3      
 

Partisan politics

3      
 

Big government

3      
 

Values

3      
 

Other

37      
 

Unsure/No answer

3      

 

Quinnipiac University Poll. Jan. 30-Feb. 4, 2013. N=1,772 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.3.

             

"As President Obama prepares to deliver his State of the Union address, please tell me which one of the following issues you are most interested in hearing him address: the economy, the federal budget deficit, health care, gun policy, foreign policy, immigration, or the environment?"

 
      %      
 

The economy

35      
 

The federal budget deficit

20      
 

Gun policy

15      
 

Health care

12      
 

Foreign policy

5      
 

Immigration

4      
 

The environment

3      
 

Unsure

6      

 

CNN/ORC Poll. Jan. 14-15, 2013. N=814 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"Which of the following is the most important issue facing the country today? The economy. The federal budget deficit. Health care. Gun policy. Foreign policy. Immigration. The environment." Options rotated

 
      %      
 

The economy

46      
 

The federal budget deficit

23      
 

Health care

14      
 

Gun policy

6      
 

Foreign policy

4      
 

Immigration

3      
 

The environment

2      
 

Other (vol.)

1      

 

Bloomberg National Poll conducted by Selzer & Company. Dec. 7-10, 2012. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"Which of the following do you see as the most important issue facing the country right now? Immigration. Health care. The federal deficit. Terrorism. Taxes. The situation in the Middle East. Entitlement spending on Social Security and Medicare. Unemployment and jobs." Options rotated

 
      %      
 

Unemployment and jobs

34      
 

Federal deficit

19      
 

Social Security, Medicare spending

11      
 

Health care

9      
 

Taxes

7      
 

Situation in the Middle East

5      
 

Immigration

4      
 

Terrorism

2      
 

Other (vol.)

3      
 

None of these (vol.)

1      
 

Unsure

5      

 

National Public Radio poll conducted by Democracy Corps (D) and Resurgent Republic (R). Oct. 23-25, 2012. N=1,000 likely voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"Which of the following types of issues are most likely to affect your vote for president and Congress this year: economic issues like jobs and unemployment; fiscal issues like taxes, spending, deficits, and debt; social issues like abortion and gay marriage; or national security issues like terrorism, Afghanistan, and Libya?" Options rotated

 
      %      
 

Economic issues

57      
 

Fiscal issues

16      
 

Social issues

14      
 

National security issues

8      
 

None/Other/Unsure

5      

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). Sept. 26-30, 2012. N=832 likely voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.4.

             

"There are many important issues in this presidential campaign. When it comes to deciding for whom you will vote for president, which one of the following is the single most important issue in deciding for whom you will vote? The economy. Social issues and values. Social Security and Medicare. Health care. The federal deficit. Foreign policy and the Middle East. Terrorism." If "all": "Well, if you had to choose the most important issue, which would you choose?"

 
      %      
 

The economy

46      
 

Social issues and values

15      
 

Social Security and Medicare

12      
 

Health care

10      
 

The federal deficit

7      
 

Foreign policy and the Middle East

6      
 

Terrorism

1      
 

None/Other (vol.)

1      
 

Unsure

1      

 

Bloomberg National Poll conducted by Selzer & Company. Sept. 21-24, 2012. N=1,007 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"Which of the following do you see as the most important issue facing the country right now? Unemployment and jobs. The federal deficit. Health care. Gas prices. The situation in the Middle East. Taxes. Immigration. Terrorism." Options rotated

 
      %      
 

Unemployment and jobs

43      
 

Federal deficit

14      
 

Health care

11      
 

Gas prices

7      
 

Situation in the Middle East

6      
 

Taxes

4      
 

Immigration

3      
 

Terrorism

3      
 

Other (vol.)

4      
 

None of these (vol.)

1      
 

Unsure

4      

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Sept. 8-12, 2012. N=1,170 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"What is the most important issue to you in deciding how you will vote for president this year?" Open-ended

 
      %      
 

Economy and jobs

37      
 

Health care

11      
 

Budget deficit/National debt

4      
 

The President/Barack Obama

4      
 

Education

3      
 

Taxes/IRS

3      
 

Abortion

2      
 

Medicare/Medicaid

2      
 

Women's issues

2      
 

Misc. social issues

2      
 

Other

20      
 

Unsure/No answer

10      

 

CBS News Poll. Aug. 22-26, 2012. N=1,218 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"What do you think is the most important problem facing this country today?" Open-ended

 
      %      
 

Economy/Jobs

50      
 

Budget deficit/National debt

7      
 

Health care

5      
 

Immigration

2      
 

Education

2      
 

War/Peace

2      
 

Politicians/Government

2      
 

Partisan politics

2      
 

Misc. social issues

2      
 

Other

21      
 

Unsure/No answer

5      

 

Pew Research Center. June 7-17, 2012. N=1,563 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.9.

             

"Which ONE of the following issues matters most to you in deciding your vote for president this year: jobs, the budget deficit, health care, Social Security, immigration, or gay marriage?" Options rotated

 
      %      
 

Jobs

35      
 

Budget deficit

23      
 

Health care

19      
 

Social Security

11      
 

Immigration

5      
 

Gay marriage

4      
 

Other (vol.)

2      
 

Unsure

2      

 

CNN/ORC Poll. May 29-31, 2012. N=1,009 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Which of the following is the most important issue facing the country today? The economy. The federal budget deficit. Health care. The situation in Afghanistan. Illegal immigration. Terrorism. Policies toward gays and lesbians." Options rotated

 
      5/29-31/12 3/24-25/12 12/16-18/11  
      % % %  
 

The economy

52 53 57  
 

The federal budget deficit

18 20 16  
 

Health care

14 11 13  
 

Terrorism

5 2 4  
 

Illegal immigration

4 4 5  
 

Afghanistan

3 6 3  
 

Policies toward gays, lesbians

1 2 1  
 

Other (vol.)

2 1 2  
 

Unsure

1 1 -  

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. May 17-20, 2012. N=1,004 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"What is the single most important issue in your choice for president?" Open-ended

 
      %      
 

Economy/Jobs

52      
 

Health care/Repeal of Obamacare

7      
 

Morals/Family values

5      
 

Ethics/Honesty/Gov't corruption

4      
 

Other

27      
 

Unsure

4      

 

Reuters/Ipsos Poll conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs. April 12-15, 2012. N=891 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.3.

             

"Which one of these issues would you say is most important when thinking about the current presidential election campaign? Jobs and the economy. Health care. Family values. Leadership. National security. Taxes. Foreign policy. Representing change."

 
      %      
 

Jobs and the economy

53      
 

Health care

14      
 

Family values

9      
 

Leadership

8      
 

National security

5      
 

Taxes

3      
 

Foreign policy

3      
 

Representing change

2      
 

None

1      
 

Unsure

1      

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Feb. 8-13, 2012. N=1,197 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Which one issue would you most like to hear the candidates for president discuss during the 2012 presidential campaign?" Open-ended

 
      %      
 

Economy and jobs

44      
 

Health care

8      
 

Budget deficit/National debt

4      
 

Education

3      
 

Taxes/IRS

3      
 

Immigration

2      
 

Politicians/Government

2      
 

Partisan politics

2      
 

Other

21      
 

Unsure/No answer

11      

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Jan. 12-17, 2012. N=1,154 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"In deciding who you would like to see elected president this year, which one of the following issues will be most important to you: abortion, or the federal budget deficit, or the economy, or health care, or illegal immigration, or something else?" Options rotated

 
      %      
 

Economy

56      
 

Federal budget deficit

15      
 

Health care

14      
 

Illegal immigration

5      
 

Abortion

3      
 

Something else

6      
 

Unsure/No answer

1      

 

Bloomberg National Poll conducted by Selzer & Company. June 17-20, 2011. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"Which of the following do you see as the most important issue facing the country right now? Unemployment and jobs. Government spending. The federal deficit. Health care. The war in Afghanistan. Gas prices. Immigration. Taxes."  Options rotated

 
      %      
 

Unemployment and jobs

42      
 

Government spending

17      
 

The federal deficit

13      
 

Health care

10      
 

War in Afghanistan

5      
 

Gas prices

4      
 

Immigration

3      
 

Taxes

1      
 

Other (vol.)

2      
 

Unsure

3      

 

Fox News Poll conducted by Anderson Robbins Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R). May 15-17, 2011. N=910 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Which one of the following issues do you think the president and Congress should focus
on right now? The economy and jobs. The deficit and government spending. Health care. Terrorism and national security. Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Immigration."
Options rotated

 
      %      
 

Economy and jobs

50      
 

Deficit and government spending

22      
 

Health care

8      
 

Terrorism and national security

5      
 

Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

4      
 

Immigration

2      
 

All (vol.)

7      
 

None/Other (vol.)

1      
 

Unsure

1      

 

Bloomberg National Poll conducted by Selzer & Company. March 4-7, 2011. N=1,001 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"Which of the following do you see as the most important issue facing the country right now? Immigration. Health care. The federal deficit and government spending. The war in Afghanistan. Unemployment and jobs."  Options rotated

 
      3/11 12/10    
      % %    
 

Unemployment and jobs

43 50    
 

Federal deficit and spending

29 25    
 

Health care

12 9    
 

War in Afghanistan

7 7    
 

Immigration

3 5    
 

Other (vol.)

4 1    
 

Unsure

2 3    

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Jan. 15-19, 2011. N=1,036 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Which of the following do you think is the most important thing for Congress to concentrate on right now: job creation, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the federal budget deficit, illegal immigration, health care, or something else?"

 
      %      
 

Job creation

43      
 

Health care

18      
 

Federal budget deficit

14      
 

Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

12      
 

Illegal immigration

7      
 

Something else

3      
 

Unsure/No answer

3      

 

CBS News Poll. Nov. 7-10, 2010. N=1,137 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Of all the problems facing this country today, which one do you most want the new Congress to concentrate on first when it begins in January?" Open-ended

 
      %      
 

Economy and jobs

56      
 

Health care

14      
 

Budget deficit/National debt

4      
 

Immigration

2      
 

Education

2      
 

War/Iraq/Afghanistan

2      
 

Taxes/IRS

2      
 

Other

9      
 

Unsure/No answer

9      

 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. Oct. 28-31, 2010. N=1,140 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

             

"Looking ahead, which of the following should be the highest priority for Congress after the election: repealing the new healthcare law, passing a new economic stimulus bill designed to create jobs, cutting federal spending, or extending all the federal income tax cuts enacted during the Bush administration?" Options rotated

 
      %      
 

Passing new stimulus bill

38      
 

Cutting federal spending

24      
 

Repealing health care law

23      
 

Extending all income tax cuts

8      
 

Other (vol.)

4      
 

Unsure

3      

 

Reuters/Ipsos Poll conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs. Oct. 28-31, 2010. N=1,075 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"I'd like you to think now about what Congress should focus on next year in 2011. For each issue, please tell me if you think it is crucial, important, or not important for Congress to focus on as a key issue in 2011. . . ."

 
    Crucial Important Not important Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

"Jobs"

 

10/28-31/10

72

25

2

-

 
 

10/7-11/10

65

32

3

1

 
 
 

"The budget deficit"

 

10/28-31/10

57

38

5

1

 
 

10/7-11/10

56

35

7

2

 
 
 

"Health care"

 

10/28-31/10

53

41

6

-

 
 

10/7-11/10

48

43

9

-

 
 
 

"Taxes"

 

10/28-31/10

44

47

7

2

 
 

10/7-11/10

37

52

9

2

 
 
 

"Energy"

 

10/28-31/10

36

53

10

1

 
 

10/7-11/10

30

58

11

2

 
 
 

"The environment"

 

10/28-31/10

31

53

15

1

 
 

10/7-11/10

26

56

17

1

 
 
 

"Afghanistan"

 

10/28-31/10

37

46

13

3

 
 

10/7-11/10

35

44

17

4

 

 

Pew Research Center survey. Oct. 27-30, 2010. N=2,373 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.5.

             

"Of the following six issues, which ONE would you say is MOST important to your vote for Congress this year: the job situation, health care, the deficit, immigration, the situation in Afghanistan, or terrorism?" Options rotated

 
      %      
 

The job situation

39      
 

Health care

25      
 

The deficit

17      
 

Immigration

6      
 

The situation in Afghanistan

5      
 

Terrorism

3      
 

Other (vol.)

2      
 

None of these (vol.)

1      
 

Unsure

3      

 

Bloomberg National Poll conducted by Selzer & Company. Oct. 7-10, 2010. N=721 likely voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.7.

             

"Which of the following do you see as the most important issue facing the country right now: unemployment and jobs, the federal deficit and government spending, health care, the war in Afghanistan, or immigration?" Options rotated

 
      %      
 

Unemployment, jobs

49      
 

Federal deficit, spending

27      
 

Health care

10      
 

War in Afghanistan

7      
 

Immigration

5      
 

Other (vol.)

1      
 

Unsure

1      

 

CBS News Poll. Oct. 1-5, 2010. N=1,129 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"What do you think is the most important problem facing this country today?" Open-ended

 
      %      
 

Economy/Jobs

54      
 

Health care

7      
 

Budget deficit/National debt

3      
 

Immigration

3      
 

Education

2      
 

Moral values/Family values

2      
 

The President/Barack Obama

2      
 

Other

22      
 

Unsure/No answer

5      

 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. Aug. 27-30, 2010. N=1,021 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

             

"How important will each of the following issues be to your vote for Congress this year? Will it be extremely important, very important, moderately important, or not that important? How about . . . ?"

 
    Extremely
important
Very
important
Moderately
important
Not that
important
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

"The economy"

 

8/27-30/10

62

31

6

1

-

 
 

"Jobs"

 

8/27-30/10

60

32

6

1

-

 
 

"Federal spending"

 

8/27-30/10

51

30

15

3

1

 
 

"Corruption in government"

 

8/27-30/10

51

30

14

4

1

 
 

"Health care"

 

8/27-30/10

49

30

15

5

1

 
 

"Terrorism"

 

8/27-30/10

47

28

17

6

1

 
 

"Immigration"

 

8/27-30/10

38

27

23

11

1

 
 

"The situation in Afghanistan"

 

8/27-30/10

35

33

24

6

2

 
 

"The environment"

 

8/27-30/10

28

32

29

12

-


 

FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll. June 29-30, 2010. N=900 registered voters nationwide. MoE ± 3.

             

"Which ONE of the following do you think is most important for the president to be working on right now? The economy and jobs. The oil spill in the Gulf. The deficit and government spending. Health care. Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Immigration. Terrorism and national security. Taxes." Options rotated

 
      %      
 

Economy and jobs

32      
 

Gulf oil spill

14      
 

Deficit and government spending

12      
 

Health care

6      
 

Iraq and Afghanistan

6      
 

Immigration

4      
 

Terrorism and national security

4      
 

Taxes

1      
 

All (vol.)

20      
 

None/Other (vol.)

1      
 

Unsure

1      

 

Kaiser Family Foundation Kaiser Health Tracking Poll. June 17-22, 2010. N=1,066 registered voters nationwide.

             

"Thinking ahead to the November 2010 congressional elections, how important will each of the following issues be to your vote for Congress this year? [See below.] Will that be extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not too important to your vote for Congress this year?"

 
    Extremely
important
Very
important
Somewhat
important
Not too
important
Unsure/
Refused
    % % % % %
 

"The economy"

 

6/17-22/10

52

39

7

2

-

 
 

"The Gulf Coast oil spill"

 

6/17-22/10

45

35

13

6

1

 
 

"The budget deficit"

 

6/17-22/10

44

35

15

5

1

 
 

"Health care"

 

6/17-22/10

42

36

13

7

1

 
 

"Unemployment"

 

6/17-22/10

40

41

14

4

-

 
 

"The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan"

 

6/17-22/10

37

38

17

8

-

 
 

"Dissatisfaction with government"

 

6/17-22/10

37

32

20

9

2

 
 

"Energy policy"

 

6/17-22/10

26

39

24

8

2


 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). June 17-21, 2010. N=1,000 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.1.

             

"Let me list some issues that have been proposed for the federal government to address. Please tell me which one of these items you think should be the top priority for the federal government. Job creation and economic growth. The Gulf Coast oil spill and energy. The deficit and government spending. National security and terrorism. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Health care. Social issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage." If more than one: "Well, if you had to choose just one, which do you think should be the top priority?" Options rotated

 
      %      
 

Job creation and economic growth

33      
 

Gulf Coast oil spill and energy

22      
 

Deficit and government spending

15      
 

National security and terrorism

9      
 

Iraq and Afghanistan

9      
 

Health care

7      
 

Social issues

2      
 

All equally (vol.)

3      

Problems and priorities continued


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