The FINANCIAL — Despite wall-to-wall media coverage of the Trump-Russia allegations, just one-out-of-four voters rate them as the most serious problem facing the nation. For most voters, economic issues, Obamacare and other problems are more serious.
When Likely U.S. Voters are asked which of six major problems facing the nation concerns them most, the latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that 26% opt for the Trump administration’s alleged ties to Russia. Eighteen percent (18%) say the economy is their biggest concern, while 16% list Obamacare.
For 15%, taxes and spending are the biggest worry, while just as many (14%) are more concerned about national security and the war on terror. Seven percent (7%) put illegal immigration at the top of the list.
Even among Democrats, only 40% view the possible Trump-Russia connection as their number one concern, although that view is shared by just 13% of Republicans and 25% of voters not affiliated with either major party. Next in line for Democrats are Obamacare (18%) and the economy (17%).
Twenty-three percent (23%) of GOP voters are most concerned about national security and the war on terror, making that their number one worry, closely followed by taxes and spending (20%) and the economy (18%).
For unaffiliated voters, Russia is their number one worry. Second is the economy, most important to 19%, and Obamacare (17%).
Russia has consistently been a much bigger issue for Democrats than for other voters, with some Democratic leaders even calling for Trump’s impeachment. Searching for a reason for Hillary Clinton’s defeat, most Democrats blamed Russia following the election.
Most voters (52%) who Strongly Disapprove of the job Trump is doing as president consider Russia the biggest problem facing the nation. Just one percent (1%) of those who Strongly Approve of Trump’s job performance agree. Among the latter voters, 24% see taxes and spending as the biggest concern.
Men are more concerned about economic issues than women are; women are more worried about national security.
Those 40 and over are more worried about the Trump administration’s alleged ties to Russia than younger voters are. The economy is the biggest worry for younger voters.
Blacks are far more concerned about the Russia issue than whites and other minority voters.
Fifty-seven percent (57%) of all voters continue to favor a smaller government with fewer services and lower taxes over a larger, more active one with more services and higher taxes.
Voter support for thoughtful spending cuts in every area of the federal government is up to 56%. But Republicans balk if the military is included, while Democrats are more protective of entitlements.
The latest Consumer Spending Update shows confidence in the economy and personal finances is at or near record highs.
In June, as the unemployment rate dropped to its lowest level in 10 years, optimism among voters that the U.S. economy is fair soared to new highs.
Confidence that the United States has the edge in the war on terror remains higher than it has been in several years.
Just 13% of voters want to leave the health care law as is. Fifty-four percent (54%) feel that Congress and the president should go through Obamacare piece by piece to improve it. Thirty-one percent (31%) think they should repeal the entire law and start over again.
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