Times-News Daily Poll Index
Explore previous results from Times-News Daily Polls or vote each day.
What do you think of people who wear their pajamas while venturing out to grocery stores, restaurants, and other public places?
I think they're cool.
26%
26%
Hey, they live in a free country.
13%
13%
I don't understand them.
8%
8%
They're a bunch of lazy slobs.
51%
51%
Not sure / no opinion.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 2,347
How often do you go out to eat?
Several times a week.
83%
83%
About once a week.
8%
8%
Once every few weeks.
3%
3%
Only on rare occasions.
4%
4%
I never go out to eat.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 5,074
Do you play chess?
Yes.
19%
19%
No.
57%
57%
Not sure / no opinion.
24%
24%
Total Votes: 1,760
How are you and your sweetheart going to spend Valentine's Day?
A romantic evening at home.
21%
21%
Going out on the town.
8%
8%
In remembrance of things past.
10%
10%
That day means nothing to me.
40%
40%
Not sure / no opinion.
21%
21%
Total Votes: 969
Are you going to be watching the Grammy Awards on TV this weekend?
Yes, I wouldn't miss it.
5%
5%
I might watch it.
11%
11%
I doubt it.
21%
21%
No way.
61%
61%
Not sure / no opinion.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 857
GOP strategist Karl Rove said he was "offended" by Chrysler's "It's Halftime in America" Super Bowl commercial that featured Clint Eastwood. However, White House senior adviser David Axelrod called the TV spot "powerful." What is your opinion of the "Halftime" ad?
It was excellent.
46%
46%
It was fairly good.
10%
10%
It wasn't very good.
9%
9%
It was awful.
19%
19%
Not sure / no opinion.
17%
17%
Total Votes: 1,085
Which one of the following deceased entertainers do you miss the most?
Bob Hope.
20%
20%
Johnny Carson.
27%
27%
Red Skelton.
30%
30%
I don't miss any of them.
19%
19%
Not sure / no opinion.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 1,297
What did you think of Madonna's performance during the Super Bowl halftime show?
She was really wonderful.
18%
18%
She was fairly good.
17%
17%
She was nothing special.
32%
32%
She was absolutely awful.
19%
19%
Not sure / no opinion.
13%
13%
Total Votes: 1,142
Who do you think will win Super Bowl 46?
New England Patriots.
19%
19%
New York Giants.
40%
40%
I couldn't care less.
38%
38%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,873
Do you own any firearms?
Yes.
77%
77%
No.
20%
20%
Not sure / no opinion.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 1,662
Presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich has criticized debates that limit audience participation, following a Republican debate in Florida where the audience was instructed to keep quiet. How do you think debate audiences should behave?
Let them cheer, boo, or whatever.
62%
62%
They should remain quiet.
32%
32%
Not sure / no opinion.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 1,235
TV chef Paula Deen disclosed that she has Type 2 Diabetes -- a diagnosis she kept hidden for three years. Deen also announced that she is now a (paid) spokesperson for a diabetes drug marketed by Novo Nordisk. What do you think of Paula's deal?
Good for her.
45%
45%
She ought to be ashamed.
37%
37%
Not sure / no opinion.
18%
18%
Total Votes: 1,315
Of the candidates listed below, whom do you support for the Republican nomination for president?
Mitt Romney.
7%
7%
Newt Gingrich.
11%
11%
Rick Santorum.
4%
4%
Ron Paul.
5%
5%
I don't support any of them.
73%
73%
Total Votes: 4,544
How do you like your orange juice?
With no pulp.
33%
33%
With a little pulp.
29%
29%
With lots of pulp.
27%
27%
I don't like orange juice.
9%
9%
Not sure / no opinion.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 1,222
Of these winter activities, which would be your favorite?
Ice skating.
6%
6%
Skiing.
9%
9%
Snowboarding.
5%
5%
Brrrrr! I'm staying indoors.
65%
65%
Not sure / no opinion.
15%
15%
Total Votes: 1,247
Do you plan to watch the Golden Globe telecast this weekend?
Yes.
4%
4%
No.
93%
93%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,105
A new poll by Poll Position found that 46% of Americans think tablets will eventually take the place of laptop computers. What do you think?
Laptops are so yesterday.
16%
16%
Both will continue being used.
84%
84%
Total Votes: 1,157
According to PewReserarch.org, roughly three-quarters of the public (77%) say that they think there is too much power in the hands of a few rich people and large corporations in the United States. What do you think?
I agree.
83%
83%
I disagree.
17%
17%
Total Votes: 1,517
Do you think the economy will improve in 2012?
Yes.
51%
51%
No.
49%
49%
Total Votes: 1,881
How many Christmas gifts will you return for cash or exchange this year?
None
80%
80%
1 or 2
14%
14%
3 or more
6%
6%
Total Votes: 1,877
How often do you use a cell phone while driving?
Frequently.
26%
26%
Occasionally.
27%
27%
Not very often.
29%
29%
Never.
16%
16%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 2,997
Whom do you prefer… Bob Dylan or Bruce Springsteen?
Bob Dylan.
27%
27%
Bruce Springsteen.
29%
29%
I don't care for either of them.
41%
41%
Not sure / no opinion.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 1,130
At what household income level would you consider yourself "rich"?
$100,000 - $124,999
27%
27%
$125,000 - $149,999
4%
4%
$150,000 - $199,999
9%
9%
$200,000 or more
60%
60%
Total Votes: 786
Which of the following is your favorite Christmas movie?
"A Christmas Story".
37%
37%
"It's a Wonderful Life".
28%
28%
"Miracle on 34th Street".
13%
13%
I don't care for any of them.
18%
18%
Not sure / no opinion.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 1,542
Have you ever been to Canada or Mexico?
I've been to Canada.
23%
23%
I've been to Mexico.
12%
12%
I've been to both countries.
23%
23%
I've not been to either one.
41%
41%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 1,233
Do you like beards?
Yes.
47%
47%
No.
46%
46%
Not sure / no opinion.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 721
What is your opinion of the novelty Christmas song "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer"?
Play it again, I love it!
25%
25%
I don't mind it on occasion.
36%
36%
It's not one of my favorites.
17%
17%
I absolutely cannot stand it.
20%
20%
Not sure / no opinion.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 1,355
How many books do you own?
Less than a dozen.
16%
16%
Dozens.
35%
35%
Hundreds.
39%
39%
Thousands.
6%
6%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,231
How many languages do you speak?
One.
79%
79%
Two.
10%
10%
Three.
3%
3%
Four or more.
4%
4%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 695
Do you still use VHS tapes?
Yes.
53%
53%
No.
46%
46%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 1,298
Will you be doing any shopping on Black Friday?
Yes, without a doubt.
6%
6%
Probably.
5%
5%
There's a slight chance.
10%
10%
No way.
78%
78%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 735
Will you be traveling 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving?
Yes.
15%
15%
No.
85%
85%
Not sure / no opinion.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 965
So, who do you think will win "Dancing with the Stars" Season 13?
J.R. Martinez and Karina Smirnoff.
15%
15%
Ricki Lake and Derek Hough.
8%
8%
Rob Kardashian and Cheryl Burke.
7%
7%
I could not care less.
69%
69%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 557
How much sleep do you usually get?
Less than eight hours.
71%
71%
Around eight hours.
24%
24%
More than eight hours.
5%
5%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 921
Which of the following commercial FM radio stations in the Tri-Cities area is your favorite?
WQUT.
27%
27%
WTFM.
11%
11%
WXBQ.
31%
31%
I don't care for any of them.
26%
26%
Not sure / no opinion.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 1,591
Do you take any dietary supplements?
Yes.
40%
40%
No.
60%
60%
Not sure / no opinion.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 842
Are you cold natured or hot natured?
Cold natured.
47%
47%
Hot natured.
43%
43%
Not sure / no opinion.
11%
11%
Total Votes: 922
How often do you read a comic strip?
Frequently.
29%
29%
Occasionally.
18%
18%
Not very often.
23%
23%
Never.
29%
29%
Not sure / no opinion.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 1,033
Which incarnation of Elvis Presley do you prefer?
The rockabilly Elvis.
39%
39%
The Hollywood Elvis.
8%
8%
The Vegas Elvis.
14%
14%
I don't care for Elvis.
32%
32%
Not sure / no opinion.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 948
What do you think of the local TV weather forecasters in the Tri-Cities area?
They're reliable, accurate, and professional.
38%
38%
They're adequate for the most part.
40%
40%
They're alarmists out to scare up ratings.
11%
11%
I usually don't watch them.
8%
8%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,017
What is your opinion of professional wrestling?
I love it.
6%
6%
I like it somewhat.
10%
10%
It's not for me.
23%
23%
I can't stand it.
60%
60%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 1,083
What do you think of the animated TV series "The Simpsons"?
It's still a good show.
16%
16%
It quit being good long, long ago.
10%
10%
It has always been hit or miss.
8%
8%
It never was any good.
60%
60%
Not sure / no opinion.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 1,221
Are you a fan of horror films?
Yes, I really enjoy them.
17%
17%
Yes, but I'm somewhat selective.
15%
15%
No, not so much.
21%
21%
No, I can't stand them.
47%
47%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 1,195
According to the Gallup Poll, Americans forecast they will spend $712 on Christmas gifts this year, nearly identical to the $715 they estimated they would spend on Christmas at this time last year. This flat spending forecast is significantly lower than levels seen for the most part prior to the 2008 U.S. financial crisis. How much do you plan to spend this year?
More than $712
21%
21%
$712
4%
4%
Less than $712
75%
75%
Total Votes: 1,191
According to a Gallup poll, 62% of Americans say they would amend the U.S. Constitution to replace the Electoral College system for electing presidents with a popular vote system. What do you think?
Keep the Electoral College.
49%
49%
Use popular vote system.
51%
51%
Total Votes: 1,081
Of these choices, which type of local sports coverage do you prefer?
Biking, hiking, running.
9%
9%
High school sports.
63%
63%
Hunting, fishing, boating.
22%
22%
Middle school sports.
2%
2%
Recreation leagues.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 856
How often do you buy a lottery ticket?
Frequently.
12%
12%
Occasionally.
16%
16%
Not very often.
30%
30%
Never.
42%
42%
Not sure / no opinion.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 875
When do you think the quality of TV programming was better?
It's better today.
13%
13%
It was better 25 years ago.
74%
74%
There isn't much difference.
6%
6%
I don't watch enough TV to know.
7%
7%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 1,141
What is your opinion of the song "Rocky Top"?
I love it.
55%
55%
I tolerate it.
22%
22%
I hate it.
22%
22%
Not sure / no opinion.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 1,598
How often do you use coupons?
Frequently.
25%
25%
Occasionally.
34%
34%
Not very often.
27%
27%
Never.
14%
14%
Not sure / no opinion.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 894
What do you think of "Saturday Night Live"?
It's still a good show.
14%
14%
It quit being good long, long ago.
37%
37%
It has always been hit or miss.
20%
20%
It never was any good.
24%
24%
Not sure / no opinion.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 1,025
Do you own an Amazon Kindle or another brand of e-book reader?
Yes, I own an Amazon Kindle.
13%
13%
Yes, I own another brand.
9%
9%
No, but I plan to get one.
6%
6%
No.
72%
72%
Not sure / no opinion.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 900
Do you plan to attend National Storytelling Festival?
Yes.
1%
1%
No.
96%
96%
Maybe.
2%
2%
Not sure / no opinion.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 611
Do you own any consumer electronics, computer software, or personal computers made by Apple?
Yes.
40%
40%
No.
58%
58%
Not sure / no opinion.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 896
How often do you watch TV game shows?
Frequently.
10%
10%
Occasionally.
19%
19%
Not very often.
31%
31%
Never.
39%
39%
Not sure / no opinion.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 687
ESPN pulled Hank Williams Jr.'s musical intro from "Monday Night Football" after Williams compared President Obama to Hitler on a Fox News program. Do you think ESPN did the right thing?
Yes.
30%
30%
No.
66%
66%
Not sure / no opinion.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 878
Do you own any pets?
Yes.
68%
68%
No.
32%
32%
No opinion.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 832
Have you ever had your fortune told?
Yes.
22%
22%
No.
77%
77%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 908
Which of the following animated TV programs do you like the most?
"Family Guy"
13%
13%
"South Park"
7%
7%
"The Simpsons"
7%
7%
I don't like any of them.
71%
71%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 1,149
Are you a fan of country music?
I love it.
39%
39%
I like it somewhat.
26%
26%
Only in small doses.
21%
21%
I hate it.
13%
13%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 1,042
If Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson were both in their prime and had been contemporaries, which of the two do you think would have won a boxing match?
Mike Tyson.
23%
23%
Muhammad Ali.
52%
52%
It would have been a tie.
2%
2%
I don't like boxing and I don't care.
21%
21%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 1,451
How do you feel about this being the first day of fall?
I'm glad.
55%
55%
I wish it was still summer.
31%
31%
I don't care one way or the other.
12%
12%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 762
Are you a fan of outdoor concerts?
Yes, very much so.
25%
25%
They're OK on occasion.
28%
28%
Not unless it's something really special.
18%
18%
No, not at all.
25%
25%
Not sure / no opinion.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 717
How often is meat a part of your diet?
Frequently.
76%
76%
Occasionally.
17%
17%
Not very often.
5%
5%
Never.
2%
2%
Not sure / no opinion.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 1,170
Do you think astrological bodies affect personality, human affairs, and natural events?
Yes, I'm a firm believer.
13%
13%
It's possible.
23%
23%
It's highly unlikely.
16%
16%
No, I'm an absolute skeptic.
41%
41%
Not sure / no opinion.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 836
Are you going to watch the 2011 Primetime Emmy Awards?
Yes.
3%
3%
Possibly.
5%
5%
Probably not.
24%
24%
There's no way.
66%
66%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 642
Do you plan to attend Bristol Rhythm & Roots reunion?
Yes.
5%
5%
No.
93%
93%
Maybe.
2%
2%
Not sure / no opinion.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 660
Do you think dogs should be allowed at the Kingsport Farmer's Market?
Yes.
21%
21%
No.
63%
63%
I don't care.
15%
15%
Total Votes: 1,235
Which type of jewelry do you prefer… gold or silver?
Gold.
46%
46%
Silver.
29%
29%
I don't care for either.
22%
22%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 659
Which of these phonetic renderings is the nearest to your preferred pronunciation of "Appalachia"?
Ap-uh-latch-uh
77%
77%
Ap-uh-latch-che-uh
9%
9%
Ap-uh-lay-che-uh
2%
2%
Ap-uh-lay-chuh
8%
8%
Ap-uh-lay-she-uh
3%
3%
Total Votes: 2,053
Do you think there is such a thing as extrasensory perception?
Yes, I'm a firm believer.
24%
24%
It's possible.
44%
44%
It's highly unlikely.
10%
10%
No, I'm an absolute skeptic.
15%
15%
Not sure / no opinion.
8%
8%
Total Votes: 670
What is your opinion of motorcycles?
They're better than cars.
10%
10%
They're OK.
21%
21%
They're fine, but not for me.
36%
36%
They're a dangerous nuisance.
33%
33%
Not sure / no opinion.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 672
What do you think of the TV show "Glee"?
I love it.
6%
6%
It's all right.
7%
7%
I hate it.
10%
10%
I've never watched it and I don't care.
76%
76%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 872
So, what do you think of the summer of 2011?
It was a lot of fun.
15%
15%
It was all right.
17%
17%
It was nothing special.
20%
20%
It was too hot and miserable.
47%
47%
Not sure / no opinion.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 1,531
Are you a fan of high school football?
Yes.
51%
51%
No.
47%
47%
Not sure / no opinion.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 664
Do you suffer from sinus problems?
Yes, chronically so.
37%
37%
From time to time.
39%
39%
Not very often.
16%
16%
Never.
7%
7%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 686
Which one of these country music entertainers do you prefer?
Dolly Parton.
36%
36%
Johnny Cash.
44%
44%
I don't care for either one of them.
16%
16%
Not sure / no opinion.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 836
How often do you go bowling?
Frequently.
2%
2%
Occasionally.
4%
4%
Not very often.
29%
29%
Never.
66%
66%
Not sure / no opinion.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 758
What is your opinion of Fox News?
It's a superior, trustworthy news outlet.
41%
41%
It's the same as the other news channels.
12%
12%
It's a partisan, propaganda machine.
42%
42%
I usually don't watch TV news.
3%
3%
Not sure / no opinion.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 1,654
Do you like cowboy movies?
Yep.
75%
75%
Nope.
20%
20%
Not rightly sure.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 728
What do you think of nighttime NASCAR races?
It's my favorite type of race.
28%
28%
I like NASCAR races--day or night.
15%
15%
I prefer the afternoon races.
2%
2%
I'm not a NASCAR fan.
52%
52%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 747
How often do you listen to radio?
Frequently.
65%
65%
Occasionally.
20%
20%
Not very often.
11%
11%
Never.
4%
4%
Not sure / no opinion.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 827
Do you plan to attend the Appalachian Fair this week?
Yes.
8%
8%
Maybe.
26%
26%
No.
64%
64%
Not sure / no opinion.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 950
Which one of these choices is your favorite "Seinfeld" character?
Elaine.
10%
10%
George.
11%
11%
Jerry.
6%
6%
Kramer.
48%
48%
Not sure / no opinion.
25%
25%
Total Votes: 915
Do you believe that extra-terrestrials have visited the earth?
Yes, without a doubt.
18%
18%
There's a good chance.
21%
21%
Probably not.
20%
20%
No way.
36%
36%
Not sure / no opinion.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 740
What do you think of black-and-white movies?
I love them.
29%
29%
They're OK, but I really prefer color.
46%
46%
I hate them.
10%
10%
I usually don't watch movies.
12%
12%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 654
What type of motor vehicle is your primary means of transportation?
Car.
46%
46%
Pickup truck.
23%
23%
SUV.
27%
27%
Other.
5%
5%
Not sure / no opinion.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 730
What do you think about the cancellation of the TV show "Kate Plus 8"?
It makes me sad.
1%
1%
I have mixed feelings.
2%
2%
It makes no difference to me.
24%
24%
Good riddance!
70%
70%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 977
What do you think of MTV?
It's entertaining, trendsetting, and fun.
3%
3%
I have mixed feelings about it.
8%
8%
It's worthless, obnoxious, and awful.
83%
83%
Not sure / no opinion.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 1,165
Have you been to a public swimming pool this season?
Yes.
10%
10%
No, but I plan to do so.
2%
2%
No.
88%
88%
Not sure / no opinion.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 702
Who would win a battle royal between the following participants?
Freddy Krueger.
23%
23%
Leatherface.
5%
5%
Michael Myers.
14%
14%
Jason Voorhees.
14%
14%
Not sure / no opinion.
43%
43%
Total Votes: 408
Do you like tattoos?
Yes.
19%
19%
No.
78%
78%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 888
Do you believe in ghosts?
Yes.
40%
40%
No.
52%
52%
Not sure / no opinion.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 691
Of the following choices, who would be be your favorite entertainer?
Elvis Presley.
53%
53%
Frank Sinatra.
13%
13%
Michael Jackson.
10%
10%
I really don't care for any of them.
24%
24%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 1,327
Do you approve of controlled hunting of wildlife?
Yes, very much so.
60%
60%
Yes, somewhat.
19%
19%
Not really.
7%
7%
No, absolutely not.
10%
10%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 643
Do you own an iPad or another brand of tablet computer?
Yes, I own an iPad.
16%
16%
Yes, I own another brand.
5%
5%
No, but I plan to get one.
21%
21%
No, and I'll never own one.
52%
52%
Not sure / no opinion.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 873
Do you prefer "Star Trek" or "Star Wars"?
"Star Trek".
30%
30%
"Star Wars".
24%
24%
I prefer neither.
44%
44%
Not sure / no opinion.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 713
Have you already been, or do you plan to attend, a county, regional, or state fair this year?
Yes.
16%
16%
Maybe.
13%
13%
No.
69%
69%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 986
When it comes to alcoholic beverages, do you imbibe?
Yes, and with great pleasure.
15%
15%
Yes, but in moderation.
21%
21%
Only certain social occasions.
20%
20%
No, not a drop.
43%
43%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 663
Which one of The Beatles is your favorite?
George Harrison.
12%
12%
John Lennon.
18%
18%
Paul McCartney.
36%
36%
Ringo Starr.
14%
14%
Not sure / no opinion.
21%
21%
Total Votes: 514
How often do you go to flea markets / swap meets?
Frequently.
10%
10%
Occasionally.
21%
21%
Seldom.
29%
29%
Never.
39%
39%
Not sure / no opinion.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 654
Do you think karma is real?
Yes.
49%
49%
No.
33%
33%
I'm not sure what that is.
15%
15%
No opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 692
What is your opinion of Rupert Murdoch?
Influential, visionary, global media tycoon.
20%
20%
Devious debaser of news, sleaze merchant.
47%
47%
I'm not sure who he is, and I don't care.
24%
24%
No opinion.
8%
8%
Total Votes: 943
What is your opinion of cats?
I love them.
36%
36%
I like them somewhat.
20%
20%
I really don't care for them.
25%
25%
I hate them.
18%
18%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 860
Which of the following actors made the best James Bond?
Pierce Brosnan.
9%
9%
Sean Connery.
64%
64%
Daniel Craig.
4%
4%
Roger Moore.
18%
18%
Not sure / no opinion.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 871
Who do you think is funnier--Jay Leno or David Letterman?
Jay Leno.
35%
35%
David Letterman.
23%
23%
They're equally funny.
5%
5%
I don't think either one is funny.
34%
34%
Not sure / no opinion.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 795
Do you think NASCAR drivers are athletes?
Yes.
37%
37%
No.
60%
60%
Not sure / no opinion.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 939
Do you own a smartphone?
Yes.
31%
31%
No, I have a regular mobile phone.
59%
59%
No, I don't even own a cell phone.
8%
8%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,213
How many Fun Fest events do you plan to attend?
Eleven or more.
2%
2%
Six to ten.
2%
2%
One to five.
19%
19%
None.
74%
74%
Not sure / no opinion.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 1,104
Which of these local TV news providers is your favorite?
WCYB-TV (Channel 5).
46%
46%
WEMT-TV (Channel 39).
3%
3%
WJHL-TV (Channel 11).
39%
39%
I don't watch local TV news.
10%
10%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 908
The final installment of the Harry Potter film series is about to hit theaters. How do you feel about this?
I'm thoroughly excited.
9%
9%
It makes me sad.
4%
4%
I have mixed feelings.
3%
3%
I could not care less.
83%
83%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 663
Are you a fan of MMA?
Yes.
11%
11%
No.
26%
26%
What's MMA?
61%
61%
Not sure / no opinion.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 1,065
How religious are you?
Devoutly religious.
28%
28%
Fairly religious.
47%
47%
Not very religious.
10%
10%
Not religious at all.
13%
13%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 719
What do you think of Nancy Grace?
She's a brilliant, hard-hitting legal expert.
14%
14%
She's an entertaining TV personality.
7%
7%
I'm not that fond of her.
12%
12%
She's a shrill, self-obsessed talking head.
62%
62%
Not sure / no opinion.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 922
What did you think of the outcome of the Casey Anthony trial?
It made me angry.
47%
47%
It made me sad.
22%
22%
It was the correct verdict.
16%
16%
I don't care one way or the other.
9%
9%
Not sure / no opinion.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 761
Which of the following cuisines is your favorite?
Chinese.
19%
19%
Italian.
36%
36%
Mexican.
27%
27%
I don't care for any of them.
17%
17%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 681
Which of the following groups would you most like to banish from popular culture?
Aspiring talent show contestants.
21%
21%
Superheroes.
2%
2%
Vampires.
21%
21%
I'd send them all packing.
51%
51%
Not sure / no opinion.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 1,085
Do you plan to attend any public events in celebration of Independence Day?
Yes.
25%
25%
Maybe.
13%
13%
No.
60%
60%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 750
What do you think of private fireworks displays in the neighborhood?
They're great fun, I love them.
19%
19%
They're OK in moderation.
12%
12%
Only on holidays and at a decent hour.
36%
36%
They're dangerous and a nuisance.
33%
33%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 1,095
How many Twitter accounts do you follow?
More than 100.
2%
2%
Between 51 and 100.
1%
1%
Between 11 and 50.
2%
2%
Less than 10.
2%
2%
This Twitter stuff is not for me.
93%
93%
Total Votes: 970
What is your typical weekend like?
Lots of fun and adventure.
8%
8%
A time of rest and relaxation.
37%
37%
Another cycle of endless chores.
53%
53%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 775
Which of these choices is your favorite summertime food?
Hot dog.
17%
17%
Ice cream.
25%
25%
Watermelon.
46%
46%
I'll pass on all of these choices.
10%
10%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 1,545
Are you following the happenings at Wimbledon?
Yes, with the greatest of interest.
2%
2%
Yes, somewhat.
4%
4%
Not really.
10%
10%
No, and I couldn't care less about it.
83%
83%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 922
Which one of these choices is your favorite local park?
Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium.
38%
38%
Natural Tunnel State Park.
19%
19%
Warriors Path State Park.
25%
25%
I try to avoid public parks.
12%
12%
Not sure / no opinion.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 1,102
Which of these choices is your favorite local park?
Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium.
67%
67%
Natural Tunnel State Park.
0%
0%
Warriors Path State Park.
33%
33%
I try to avoid public parks.
0%
0%
Not sure / no opinion.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 3
On average, how many different magazine titles do you read a month?
Not any.
45%
45%
One to four.
46%
46%
Five to nine.
6%
6%
Ten or more.
2%
2%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 836
Of the following choices, which of these summertime TV series do you like the best?
"Big Brother."
9%
9%
"Breaking Bad."
4%
4%
"True Blood."
11%
11%
I don't like any of these shows.
71%
71%
Not sure / no opinion.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 1,124
How often to you send texts?
With great frequency.
25%
25%
Occasionally.
23%
23%
Not very often.
14%
14%
Never.
38%
38%
Not sure / no opinion.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 1,635
What did you think when you heard that 85-year-old Playboy magazine mogul Hugh Hefner had been jilted by his 24-year-old fiancee?
Hang in there, Hef.
8%
8%
I'm sure he'll find another woman to love.
15%
15%
I don't blame the fiancee.
7%
7%
I think the whole thing is creepy.
66%
66%
Not sure / no opinion.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 1,142
Of LeBron James or Kobe Bryant, who's the better basketball player?
LeBron James.
12%
12%
Kobe Bryant.
23%
23%
They're about equal.
5%
5%
I don't like either one, so I don't care.
51%
51%
Not sure / no opinion.
8%
8%
Total Votes: 919
Do you plan to go hiking or camping this summer?
Yes.
31%
31%
No.
59%
59%
Maybe.
9%
9%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 1,002
What do you think of Lady Gaga?
She's a fascinating and brilliant entertainer.
12%
12%
She's a fairly good performer.
5%
5%
She's more style than substance.
5%
5%
She's a crass, gimmick-ridden publicity seeker.
72%
72%
Not sure / no opinion.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 1,248
Of the following choices, which is your favorite film series?
Harry Potter.
17%
17%
Lord of the Rings.
17%
17%
Pirates of the Caribbean.
22%
22%
I don't like any of these movies.
41%
41%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,664
How often do you play golf?
I play every chance I can get.
7%
7%
I play on occasion.
5%
5%
I hardly ever play.
17%
17%
I wouldn't play golf if you paid me.
65%
65%
Not sure / no opinion.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 913
Of the following choices, which national restaurant chain would you most like to come to the region?
Jack in the Box.
11%
11%
P.F. Chang's China Bistro.
24%
24%
Red Robin.
23%
23%
T.G.I. Friday's.
30%
30%
Not sure / no opinion.
13%
13%
Total Votes: 1,260
These days a lot of people are famous, well, for just being famous. Of the following questionable celebrities, who would you most like to send back to obscurity?
Kate Gosselin.
22%
22%
Paris Hilton.
20%
20%
The "Jersey Shore" cast.
32%
32%
The Kardashians.
18%
18%
Not sure / no opinion.
8%
8%
Total Votes: 1,310
When it comes to pleasure reading, what kind of book do you prefer?
Fiction.
43%
43%
Non-fiction.
27%
27%
Graphic novels.
2%
2%
Who has time for pleasure reading?
26%
26%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,232
Do you plan to attend the Blue Plum Festival?
Yes.
5%
5%
No.
90%
90%
Not sure / no opinion.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 816
How do you think this past season of "American Idol" fared without Simon Cowell?
It wasn't as good without him.
12%
12%
There wasn't a big difference.
8%
8%
It was better without him.
22%
22%
I don't care about him or the show.
53%
53%
Not sure / no opinion.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 1,039
Of the following choices, which is your main source for watching TV at home?
Over-the-air antenna / converter box
5%
5%
Cable.
64%
64%
Satellite.
26%
26%
Netflix or other streaming service.
5%
5%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 958
What is your favorite season?
Spring.
31%
31%
Summer.
19%
19%
Fall.
45%
45%
Winter.
4%
4%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 1,452
What do you think of Dale Earnhardt Jr.?
He's a true racing superstar.
14%
14%
He's a fairly good driver.
17%
17%
He's a bit of a disappointment.
14%
14%
He's an overhyped, overrated underachiever.
44%
44%
Not sure / no opinion.
12%
12%
Total Votes: 1,488
Do you have traveling plans for this holiday weekend?
Yes.
11%
11%
No.
88%
88%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 960
At what level are team sports the most fun to watch?
Professional.
9%
9%
College.
53%
53%
High school.
18%
18%
I don't care for team sports.
17%
17%
Not sure / no opinion.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 1,029
What comes to mind with the realization that "The Oprah Winfrey Show" has come to an end?
I'm grateful for the memories.
7%
7%
I'm feeling sad.
2%
2%
I don't care.
37%
37%
Goodbye and good riddance.
50%
50%
Not sure / no opinion.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 1,422
So, who do you think will be the Season 10 winner of American Idol?
Lauren Alaina Suddeth.
24%
24%
Scotty McCreery.
24%
24%
I don't know and I don't care.
49%
49%
Not sure / no opinion.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 2,666
How good a gardener are you?
Practically a pro.
8%
8%
Good.
23%
23%
Fair.
44%
44%
Just awful.
22%
22%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 790
What do you think of 3-D movies?
It's a wonderful, exciting visual experience.
9%
9%
It's an unnecessary, price-gouging gimmick.
43%
43%
I have mixed feelings about them.
10%
10%
I don't go to the movies, 3-D or otherwise.
33%
33%
Not sure / no opinion.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 962
What kind of device do you use most often to listen to music?
CD player.
12%
12%
iPod / MP3 player.
14%
14%
Radio.
61%
61%
Some other apparatus.
7%
7%
I don't listen to music.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 1,090
How often do you play video games?
Multiple times a day.
6%
6%
Once a day or so.
8%
8%
Once a week or so.
6%
6%
Once or month or so.
10%
10%
Never.
71%
71%
Total Votes: 1,010
What do you think of Ashton Kutcher being hired to replace Charlie Sheen on "Two and a Half Men?"
Kutcher will be better than Sheen.
17%
17%
Sheen will always be better than Kutcher.
25%
25%
One is about as good as the other.
9%
9%
I can't stand either one them--or that show.
37%
37%
Not sure / no opinion.
11%
11%
Total Votes: 1,852
Which one of the following sports do you like best?
Baseball.
17%
17%
Basketball.
13%
13%
Football.
60%
60%
Not sure / no opinion.
10%
10%
Total Votes: 985
Which of the following companies do you think will be the most powerful in five years?
Facebook.
40%
40%
Google.
45%
45%
Not sure / no opinion.
15%
15%
Total Votes: 804
Which of the following long-running TV shows has most overstayed its welcome and ought to end production of new episodes?
CSI.
7%
7%
Desperate Housewives
34%
34%
Saturday Night Live.
14%
14%
The Simpsons.
38%
38%
Not sure / no opinion.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 1,122
Of the following decades, for which do you have the greatest affinity?
1950s.
19%
19%
1960s.
22%
22%
1970s.
25%
25%
1980s.
23%
23%
1990s.
11%
11%
Total Votes: 1,094
Do you think we've seen the last of the cool weather of the season?
Yes.
46%
46%
No.
49%
49%
Not sure / no opinion.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 1,339
What is played more often in your household?
Cards and board games.
21%
21%
Video games.
38%
38%
There is no game playing.
37%
37%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 927
How often do you use Facebook?
Several times a day.
32%
32%
Once a day.
11%
11%
Couple of times a week.
6%
6%
Not very often.
9%
9%
Never.
41%
41%
Total Votes: 1,108
How many books did you read in the past year? (Not including audio books.)
Not any.
25%
25%
One to five.
30%
30%
Six to ten.
14%
14%
Eleven to twenty.
13%
13%
Twenty-one or more.
18%
18%
Total Votes: 1,150
Do you think Hollywood is making too many movies based upon comic book characters?
Yes.
56%
56%
No.
32%
32%
Not sure / no opinion.
12%
12%
Total Votes: 798
What do you think of the TV show "Family Guy"?
It's awful.
58%
58%
It's okay.
10%
10%
It's great.
20%
20%
Not sure / no opinion.
12%
12%
Total Votes: 1,735
Viewership for the television show "Celebrity Apprentice" has dropped. Do you think Donald Trump's recent political barnstorming has anything to do with it?
Yes.
58%
58%
No.
32%
32%
Not sure / no opinion.
10%
10%
Total Votes: 921
Which of the major broadcast TV networks do you think has the best programming?
ABC.
3%
3%
CBS.
36%
36%
Fox.
21%
21%
NBC.
36%
36%
Not sure / no opinion.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 2,746
Prince William and Kate Middleton are to be married this Friday. How interested are you in this British royal wedding?
Greatly interested.
11%
11%
Somewhat interested.
12%
12%
Slightly interested.
15%
15%
Absolutely not interested.
56%
56%
No opinion / not sure.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 1,683
Since late last year, the Federal Reserve has bought government bonds to keep interest rates low. Fed Chairman Bernanke and his colleagues are expected to announce that they'll allow the program to expire as scheduled in June. What do you think?
Continue the program.
30%
30%
Let the program expire.
25%
25%
Not sure / no opinion.
44%
44%
Total Votes: 1,432
A majority of nonretired Americans do not think they will have enough money to live comfortably in retirement, up sharply from about a third who felt this way in 2002. Are you worried about your retirement finances?
Yes.
49%
49%
No.
51%
51%
Total Votes: 2,014
Where do you really believe President Obama was born?
Hawaii.
67%
67%
Indonesia.
4%
4%
Kenya.
21%
21%
Not sure / no opinion.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 2,904
In the long run, who will gain the greatest benefit from the rise of the birther movement?
Democrats.
43%
43%
Republicans.
22%
22%
The Tea Party.
16%
16%
Not sure / no opinion.
18%
18%
Total Votes: 761
What do you think is the primary cause of skyrocketing gas prices?
Supply and demand.
11%
11%
Troubles in Libya.
9%
9%
Wall Street speculators.
74%
74%
Not sure / no opinion.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 1,237
Gov. Bill Haslam has marked his first 100 days in office. How do you think he is doing?
Excellent.
10%
10%
Good.
15%
15%
Fair.
16%
16%
Awful.
44%
44%
No opinion / not sure.
15%
15%
Total Votes: 1,108
Would you be in favor of a law that would require presidential candidates to prove they are natural-born U.S. citizens before their names could appear on your state's ballot?
Yes.
44%
44%
No.
55%
55%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 2,607
The Gallup poll finds 57% of Americans say what they pay in income taxes as "fair" and 40% as not fair. Americans earning at least $225,000 are the most likely of five income groups to believe their federal income taxes are too high (67%) and the least likely to say they are fair. Do you think the tax burden is distributed fairly across all income groups?
Yes.
9%
9%
No.
91%
91%
Total Votes: 1,224
The federal government will hit its $14.294 trillion debt ceiling around May 16 and failure to raise it could cause a financial crisis. Republicans are resisting such a move unless it is tied to broader spending cuts. Do you agree with this strategy?
Yes.
35%
35%
No.
62%
62%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 2,833
A measure to allow faculty and staff to carry handguns on the campuses of Tennessee's public colleges and universities cleared its first legislative committee. However, the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police are against this proposed idea. What is your opinion?
I'm against this legislation.
47%
47%
I'm for this legislation.
50%
50%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,083
Do you agree with Northeast State leadership's idea to transfer ownership of the Advanced Manufacturing Center and the Automotive Programs building (both in downtown Kingsport) from area businesses which make up the Northeast Foundation Board to Northeast State and the state of Tennessee?
No, I'm against the transfer.
46%
46%
Yes, I'm for the transfer.
36%
36%
Not sure / no opinion.
18%
18%
Total Votes: 994
About 70 percent of the nation's major gas station chains say sales have fallen, according to a March survey by the Oil Price Information Service. Have you cut back on the amount of gas that you buy?
Yes.
76%
76%
No.
22%
22%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 1,254
Fifty-six percent of Republicans in a Rasmussen poll think it's too easy to get food stamps, a view shared by 34% of Democrats and 33% of adults not affiliated with either of the major political parties. So, some House GOP members are crafting legislation that would include a work requirement for those who receive food stamps. Would you support such a law?
Yes.
79%
79%
No.
21%
21%
Total Votes: 1,175
Donald Trump has been on a media blitz relaunching questions about whether President Obama was born in Hawaii or outside the United States, making him constitutionally ineligible to be president. What do you think is the main reason that Trump is doing this?
He's serious about running for president.
37%
37%
He's exploiting the media for cheap publicity.
56%
56%
Not sure / no opinion.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 1,834
If Washington lawmakers can't come to some sort of agreement, the federal government will hit its debt ceiling Friday at midnight, and parts of the government will begin to shut down. How concerned are you about this happening?
Extremely concerned.
27%
27%
Somewhat concerned.
17%
17%
Not very concerned.
20%
20%
Not concerned at all.
34%
34%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 1,036
Former Tennessee Gov. Ned McWherter died earlier this week. How do you rate his two terms of governorship?
Excellent.
37%
37%
Good.
28%
28%
Fair.
14%
14%
Poor.
8%
8%
No opinion / not sure.
13%
13%
Total Votes: 907
From a historical perspective, do you think labor unions have done more good or harm to the United States?
Good.
57%
57%
Harm.
41%
41%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,413
Despite concerns about a possible nuclear disaster in the U.S., 58% of Americans think nuclear power plants in the U.S. are safe, while 36% say they are not. Americans are divided on the issue of increasing the number of nuclear power plants in this country, but these attitudes have not changed from 10 years ago. What do you think?
They're the way of the future.
44%
44%
Close all of them.
15%
15%
They need better safety features.
41%
41%
Total Votes: 1,018
Of the last two American presidents, who do you think has done a better job?
Barak Obama
56%
56%
George W. Bush
30%
30%
There's not much difference.
14%
14%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 3,277
How much confidence do you have in the Kingsport Police Department?
Complete confidence.
7%
7%
A fair amount of confidence.
19%
19%
Not much confidence.
34%
34%
No confidence whatsoever.
35%
35%
No opinion / not sure.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 1,498
The Clean Air Act mandates that the EPA set national air-quality standards for ozone, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and lead. Critics say meeting these standards will cost polluters too much money. What do you think?
It's worth the cost.
53%
53%
It's not worth the cost.
42%
42%
Not sure / no opinion.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 989
State Rep. Tony Shipley has put forth a bill that would that would allow local governments to authorize registered ATVs to use designated public highways in Tennessee. Do you support this legislation?
Yes.
22%
22%
No.
75%
75%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,102
According to the Gallup Poll prior to President Obama's speech on Libya Monday night, 10% of Americans said the U.S. should take the lead role in the multi-national military campaign in Libya and 29% said it should have a major role. The plurality, 36%, favors a minor role for the U.S., while 22% think the country should withdraw entirely. What do you think?
We should have lead role.
8%
8%
We should have majority role.
10%
10%
We should have minor role.
27%
27%
Get out now.
55%
55%
Total Votes: 973
While frustrated workers are griping, groaning and secretly sending out resumes, employers think they are just as loyal as they were three years ago, MetLife reports in its 9th Annual Study of Employee Benefits Trends. "Businesses are understandably focused on expenses, but they're taking their eye off the ball with human capital issues, notably what drives employee satisfaction and loyalty." Is this true where you work?
Yes.
69%
69%
No.
31%
31%
Total Votes: 856
It has been one year since President Obama signed the health care reform bill into law. In the time since, how has this landmark legislation personally affected you?
It has had little or no effect for me.
35%
35%
It has made health care better for me.
33%
33%
It has made health care worse for me.
28%
28%
Not sure / no opinion.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 1,976
Gov. Haslam wants to limit monetary damages from lawsuits in Tennessee. Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson disagrees with this proposal and says that juries are best qualified to decide how money should be awarded. What do you think the state should do?
Put a cap on monetary damages.
38%
38%
Let juries decide monetary damages.
59%
59%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,002
Germany, which is Europe's biggest economy, has set course to abandon nuclear energy for good because of the technology's inherent risks. What do you think the policy in the U.S. should be toward utilizing nuclear power as an energy source?
Nuclear power should be expanded.
48%
48%
Keep nuclear power at the current level.
18%
18%
Nuclear power should be abandoned.
26%
26%
Not sure / no opinion.
8%
8%
Total Votes: 884
Do you approve of the University of Tennessee's firing of men's basketball coach Bruce Pearl?
Yes.
43%
43%
No.
40%
40%
Not sure / no opinion.
17%
17%
Total Votes: 1,151
What do you think your home's value will be like next year?
It will be worth more.
18%
18%
It will be worth less.
42%
42%
It will be about the same.
41%
41%
Total Votes: 1,092
How interested are you in the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship aka "March Madness" tournament?
Extremely interested.
38%
38%
Somewhat interested.
13%
13%
Not very interested.
10%
10%
Completely uninterested.
39%
39%
Not sure / no opinion.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 2,347
The Arab League has endorsed the creation of an no-fly zone over Libya. Do you think the U.S. should support this idea?
Yes.
48%
48%
No.
41%
41%
Not sure / no opinion.
11%
11%
Total Votes: 880
How concerned are you that radiation from Japan's damaged nuclear reactors will drift over to the United States?
Extremely concerned.
15%
15%
Somewhat concerned.
24%
24%
Not very concerned.
26%
26%
Not concerned at all.
32%
32%
No opinion / not sure.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,126
NASCAR action will be returning to the Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend for the Jeff Byrd 500. What are your plans for the race?
I'll be attending.
10%
10%
I'll be following on the Internet.
1%
1%
I'll be listening on radio.
1%
1%
I'll be watching on TV.
41%
41%
I'll be avoiding it altogether.
48%
48%
Total Votes: 1,548
Do you think Daylight Savings Time is worth the hassle?
Yes.
50%
50%
No.
50%
50%
Total Votes: 1,638
Do you think all federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting be cut?
Yes.
42%
42%
No.
56%
56%
Not sure / no opinion.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 3,648
Do you think President Obama should give the approval to draw upon the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve as a way to stabilize oil prices?
Yes.
49%
49%
No.
47%
47%
Not sure / no opinion.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 1,279
Legislation allowing a mother to publicly breast-feed her child regardless of the child's age and without being prosecuted for indecent exposure advanced on a voice vote in a Tennessee House Health Subcommittee. Do you think this bill should become law?
Yes.
42%
42%
No.
52%
52%
Not sure / no opinion.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 1,216
Do you think the U.S. should become militarily involved in Libya?
Yes.
12%
12%
No.
84%
84%
Not sure / no opinion.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 1,075
The wide-open battle for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination -- with nearly a three-way tie among Mike Huckabee, Sarah Palin, and Mitt Romney -- is quite different from the typical pattern observed in past GOP nomination contests. In Gallup polling since 1952, GOP nomination races always featured a clear front-runner at this stage of the campaign, and in almost all cases, that front-runner ultimately won the nomination. Who do you prefer?
Mike Huckabee
29%
29%
Sarah Palin
21%
21%
Mitt Romney
14%
14%
None of the above
36%
36%
Total Votes: 1,371
How would you rate the job that the One Hundred Twelfth United States Congress has done so far?
Excellent.
5%
5%
Good.
10%
10%
Fair.
21%
21%
Awful.
57%
57%
Not sure / no opinion.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 935
What do you think the chances are that former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich will ever be elected President of the United States?
It's a near certainty.
4%
4%
A fairly good chance.
12%
12%
A slight chance.
24%
24%
Absolutely no chance at all.
57%
57%
Not sure / no opinion.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 1,129
The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that the First Amendment protects fundamentalist church members who mount attention-getting, anti-gay protests outside military funerals. What do you think of this decision?

It's not right.
51%
51%
The Constitution should be changed.
6%
6%
Even outrageous speech is protected.
34%
34%
I think it was a great decision.
6%
6%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,093
Tennessee is considering making it a felony to follow some versions of the Islamic code known as Shariah. Do you think this bill should become Tennessee law?
Yes.
68%
68%
No.
25%
25%
Not sure / no opinion.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 1,108
The Tennessee Senate has passed legislation that allows individuals with handgun permits to carry their weapons where they work. Do you approve of this enactment?
Yes.
51%
51%
No.
46%
46%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,110
Did you watch the Academy Awards telecast?
Yes.
12%
12%
No.
88%
88%
Total Votes: 781
A federal grant that paid for mandatory methamphetamine lab cleanups across Tennessee will end this week. The state had nearly 2,100 meth lab seizures in 2010. The cost of cleanups is now the responsibility of local taxpayers. What do you think?
The federal government should pay.
42%
42%
Local taxpayers should pick up the tab.
45%
45%
Not sure / no opinion.
14%
14%
Total Votes: 1,374
In a major policy reversal, the Obama administration has said it will no longer defend the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act--the federal law banning recognition of same-sex marriage. Do you agree with the administration's decision?
Yes.
29%
29%
No.
66%
66%
Not sure / no opinion.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 1,071
Do you think teachers in Tennessee should have collective bargaining rights?
Yes.
42%
42%
No.
53%
53%
Not sure / no opinion.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 1,139
Do you think political protesters will drive Libya's Moammar Gadhafi out of office?
Yes.
60%
60%
No.
32%
32%
Not sure / no opinion.
8%
8%
Total Votes: 828
How would you rate the number of federal holidays currently observed?
Too many.
63%
63%
Not enough.
12%
12%
About right.
25%
25%
Total Votes: 1,185
What is your opinion of labor unions?
Favorable.
38%
38%
Unfavorable.
57%
57%
Not sure / no opinion.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 1,519
Watson, a gigantic computer created by IBM, easily defeated two celebrated past champions in a three-day tournament on the TV game show "Jeopardy!" What is your primary feeling about this machine's technological breakthrough?
I'm happy about it.
20%
20%
It makes me sad.
6%
6%
It scares me.
29%
29%
I don't care one way or another.
45%
45%
Total Votes: 857
The New York Stock Exchange and Deutsche Boerse--Germany's largest stock exchange--have agreed to merge operations. Do you think this deal is a good idea?
Yes.
13%
13%
No.
70%
70%
Not sure / no opinion.
17%
17%
Total Votes: 842
The Tri-Cities region gained more than 8,700 jobs in the fourth quarter of 2010 vs. the same time a year ago as the economic recovery gained steam on the local level. Do you think this positive trend will continue throughout the year?
Yes
45%
45%
No.
46%
46%
Not sure / no opinion.
9%
9%
Total Votes: 717
A new Rasmussen Reports national survey finds that 21% of adults who own a house say the value of their home will go up in the next year. Twenty-five percent expect their home value to go down, while 52% says it will remain about the same. What do you think?
Value will go down.
21%
21%
Value will increase.
21%
21%
Stay about the same.
55%
55%
I don't own a home.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 1,005
At a cost of $24,828, the Sullivan County Commission's Budget Committee has approved the purchase of a new Ford Explorer for County Mayor Steve Godsey. Do you agree with the panel's decision?
Yes.
14%
14%
No.
81%
81%
Not sure / no opinion.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 1,717
Do you think the state of Tennessee should allow the sale of wine at grocery and convenience stores?
Yes.
36%
36%
No.
63%
63%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 2,571
The Obama administration is expected to issue a proposal recommending the gradual elimination of government-sponsored mortgage backers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Do you think these enterprises should be phased out?
Yes.
78%
78%
No.
13%
13%
Not sure / no opinion.
9%
9%
Total Votes: 824
Congressional Republicans want to strip the Environmental Protection Agency of its ability to control greenhouse gas emissions. Jim Rogers, chairman and CEO of Eastman Chemical Co. is one of the local business leaders that backs this idea. Do you agree with this plan?
Yes.
41%
41%
No.
55%
55%
Not sure / no opinion.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 1,225
What do you think weighs most in getting a new job in the Tri-Cities?
Education
16%
16%
Work history
18%
18%
Social connections
45%
45%
Political connections
12%
12%
Appearance
9%
9%
Total Votes: 1,513
This weekend will mark the 100th birthday of former President Ronald Reagan. How do you rate his performance as president?
He achieved greatness.
48%
48%
He was good.
23%
23%
He was mediocre.
15%
15%
He was simply awful.
12%
12%
Not sure / no opinion.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 1,337
Which group do you think makes up the majority of protesters demanding the ouster of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak?
Freedom fighters.
30%
30%
Religious / political extremists.
40%
40%
Thugs / criminals.
15%
15%
Not sure / no opinion.
15%
15%
Total Votes: 625
The head of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has come out in favor of requiring prescriptions to buy cold and allergy products (like Sudafed and Claritin-D) that contain an ingredient used to make methamphetamine. Do you agree with this idea?
Yes.
29%
29%
No.
68%
68%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,230
Big companies like General Motors file for bankruptcy. Some cities do, too. And last year 1.5 million Americans did it. Some think the time has come for states to be given a court-sanctioned way to shed their debts. Do you agree?
Yes.
26%
26%
No.
66%
66%
Not sure / no opinion.
8%
8%
Total Votes: 852
Do you think Hosni Mubarak should step down as President of Egypt?
Yes.
65%
65%
No.
16%
16%
Not sure / no opinion.
19%
19%
Total Votes: 878
A Rasmussen Reports national survey finds that 55% of adults say they rarely or never go out to the movies, while another 34% say they do so only occasionally. How often do you go to a theater?
Once a week.
1%
1%
Once a month.
3%
3%
Occasionally
15%
15%
Rarely
46%
46%
Never
35%
35%
Total Votes: 1,272
Do you think that Amazon.com customers, who live in Tennessee, should have to pay sales tax for their online purchases?
Yes.
20%
20%
No.
77%
77%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,050
Do you think the U.S. Postal Service should be privatized?
Yes.
47%
47%
No.
46%
46%
Not sure / no opinion.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 1,187
The House has voted to end the multimillion-dollar federal subsidies for the Presidential Election Campaign Fund (the familiar $3 check-off box on income tax returns). Do you agree with this decision?
Yes.
84%
84%
No.
12%
12%
Not sure / no opinion.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 956
How do you rate President Obama's State of the Union address?
Excellent.
18%
18%
Good.
11%
11%
So-so.
26%
26%
Awful.
32%
32%
Not sure / no opinion.
13%
13%
Total Votes: 1,238
A majority of people agree that the nation's drug policy isn't working. Some believe that the U.S. should legalize drugs nationwide. What do you think?
Absolutely not.
61%
61%
Not really.
4%
4%
Perhaps.
10%
10%
Yes, the time has come.
24%
24%
Not sure / no opinion.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 1,028
Wendy's has beaten out McDonalds and Burger King in a Rasmussen survey focused on the public's favorite burger among the nation's top chains. If contacted, which would you have voted for?
McDonalds.
15%
15%
Burger King.
40%
40%
Wendy's.
45%
45%
Total Votes: 1,402
What is your opinion on how the economy will do this year?
Very optimistic.
13%
13%
Somewhat optimistic.
38%
38%
Somewhat pessimistic.
22%
22%
Very pessimistic.
23%
23%
No opinion / not sure.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 931
How do you view China?
A competitor.
31%
31%
An enemy.
59%
59%
A friend.
2%
2%
A partner.
4%
4%
No opinion / not sure.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 1,073
What do you think the chances are of President Obama's health care reform bill being repealed?
A good chance.
37%
37%
A slight chance.
23%
23%
No chance at all.
37%
37%
No opinion / not sure.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 1,070
How would you rate the job Phil Bredesen did in his eight years as governor of Tennessee?
Excellent.
23%
23%
Good.
31%
31%
Fair.
22%
22%
Poor.
15%
15%
No opinion / not sure.
9%
9%
Total Votes: 892
After coming under fire, Facebook is temporarily disabling a feature that gave app developers access to members' addresses and phone numbers. Do you have a problem with Facebook sharing your private information with app making companies?
No.
2%
2%
Yes.
83%
83%
I'm not on this Facebook thing.
14%
14%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 1,028
A new Gallup poll shows that 67% of the respondents feel now is a "good time" to buy a house. The findings suggest Americans are holding on to perceptions of a buyer's market despite the challenges of securing financing and concerns about the potential for a housing "double-dip." What do you think?
It's a good time to buy.
59%
59%
It's a good time to wait.
41%
41%
Total Votes: 764
An astronomy instructor has said that the signs of the Zodiac have shifted because of the Earth's wobbly orbit. Would it bother you if your Zodiac sign had changed to a different one?
Yes.
24%
24%
No.
69%
69%
Not sure / no opinion.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 919
As it is now, Tennessee's attorney general is appointed by the state Supreme Court while Tennessee's lieutenant governor is chosen by a vote of the state Senate. Do you think these statewide offices should instead be determined by popular election?
Yes.
79%
79%
No.
17%
17%
Not sure / no opinion.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 740
A USA Today/Gallup poll finds the public dubious that heated language used in politics was a major factor that influenced the alleged gunman in last week's shootings in Tucson, Ariz. Twenty percent say such rhetoric was a major factor in the shootings, 22% cite it as a minor factor; 42% say it was not a factor at all. What do you think?
Major factor.
23%
23%
Minor factor.
11%
11%
Not a factor.
66%
66%
Total Votes: 1,031
A majority of very conservative Americans told the Gallup Poll that political leaders should stick to their beliefs even if little is accomplished, while all other groups, particularly moderates and liberals, are more amenable to compromise for the sake of getting things done. Which do you think is more important?
Sticking by beliefs.
57%
57%
Gettings things done.
43%
43%
Total Votes: 800
A new Rasmussen Reports survey shows that 45% of the respondents somewhat favor unions for public employees, while the identical number (45%) are opposed to them. What do you think?
I favor public employee unions.
32%
32%
I oppose public employee unions.
68%
68%
Total Votes: 890
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 72% of adults who go online at least once a week say the Internet is a better value for the dollar than cable TV. Do you agree?
Yes.
83%
83%
No.
17%
17%
Total Votes: 888
For the first time in 50 years, the U.S. government plans to lower the amount of fluoride in drinking water because current levels can cause splotches on children's teeth. Over the long haul, do you think fluoride has done more good or harm?
It has done more good.
58%
58%
It has done more harm.
23%
23%
Not sure / no opinion.
18%
18%
Total Votes: 1,181
One of the first decisions of the new Congress will be whether to vote to raise the federal debt ceiling. What do think Congress should do?
Raise the debt ceiling.
17%
17%
Do not raise debt ceiling.
76%
76%
Not sure / no opinion.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 825
Rasmussen reports says 32% of their poll respondents think global warming is causing the increase in the number of major storms. A plurality (45%) says global warming is not the reason for the recent storms, and another 23% are not sure. What do you think?
They are a sign of global warming
26%
26%
Global warming isn't causing storms
67%
67%
I'm not sure
7%
7%
Total Votes: 898
According to the new Gallup daily presidential approval tracking poll, President Obama's job approval rating has jumped 3 points to 50% while his disapproval rating has fallen 4 points to 42%. What do you think of the president's job performance?
I approve of it.
26%
26%
I disapprove of it.
70%
70%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 824
According to the Gallup Poll, Americans enter the new year with considerably more optimism than pessimism about what it may bring: 58% say 2011 will be better than 2010, 20% say 2011 will be worse, and 21% say it will be the same. What do you think?
It will be a better year.
44%
44%
It will be worse than 2010.
28%
28%
it will be about the same.
28%
28%
Total Votes: 854
According to the Gallup Poll seven in 10 Americans say religion is losing its influence on American life. What do you think?
I agree.
70%
70%
I disagree.
30%
30%
Total Votes: 746
As it fades into history, what comes to mind as you think of the year 2010?
It was a very good year.
16%
16%
It was just another year.
29%
29%
Good riddance.
51%
51%
Not sure / no opinion.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 1,073
The first baby boomers will be old enough to qualify for Medicare Jan. 1, and many fear the program's obituary will be written before their own. A new Associated Press-GfK poll finds that baby boomers believe by a ratio of 2-to-1 they won't be able to rely on the giant health insurance plan throughout their retirement. What do you think?
Medicare will always be there.
20%
20%
It will be scaled back.
51%
51%
It will be eliminated.
29%
29%
Total Votes: 913
Rasmussen Reports says 21% of likely U.S. voters want the FCC to regulate the Internet as it does radio and television. Fifty-four percent are opposed to such regulation, and 25% are not sure. What do you think?
Regulate it.
27%
27%
Don't regulate it.
66%
66%
I'm not sure.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 847
Have you already returned, or do you plan to take back, any of this year's Christmas gifts?
Yes.
33%
33%
No.
63%
63%
Maybe.
2%
2%
No opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 685
As we get ready to begin a new year this weekend do you think the country is headed in the right direction?
Yes.
21%
21%
No.
79%
79%
Total Votes: 1,242
Do you plan on going to see any movies at theaters this Christmas season?
Yes.
16%
16%
No.
76%
76%
Maybe.
7%
7%
No opinion.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 1,320
Who was the biggest political winner of the 2010 lame-duck session of Congress?
Democrats
11%
11%
President Obama
33%
33%
Republicans
27%
27%
The Tea Party
15%
15%
No opinion / not sure.
13%
13%
Total Votes: 781
Weather forecasters give the Tri-Cities region a better than 50-50 chance for a White Christmas this year. What is your snow-on-Christmas druthers?
No more snow, please!
19%
19%
A dusting--but nothing on the roads.
21%
21%
Let it snow. Let it snow. Let it snow.
59%
59%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 1,048
The Confederate Heritage Trust held a "Secession Ball," commemorating South Carolina's decision exactly 150 years ago to secede from the United States of America. What do you think of this controversial social event?
It was an awful idea.
24%
24%
It's okay, but not for me.
24%
24%
It was a splendid idea.
42%
42%
Not sure / no opinion.
10%
10%
Total Votes: 875
Most Tea Party members view the candidates they elected in November as agents of change from government business as usual, but non-members are a lot more skeptical.A new Rasmussen Reports poll finds 34% of all likely U.S. voters think Tea Party candidates elected in November will remain true to their beliefs. What do you think?
They will be agents of change.
36%
36%
They will become politicians.
64%
64%
Total Votes: 912
In a landmark for gay rights, the United States Senate has voted to let gays serve openly in the military. Do you agree with this legislation?
No.
58%
58%
Yes.
37%
37%
Not sure / no opinion.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 1,181
How do you think the occurrence of severe wintry weather correlates with global warming?
It helps to disprove global warming.
36%
36%
It's a reactive effect of global warming.
23%
23%
There's no connection to global warming.
36%
36%
Not sure / no opinion.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 938
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been granted bail in London. How do you view Mr. Assange?
He's a hero.
12%
12%
He's a terrorist.
33%
33%
He's an ego-driven troublemaker.
43%
43%
He's an information society gadfly.
5%
5%
No opinion / not sure
8%
8%
Total Votes: 1,151
Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been named as Time magazine's 2010 Person of the Year. Do you agree with this choice?
Yes.
24%
24%
No.
53%
53%
I don't know who he is.
12%
12%
No opinion / not sure.
10%
10%
Total Votes: 892
It becomes a hot-button issue this time every year: Should religious symbols be displayed on public land, or is that a violation of the long-standing separation between church and state? While legal battles continue, Americans still overwhelmingly (74%) support Christmas Nativity scenes, Hanukkah Menorahs and Muslim Crescents on public lands. Do you agree?
Yes.
89%
89%
No.
11%
11%
Total Votes: 1,219
A new Rasmussen Reports poll finds 17% of adults think today's children will be better off than their parents. Sixty-one percent (61%) disagree with that assessment. Another 22% are not sure. What do you think?
They will be better off.
11%
11%
They will be worse off.
82%
82%
I'm not sure.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 958
The Bush-era tax cuts are set to expire at the end of the year and the battle over them continues. What do you think is going to happen?
They will be extended in full.
55%
55%
They will be extended in part.
24%
24%
They will expire.
18%
18%
No opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,169
The battle over WikiLeaks has led to Julian Assange's supporters crashing the Web sites of PayPal, Visa and MasterCard. Are you concerned about the escalation of this so-called "cyber war?"
Yes.
63%
63%
No.
34%
34%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 843
Kingsport's Board of Mayor and Aldermen has just approved five annexations in Colonial Heights that will become effective in early 2011. Do you support this plan?
Yes.
35%
35%
No.
53%
53%
Not sure / no opinion.
12%
12%
Total Votes: 1,058
President Obama has agreed to extending the Bush tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans despite his campaign promises in compromise with GOP. Did he make the right decision?
Yes.
53%
53%
No.
47%
47%
Total Votes: 1,273
A bipartisan economic package is emerging that would temporarily extend the Bush-era tax rates for all taxpayers, while extending jobless benefits for millions of Americans. Do you think this is the right approach?
Yes.
36%
36%
No, end tax breaks for the rich.
42%
42%
No, don't extend jobless benefits.
21%
21%
Total Votes: 1,083
How do you feel about winter weather?
I love it.
26%
26%
Just deal with it and go on.
44%
44%
I hate it.
30%
30%
Not sure / no opinion.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 1,174
The results of the Pentagon's massive study of military personnel on the issue of repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" showed that 70 percent of service members believe the change in policy would have a positive, mixed or no effect. What do you think?
It's time to repeal it.
40%
40%
It should not be repealed.
52%
52%
Not sure / no opinion.
9%
9%
Total Votes: 858
The Rascals Teen Center, which was founded in 1987, could be in danger of closing unless attendance and rental utilization of the building improve. Do you think its closing would be bad for the community?
Yes.
34%
34%
No.
44%
44%
I'm not even sure what it is.
13%
13%
No opinion.
8%
8%
Total Votes: 899
Unless Congress changes its mind, unemployment benefits for millions of Americans that had been extended up to 99 weeks will begin to cease this month. Do you think there should be a further extension of these benefits?
No.
50%
50%
Yes.
42%
42%
Not sure / no opinion.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 1,160
More than a quarter-million sensitive files belonging to the U.S. government have been disseminated by the WikiLeaks Web site. What do you think of this action?
I am angry.
48%
48%
I am concerned.
32%
32%
I do not care.
7%
7%
I am glad.
9%
9%
No opinion / not sure.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 1,146
Do you plan to purchase any of your holiday gifts online this year?
Absolutely.
45%
45%
Probably.
14%
14%
Possibly.
15%
15%
Absolutely not.
23%
23%
No opinion / not sure.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 1,516
What is your primary feeling towards Black Friday?
I absolutely love it.
5%
5%
The bargains make it tolerable.
9%
9%
It's not worth the hassles.
83%
83%
No opinion / not sure.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,151
What do you think of the people who are protesting airport body scans?
They have a valid point.
43%
43%
They should get over it.
54%
54%
Not sure / no opinion.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 1,364
A new Rasmussen Reports poll found that 66% of voters nationwide favor a proposal to cut the federal payroll by 10% over the coming decade. Do you agree?
Yes.
91%
91%
No.
9%
9%
Total Votes: 1,145
Rasmussen Reports says more than one-out-of-four likely U.S. voters (27%) now believe American society is generally unfair and discriminatory, the highest negative finding in over a year. Do you agree?
Yes.
65%
65%
No.
35%
35%
Total Votes: 710
Do you think the Santa Train shows the region in a positive light?
Yes.
61%
61%
No.
30%
30%
Not sure / no opinion.
9%
9%
Total Votes: 1,218
How much interest do you have in the impending British royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton?
A great deal of interest.
6%
6%
Some interest.
17%
17%
Not much interest.
18%
18%
No interest whatsoever.
59%
59%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 944
The bipartisan deficit reduction commission ultimately will propose tax hikes, spending cuts or a combination of the two to reduce the country's debt, but most Americans feel they - and not Congress - should have the final say. What do you think?
Congress should decide it.
19%
19%
Let the people vote on it.
81%
81%
Total Votes: 918
Rank-and-file Republicans have no clear favorite for the party's 2012 presidential nomination when asked to choose among a large field of potential candidates. Who do you like?
Mitt Romney
12%
12%
Sara Palin
18%
18%
Mike Huckabee
25%
25%
Newt Gingrich
10%
10%
None of the above
35%
35%
Total Votes: 1,291
As George W. Bush tours the country promoting his new memoir, "Decision Points," voters are a bit less critical of the former president than they've been in previous years. How would you rate him?
An average president.
29%
29%
Among the worst presidents.
35%
35%
An excellent president.
35%
35%
Total Votes: 1,324
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 54% of Americans believe violent video games lead to more violence in society. What do you think?
I agree.
77%
77%
I disagree.
23%
23%
Total Votes: 1,188
With certain exemptions, Wellmont Health System is requiring its employees to get a flu shot by Dec. 1 or be immediately terminated. Also, those fired will not be rehired by any Wellmont facility. What do you think of Wellmont's plan?
I strongly agree.
26%
26%
I somewhat agree.
11%
11%
I somewhat disagree.
7%
7%
I strongly disagree.
53%
53%
No opinion / not sure.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,658
The bipartisan team of President Obama's deficit commission propose curbs in Social Security benefits and the Pentagon's budget, deep reductions in federal spending and higher taxes for millions of Americans. What do you think of their plan?
It's not bold enough.
9%
9%
It's tough, but needed.
29%
29%
It's too radical.
56%
56%
Not sure / no opinion.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 913
What do you plan to spend for Christmas this season as compared to last year?
I'm spending less.
58%
58%
I'm spending about the same amount.
35%
35%
I'm spending more.
5%
5%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 962
In recent years,Tennessee has been designated as one of the dozen or so states with a widespread flu outbreak, the highest designation given by the Centers for Disease Control. What are your plans for getting a flu shot this season?
I've already gotten a flu shot.
49%
49%
I'm going to get flu shot.
12%
12%
I'm not going to getting flu shot.
35%
35%
Not sure / no opinion.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 1,028
An internal Pentagon study found that most U.S. troops and their families don't care whether gays are allowed to serve openly and think "don't ask, don't tell" should be dropped. Do you agree.
No.
49%
49%
Yes.
51%
51%
Total Votes: 795
A year from today, will you be earning more money than you earn today?
Yes.
39%
39%
No.
61%
61%
Total Votes: 517
Of the following choices, which one of these areas would you reduce to cut federal spending?
Defense.
52%
52%
Medicare.
12%
12%
Social Security.
8%
8%
Not sure / no opinion.
28%
28%
Total Votes: 1,457
Do you think the national health care law will be repealed now that the Republicans will be in control of the House?
No.
42%
42%
Yes.
52%
52%
Not sure / no opinion.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 1,109
The holidays traditionally usher in a period of charitable giving. How much do you plan to contribute to charity this year?
More than last year.
8%
8%
Less than less year.
16%
16%
About the same as last year.
48%
48%
I don't plan to give anything.
28%
28%
Total Votes: 451
The Republican Party made significant gains in Congress and in various state races in Tuesday's elections. What's your reaction to the GOP's victories?
I'm happy with the results.
51%
51%
I'm unhappy with the results.
43%
43%
I don't care.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 2,249
Will you be casting a ballot in the Nov. 2nd election?
No.
14%
14%
Yes.
84%
84%
Not sure / no opinion.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 941
Kingsport is one step closer to building a roundabout at the intersection of Netherland Inn Road and Industry Drive. What do you think of this plan?
This is good news.
36%
36%
Please, not another roundabout.
55%
55%
Not sure / no opinion.
9%
9%
Total Votes: 1,591
If you were voting on whether or not to legalize marijuana how would you vote?
Keep it illegal.
50%
50%
Legalize it.
50%
50%
Total Votes: 1,492
A new Rasmussen poll finds that 51% of likely voters think it's fair to describe the Democratic Party as the party of big government, while 47% say it's fair to describe the Republican Party as the party of big business. Do you agree?
Yes.
70%
70%
No.
30%
30%
Total Votes: 736
Do you personally know someone who is out of work and looking for a job?
Yes.
82%
82%
No.
18%
18%
Total Votes: 1,127
Americans overwhelmingly anticipate the federal government will dramatically cut spending like France and Britain are doing now, and many suggest that even Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid may have to be on the cutting block. Do you agree?
Yes.
39%
39%
No.
61%
61%
Total Votes: 927
According to the Gallup Poll Democrats and Republicans differ sharply over whether business will harm society if it is not regulated. Two in three Democrats believe business will do so, versus 23% of Republicans who say the same. What do you think?
Business should be regulated.
50%
50%
Business should not be regulate
50%
50%
Total Votes: 826
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Haslam said earlier this week that he could accept doing away with state handgun permits. Do you think Tennessee should abolish the requirement to obtain a permit to carry handguns in public?
No.
64%
64%
Yes.
35%
35%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 1,679
How much are you spending on Halloween-related items this season as opposed to previous years?
Less.
62%
62%
About the same.
26%
26%
More.
4%
4%
Not sure / no opinion.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 713
Military officials said Tuesday they have begun accepting applications from openly gay and lesbian recruits. Do you agree with this new policy?
No.
62%
62%
Yes.
32%
32%
Not sure / no opinion.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 922
Do you think after the election, the Republicans will have a majority in the United States Senate?
No.
34%
34%
Yes.
60%
60%
Not sure / no opinion.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 1,112
Will the revelation that many Facebook apps have been transmitting user information to advertising and Web tracking firms despite privacy settings affect your use of the popular social media site?
Yes.
66%
66%
No.
34%
34%
Total Votes: 772
President Obama has called for Congress to close tax breaks that reward some U.S. companies with overseas subsidiaries saying the tax breaks encourage companies to create jobs and profits in other countries. Do you agree with the president?
No.
26%
26%
Yes.
68%
68%
Not sure / no opinion.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 976
Will political anger affect the way you vote this upcoming election?
No.
35%
35%
Yes.
62%
62%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 842
Some parents are urging Kingsport City Schools to delay the beginning of school next year. Do you think Kingsport and other area school systems are starting the school year too early?
No.
21%
21%
Yes.
76%
76%
Not sure / no opinion.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 1,092
What do you think of negative political ads?
I dislike them.
84%
84%
I don't mind them.
12%
12%
No opinion / not sure.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 811
Because consumer prices are still lower than they were two years ago, the government is expected to announce that Social Security recipients will go through a second straight year without an increase in monthly benefits. Do you agree with this plan?
No.
73%
73%
Yes.
23%
23%
Not sure / no opinion.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 912
Do you think online bullying or harassment should be a punishable crime?
Yes.
84%
84%
No.
16%
16%
Total Votes: 784
Donald Trump used a trip to Scotland to give his strongest hint yet that he may run for the office of U.S. president in 2012. How much of a chance would you give Trump being elected president?
A really good chance.
10%
10%
A fair chance.
11%
11%
A slight chance.
13%
13%
No chance at all.
65%
65%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 912
Do you think the level of bullying is worse today than it was in previous generations?
It's about the same level.
28%
28%
It's not as bad now.
7%
7%
It's worse now.
63%
63%
Not sure / no opinion.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 777
Has the state of the economy caused you to be less charitable?
No.
31%
31%
Yes.
65%
65%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 916
Though Americans are deeply religious, surveys show they know very little about their own religions, and even less about the religions of others. Do you think it's time for schools to teach about religion - all religions?
Yes.
48%
48%
No.
52%
52%
Total Votes: 1,065
When there is an election, do you vote for the political party or for the individual that is running for office?
The individual.
82%
82%
The party.
16%
16%
Not sure / no opinion.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 913
Do you believe it's still possible for just about anyone in the United States to work hard and get rich?
No.
67%
67%
Yes.
32%
32%
Not sure / no opinion.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 1,127
Do you think former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will one day be elected president of the United States?
No
72%
72%
Yes.
22%
22%
Not sure / no opinion.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 1,259
Do you think Ridgefields Country Club will still be operating as a private, member-owned organization a year from now?
No.
73%
73%
Yes.
15%
15%
Not sure / no opinion.
12%
12%
Total Votes: 869
With American students falling behind some of their foreign counterparts, President Obama has said the classroom year should be longer, and that poorly performing teachers should get out. Do you agree?
No.
38%
38%
Yes.
55%
55%
Not sure / no opinion.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 954
The Gallup Poll finds 18% of Republicans -- including independents who lean Republican -- describing their political views as very conservative, while 53% are conservative and 29% are moderate or liberal. How would you describe your political views?
Very conservative.
30%
30%
Conservative.
35%
35%
Moderate.
20%
20%
Liberal.
15%
15%
Total Votes: 1,074
A new AP poll finds that Americans who think the health care law should have done more outnumber those who think the government should stay out of health care by 2-to-1. What do you think?
It didn't go far enough.
37%
37%
It went too far.
53%
53%
It's about right as is.
4%
4%
Not sure / no opinion.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 850
The Republican Party's new "Pledge to America," already battered by liberals, is now facing criticism from an unlikely source - some conservatives, who say it doesn't go far enough to rein in big government. What do you think?
It's a good proposal.
23%
23%
It's a mixed bag.
8%
8%
It's election-year hokum.
49%
49%
It's not ambitious enough.
13%
13%
No opinion / not sure.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 766
If U.S. regulators approve it, Atlantic salmon genetically engineered to grow twice as fast as regular salmon would be the first such scientifically altered animal to reach the nation's dinner plate. Would you have a problem eating foods like this?
No.
24%
24%
Yes.
68%
68%
Not sure / no opinion.
8%
8%
Total Votes: 829
How do you think the health care law passed by Congress in March will affect the amount most people will pay in taxes this year?
Pay less in taxes.
4%
4%
Pay more in taxes.
73%
73%
Pay the same amount in taxes.
17%
17%
Not sure / no opinion.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 954
The National Bureau of Economic Research, whose job it is to declare when recessions officially begin and end, has said that the so-called Great Recession is over, determining that the U.S. economy hit bottom in June 2009. Do you agree?
No.
79%
79%
Yes.
15%
15%
Not sure / no opinion.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 833
While newspapers and broadcast outlets struggle to survive in the Internet age, 67% of those respording to a Rasumssen survey said the feel they are more informed today than they were 10 years ago. Do you agree?
Yes.
87%
87%
No.
13%
13%
Total Votes: 821
Tennessee has made it illegal to produce or distribute synthetic marijuana products such as K2. Do you think Virginia should enact a similar law?
No.
26%
26%
Yes.
67%
67%
Not sure / no opinion.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 1,009
A new Associated Press-National Constitution Center poll reveals that the public has more distrust in blogs, banks and Congress than they do towards other institutions. In which of these choices do you have the least confidence?
Banks / financial institutions.
6%
6%
Blogs / citizen media.
9%
9%
Congress.
44%
44%
I equally distrust all three.
40%
40%
No opinion / not sure.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 848
Do you think there should be a constitutional right to hunt and fish in the state of Tennessee?
No.
23%
23%
Yes.
71%
71%
Not sure / no opinion.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 943
How do you think tea party-affiliated candidates will affect the Republican Party in this November's elections?
They'll help Republicans.
46%
46%
They'll hurt Republicans.
38%
38%
There'll be no significant effect.
10%
10%
Not sure / no opinion.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 849
Kingsport and Sullivan County officials have formally agreed to merge their respective animal control and shelter operations. Do you think this is a good move?
No.
12%
12%
Yes.
75%
75%
Not sure / no opinion.
13%
13%
Total Votes: 653
Which has the highest dollar number, your home or your mortgage?
My mortgage.
16%
16%
My home.
74%
74%
I'm a renter.
10%
10%
Total Votes: 1,019
Do you think the United States is a safer place now than before the 9/11 terrorist attacks?
No.
67%
67%
Yes.
28%
28%
Not sure / no opinion.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 1,127
Do you think the United States will ever capture or kill Osama bin Laden?
No.
70%
70%
Yes.
24%
24%
Not sure / no opinion.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 1,043
Is your current use of credit cards different than it was a year ago?
It's about the same.
42%
42%
There's greater usage.
5%
5%
There's less usage.
50%
50%
Not sure / no opinion.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 804
A church in Gainesville, Florida plans to burn Qurans as a protest on the anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. What do you think of this plan?
I'm against it.
64%
64%
I'm for it.
24%
24%
Not sure / no opinion.
12%
12%
Total Votes: 1,234
New polls out Tuesday morning, at the start of the homestretch to midterm elections on Nov. 2, point to an escalating anti-incumbent tide. How do you plan to vote?
Against all incumbents.
62%
62%
I'll be voting for some incumbents.
38%
38%
Total Votes: 901
What do you plan to do this Labor Day weekend?
Chores / work.
36%
36%
Get out and have fun.
10%
10%
Go on a getaway.
6%
6%
Relax at home.
43%
43%
No opinion / not sure.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 1,446
Israeli and Palestinian leaders are in Washington in another attempt to make peace. How much of a chance do you think there is for a breakthrough this time?
No chance at all.
55%
55%
Not much of a chance.
32%
32%
Some chance.
9%
9%
A fairly good chance.
3%
3%
No opinion / not sure.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 911
After more than seven years, the U.S. combat mission in Iraq is coming to an end. Do you think the American involvement in the Iraq War was worth it?
No.
67%
67%
Yes.
28%
28%
Not sure / no opinion.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 1,213
Do you think security should be beefed up at area school systems -- even if it caused an increase in local taxes?
No.
35%
35%
Yes.
58%
58%
Not sure / no opinion.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 1,150
Fifty-two percent (52%) of voters in California believe most members in Congress are willing to sell their vote for either cash or a campaign contribution, according to a new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in the state. What do you think?
I agree.
93%
93%
I disagree.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 1,003
Of the local, commercial TV stations in the Tri-Cities, which one do you think is the best?
WCYB - Channel 5, NBC
48%
48%
WEMT - Channel 39, Fox
10%
10%
WJHL - Channel 11, CBS
29%
29%
WKPT - Channel 19, ABC
3%
3%
No opinion/not sure.
10%
10%
Total Votes: 1,746
Which of the living former presidents do you think has had the most significant post-presidency?
George H. W. Bush
14%
14%
George W. Bush
15%
15%
Jimmy Carter
33%
33%
Bill Clinton
38%
38%
Total Votes: 1,149
The Bush tax cuts are scheduled to expire at year's end. President Obama has proposed that most of them be extended, but those that apply to income beyond $200,000 for individuals and $250,000 for couples be allowed to end. Do you agree?
No.
43%
43%
Yes.
53%
53%
I'm not sure.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 1,056
Do you think the city of Kingsport's investments in parks and green space have been worthwhile?
No.
43%
43%
Yes.
50%
50%
I'm not sure.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 762
A new Rasmussen Reports survey finds that 65% of American adults believe people in this country are less honest than they were 25 years ago. What do you think?
Less honest than they used to be.
86%
86%
More honest than they used to be.
5%
5%
About the same.
9%
9%
Total Votes: 1,279
Recent polls reveal that a large number of Americans believe President Obama is a Muslim. What do you think?
Obama is a Muslim.
69%
69%
Obama is not a Muslim.
25%
25%
I'm not sure.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 3,939
How do you compare the level of rudeness today with the way it was ten years ago?
It's less rude.
1%
1%
It's about the same.
7%
7%
It's a bit more rude.
15%
15%
It's a lot more rude.
76%
76%
I'm not sure.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 1,094
On August 21, a shipment of nuclear fuel from Russia will be loaded into the core of Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. Do you think Israel will launch a preemptive military strike against the facility to prevent it from becoming functional?
No.
34%
34%
Yes.
50%
50%
I'm not sure.
17%
17%
Total Votes: 915
How big of a NASCAR fan are you?
Major fan.
10%
10%
Somewhat of a fan.
23%
23%
Not much of a fan.
26%
26%
Absolutely not a fan.
38%
38%
No opinion.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 1,242
Do you think America's constitutionally guaranteed right of freedom of religion gives Muslims the right to build a mosque near Ground Zero in New York City?
No.
59%
59%
Yes.
38%
38%
I'm not sure.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,367
State reports show the employment picture in Kingsport is slowly improving. Have you seen any change?
Yes.
20%
20%
No.
80%
80%
Total Votes: 899
What is your political affiliation?
Democratic Party.
26%
26%
Republican Party.
38%
38%
Tea Party.
12%
12%
None of the above.
24%
24%
Total Votes: 1,134
Do you think the government should regulate the Internet?
No.
82%
82%
Yes.
13%
13%
I'm not sure.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 1,021
A Dallas-based medical company wants to open a methadone clinic at the location of the old "Up The Creek" restaurant off John B. Dennis Highway in Kingsport. Do you approve or disapprove of this plan?
Absolutely approve.
19%
19%
Somewhat approve.
6%
6%
Somewhat disapprove.
5%
5%
Absolutely disapprove.
61%
61%
I'm not sure.
8%
8%
Total Votes: 1,175
Do you think this summer's protracted heat wave is a result of global warming?
Definitely.
16%
16%
Probably.
15%
15%
Probably not.
29%
29%
Definitely not.
35%
35%
I'm not sure.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 1,129
What age should someone be in order to receive full Social Security retirement benefits?
66.
79%
79%
68.
7%
7%
70.
6%
6%
71 or more.
2%
2%
I'm not sure.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 1,050
Do you think the age for early or partial Social Security benefits should be increased from 62 as the age for full retirement increases?
Yes.
28%
28%
No.
72%
72%
Total Votes: 1,106
Do you think Congress should repeal the Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution because -- with very few exceptions -- it automatically grants American citizenship to all children born in the U.S.?
No.
29%
29%
Yes.
65%
65%
I'm not sure.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 1,028
Who do you think benefits most from Tennessee's sales tax holiday?
Consumers.
18%
18%
Elected state officials.
14%
14%
Everyone.
25%
25%
Retailers.
31%
31%
I'm not sure.
12%
12%
Total Votes: 1,260
The results of a new CNN poll reveal that only 42% of respondents believe that President Obama was definitely born in the the United States. What is your opinion about Obama's birth?
Definitely born in U.S.
26%
26%
Probably born in U.S.
4%
4%
Probably born elsewhere.
22%
22%
Definitely born elsewhere.
44%
44%
I'm not sure.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 3,090
Who do you think will win the Republican gubernatorial primary in Tennessee?
Bill Haslam.
50%
50%
Ron Ramsey.
19%
19%
Zach Wamp.
22%
22%
I'm not sure.
9%
9%
Total Votes: 1,754
How do you think prescription drug dependency and abuse compares to the harm done from illicit drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana?
It's nowhere near as bad.
18%
18%
It's nearly as bad.
16%
16%
It's as bad.
38%
38%
It's worse.
27%
27%
I'm not sure.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 1,156
Forty-four percent of poll respondents to a new Rasmussen survey expect their taxes to increase under President Obama. Just 9% think their taxes will go down, and 39% expect them to stay the same. What do you think?
Taxes will increase.
68%
68%
Taxes will go down.
18%
18%
Taxes will stay the same.
14%
14%
Total Votes: 1,312
Kingsport students return to school Monday, and Sullivan County students will follow suit next week. Do you think the area's schools begin the academic year too early?
Yes.
80%
80%
No.
19%
19%
I don't know.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 373
Do you think Shirley Sherrod, the now-vindicated USDA employee who was forced to resign her job, should sue Andrew Breitbart, the blogger who posted the original, edited-out-of-context video that provoked the firestorm against her?
No.
41%
41%
Yes.
53%
53%
I'm not sure.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 843
What do you think of the person who is the source of the Afghanistan War Logs that were recently published on Wikileaks?
Fool.
17%
17%
Hero.
11%
11%
Traitor.
61%
61%
I'm not sure.
10%
10%
Total Votes: 865
Do you think that police at the local level should be able to enforce immigration laws?
No.
13%
13%
Yes.
85%
85%
I'm not sure.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 1,072
Do you think marijuana will be legalized in the United States within the next 10 years?
No.
35%
35%
Yes.
60%
60%
I'm not sure.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 1,068
Of the following choices, which one do you think is the most important issue facing Tennessee?
Economy and jobs.
68%
68%
Education.
5%
5%
Government spending.
9%
9%
Health care.
7%
7%
Illegal immigration.
11%
11%
Total Votes: 950
Would making the rich pay higher taxes next year hurt the economy? President Obama wants to let the cuts lapse for those who make $250,000 but extend them for everyone else. Republicans oppose that plan. What would you do?
Keep all the cuts.
55%
55%
Let the cuts expire.
45%
45%
Total Votes: 1,150
How do you rate the overall quality of this summer's movies?
Great.
3%
3%
Good.
11%
11%
So-so.
25%
25%
Awful.
41%
41%
I'm not sure.
19%
19%
Total Votes: 709
Of whom do you have a more favorable opinion?
George W. Bush
37%
37%
Bill Clinton
40%
40%
Barack Obama
9%
9%
None of them.
13%
13%
I'm not sure.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 1,731
Do you think states should be enabled to collect sales taxes from their residents' purchases that are made from online retailers that are located in other states?
No.
85%
85%
Yes.
12%
12%
I'm not sure.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 1,089
Do you think Congress should lift the long-standing U.S. economic embargo on Cuba?
No.
47%
47%
Yes.
47%
47%
I'm not sure.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 865
Do you think schools should ban the sale of sugary snacks and soft drinks?
No.
43%
43%
Yes.
54%
54%
I'm not sure.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,060
If the Congress had not passed the economic stimulus and spending bill and instead done nothing, do you think the nation's economy would be in better shape than it is today, worse shape, or would the economy be in about the same shape as it is today?
Better.
35%
35%
Worse.
36%
36%
About the same.
29%
29%
Total Votes: 1,286
A federal court has said the FCC's rules on indecency are too vague and violate the First Amendment. The FCC will now no longer be able to impose large fines against broadcasters for profanity and sexual content. Do you agree with this ruling?
Yes.
26%
26%
No.
71%
71%
I'm not sure.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 986
The Kingsport Regional Planning Commission has turned down a development plan for the construction of a 24-hour gas station beside the Walmart Supercenter on Fort Henry Drive. Do you agree with this decision?
No.
64%
64%
Yes.
27%
27%
I'm not sure.
9%
9%
Total Votes: 826
How do you think the recently deceased New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner will be best remembered?
An American success story.
19%
19%
A controversial sports figure.
43%
43%
A hands-on executive.
10%
10%
George's boss on "Seinfeld."
16%
16%
I'm not sure.
12%
12%
Total Votes: 666
How many Fun Fest events do you plan to attend this year?
None.
68%
68%
One to five.
21%
21%
Six to ten.
3%
3%
More than ten.
2%
2%
I'm not sure.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 1,039
Of the choices listed below, which do you think is the most important issue facing the next governor of Tennessee?
Education.
6%
6%
Health care.
11%
11%
Immigration reform.
12%
12%
Jobs/economy.
69%
69%
I'm not sure.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 995
A new Rasmussen Reports survey finds that 50% of voters now view President Obama's handling of the economy as poor. This is the president's highest negative rating in this area since he took office in January 2009. What do you think?
He's doing a poor job.
76%
76%
He's doing a good job.
15%
15%
He's average.
9%
9%
Total Votes: 1,292
How has the BP oil spill affected your consumption of seafood?
Greatly affected.
13%
13%
Somewhat affected.
8%
8%
Very little affect.
14%
14%
Absolutely no affect.
62%
62%
I'm not sure.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 866
After much hoopla, NBA player LeBron James announced Thursday that he will be leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers to play with the Miami Heat. What do you think of this decision?
Good move.
8%
8%
Bad move.
3%
3%
Who cares?
87%
87%
I'm not sure.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 905
In what direction do you think the economy is headed?
Getting worse.
68%
68%
Getting better.
21%
21%
I'm not sure.
11%
11%
Total Votes: 943
Do you think the Justice Department should have filed a lawsuit challenging Arizona's Immigration law?
No.
84%
84%
Yes.
16%
16%
Total Votes: 1,256
Do you think children of illegal immigrants born in the U.S. should automatically become U.S. citizens?
Yes.
15%
15%
No.
85%
85%
Total Votes: 1,120
How do you rate the amount of fireworks shot off by people in your neighborhood over the past few days?
Not enough.
17%
17%
Just right.
26%
26%
Too many.
16%
16%
Way too many.
34%
34%
I'm not sure.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 841
President Obama announced Friday--as part of the federal economic stimulus package--the government will allocate more than $1 billion for installing broadband Internet across the country. Do you think this plan is a good idea?
Yes.
32%
32%
No.
63%
63%
I'm not sure.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 1,196
Bays Mountain Park is raising a number of fees, including the price to see a planetarium or nature show, to ride the barge along the lake, and to rent certain areas of the facility. How will these price increases affect your usage of the park?
No effect.
57%
57%
Little effect.
10%
10%
Somewhat affect.
8%
8%
Greatly affect.
21%
21%
I'm not sure.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 844
President Obama has set a timetable that calls for a withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan beginning in July 2011. What do you think is the best time to set a withdrawal?
Start in July 2011.
6%
6%
Sooner than July 2011.
41%
41%
Later than July 2011.
2%
2%
Don't set any timetable.
46%
46%
I'm not sure.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 1,107
Larry King has announced that he is leaving his talk show on CNN. What was your first thought after hearing about King's decision to quit?
Sadness.
14%
14%
It's about time.
32%
32%
I don't care.
53%
53%
I'm not sure.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 1,208
Do you think Elena Kagan should be confirmed as a Supreme Court justice?
Yes.
29%
29%
No.
65%
65%
I'm not sure.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 1,081
Do you think it's possible for the United States to win the war in Afghanistan?
Yes.
30%
30%
No.
63%
63%
I'm not sure.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 1,209
At what age do you plan to retire?
I'm already retired.
33%
33%
62 or younger.
21%
21%
65.
14%
14%
70.
8%
8%
I'm not retiring.
24%
24%
Total Votes: 995
Do you think that American society is fair and decent?
Yes.
23%
23%
No.
72%
72%
I'm not sure.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 1,235
Which is more important - developing clean energy sources or keeping the cost of energy as low as possible?
Developing cleaner energy.
40%
40%
Keeping lowest cost.
58%
58%
I'm not sure.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 935
On Monday, the Sullivan County Commission voted to lift a prohibition on the sale, purchase, possession and use of fireworks within the county. Do you think this is a good idea?
Yes.
51%
51%
No.
44%
44%
I'm not sure.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 1,094
Gen. Stanley McChrystal, America's top military commander in Afghanistan, has been recalled to Washington amid his controversial remarks about colleagues in a magazine article. What do you think should happen to the general?
Nothing.
38%
38%
A reprimand.
13%
13%
A court martial.
3%
3%
Firing.
42%
42%
I'm not sure.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 1,402
Do you think places that serve food should be required to post health inspection reports?
Yes.
98%
98%
No.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 1,331
How long do you think it will take to recover from the BP oil spill?
Five years or less.
17%
17%
Six to ten years.
12%
12%
Eleven to twenty years.
13%
13%
More than twenty years.
30%
30%
Never.
29%
29%
Total Votes: 1,118
Do you approve of additional government spending to create jobs and stimulate the economy?
Yes.
49%
49%
No.
48%
48%
I'm not sure.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,138
Members of Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church reportedly will be in Johnson City on Monday to picket near the memorial service for Airman Benjamin D. White, an Erwin resident who died last week in Afghanistan. What do you think about this?
They should be stopped.
49%
49%
They should be ignored.
39%
39%
Counter-protest them.
7%
7%
They have a legal right.
4%
4%
I'm not sure.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 251
Members of Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church reportedly will be in Johnson City on Monday to picket near the memorial service for Airman Benjamin D. White, an Erwin resident who died last week in Afghanistan. What do you think about this?
They should be stopped.
0%
0%
They should be ignored.
0%
0%
Counter-protest them.
0%
0%
They have a legal right.
0%
0%
I'm not sure.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 0
Texas Republican Congressman Joe Barton is calling BP's agreement to set up a $20 billion compensation fund for victims of the Gulf oil spill a shakedown by President Obama. Do you agree with the congressman?
Yes.
51%
51%
No.
49%
49%
Total Votes: 722
How would you rate BP's handling of the Gulf oil spill?
Outstanding.
31%
31%
Adequate.
7%
7%
Inadequate.
18%
18%
Awful.
39%
39%
I'm not sure.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 609
President Obama addressed the nation last night about the ongoing BP oil spill. How do you rate his speech overall?
Outstanding.
30%
30%
Okay.
8%
8%
Disappointing.
16%
16%
Awful.
27%
27%
I missed it / I'm not sure.
19%
19%
Total Votes: 1,439
Many GOP candidates say they will work to repeal health care reform if elected. What do you think?
Repeal it.
65%
65%
Give it a chance to work.
35%
35%
Total Votes: 1,174
According to a Rasmussen survey most voters believe it would be better for the country if the majority of Congress is thrown out, but they remain unconvinced that a GOP takeover will make a much difference? Do you think a GOP victory would improve things?
Yes.
51%
51%
No.
49%
49%
Total Votes: 938
How many books -- not counting audiobooks -- have you read over the last year?
None.
28%
28%
Less than five.
24%
24%
Five to ten.
18%
18%
Eleven to twenty.
10%
10%
More than twenty.
20%
20%
Total Votes: 966
The most popular sport on earth is football, or what we in America call "soccer." The 2010 World Cup, the game's ultimate, month-long tournament, is getting under way. How much interest do you have in this event?
Great interest.
5%
5%
Some interest.
8%
8%
Not much interest.
15%
15%
Absolutely no interest.
72%
72%
I'm not sure.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 905
Some have criticized President Obama for not showing enough anger over the BP oil spill. What do you think?
There's enough anger.
40%
40%
There's not enough anger.
39%
39%
There's too much anger.
16%
16%
I'm not sure.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 776
Sixty percent of the respondents to a timesnews.net poll think Kingsport should pick up the cost of the city's animal shelter which is running out of money and may close. Would you support a tax increase to pay for shelter operations?
Yes.
40%
40%
No.
27%
27%
The city already has enough money to do it.
32%
32%
Total Votes: 1,196
Kingsport's animal shelter is running out of money and may close by the end of the month unless the city or donors step in with money. What do you think should happen?
Merge it with the county shelter.
33%
33%
Kingsport should pick up the cost.
60%
60%
Nothing.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 1,144
Seventy percent of respondents to a recent Rasmussen poll favor strict government sanctions on employers who hire illegal immigrants and landlords to rent to them. Do you agree?
Yes.
93%
93%
No.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 869
President Obama has just completed his first 500 days in office. What grade would you give him for his job performance so far?
A.
9%
9%
B.
12%
12%
C.
10%
10%
D.
17%
17%
F.
52%
52%
Total Votes: 1,645
What is your main reaction to the news that Al and Tipper Gore are breaking up after 40 years of marriage?
Shock.
10%
10%
Sadness.
19%
19%
Enjoyment.
3%
3%
Who cares?
66%
66%
I'm not sure.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 975
The jury has been selected in the oft-delayed trial of accused double-murderer Howard Hawk Willis. How do you think this trial will end?
Willis found guilty.
68%
68%
Willis found innocent.
1%
1%
Hung jury—no verdict.
3%
3%
Mistrial.
6%
6%
No end—just more delays.
22%
22%
Total Votes: 788
The U.S. War in Afghanistan began on October 7, 2001 and has cost over 1,000 American lives. What do you think is the best thing for the U.S. to do?
Keep fighting until victory.
38%
38%
End it and leave.
52%
52%
I'm not sure.
10%
10%
Total Votes: 919
Do you think Sullivan South students' use of the Confederate flag at sporting events is inappropriate?
Yes.
20%
20%
No.
77%
77%
I don't know.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,536
Do you think the United States should provide military assistance to South Korea if it is attacked by North Korea?
Yes.
56%
56%
No.
37%
37%
I'm not sure.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 1,413
The massive oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico is now regarded as the worst oil spill in U.S. history. How do you think the government should now deal with the oil industry?
Less government involvement.
29%
29%
Keep things as they are.
11%
11%
More government involvement.
33%
33%
Government takeover.
16%
16%
I'm not sure.
11%
11%
Total Votes: 663
Of the following choices, what do you think the environmental impact of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill is?
Minor problem.
8%
8%
Major problem.
28%
28%
Disaster.
36%
36%
Worst disaster in a century.
26%
26%
I'm not sure.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 948
How would you compare your current spending habits to this time a year ago?
It has increased.
10%
10%
It has decreased.
50%
50%
It's about the same.
39%
39%
I'm not sure.
1%
1%
Total Votes: 888
A survey of likely voters finds 27% are somewhat confident Congress knows what it's doing when it comes to addressing current economic problems. A majority (72%) are not confident in Congress to address these problems. What do you think?
Confident in Congress.
2%
2%
Somewhat confident in Congress.
8%
8%
Not sure.
3%
3%
No confidence in Congress.
87%
87%
Total Votes: 602
A new Rasmussen Reports survey finds 42% of employed adults say, a year from today, they will be earning more money than they earn now - 10% feel they will be earning less, while 45% expect their earnings to be about the same. What do you think?
I'll be earning more.
22%
22%
I'll be earning less.
28%
28%
About the same.
50%
50%
Total Votes: 601
GOP Senate candidate Rand Paul says that President Obama's criticism of BP's handling of the Gulf oil spill is 'un-American.' Do you agree?
Yes.
41%
41%
No.
53%
53%
I'm not sure.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 1,151
Do you think the U.S. is still in a recession?
Yes.
86%
86%
No.
11%
11%
I'm not sure.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 877
Do you think athletes are held to the same standards as other students?
Yes.
14%
14%
No.
84%
84%
I'm not sure.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 1,005
Do you think film director Roman Polanski should be extradited to the U.S. to face the consequences of having fled to France in February 1978 hours before he was to be formally sentenced in a sexual abuse case?
Yes.
86%
86%
No.
12%
12%
I'm not sure.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 836
The Supreme Court has ruled that juveniles who commit crimes in which no one is killed may not be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Do you agree with this ruling?
Yes.
48%
48%
No.
43%
43%
I'm not sure.
8%
8%
Total Votes: 872
A Rasmussen Reports survey finds that 51% of voters nationwide believe the United States is the last best hope of mankind. Twenty-six percent disagree, and 24% are not sure. What do you think?
U.S. is best hope
64%
64%
U.S. isn't best hope
26%
26%
Not sure
10%
10%
Total Votes: 893
Do you think being a good citizen is different from being a patriot?
Yes.
61%
61%
No.
35%
35%
I'm not sure.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 877
Do you think the weather is becoming more extreme?
Yes.
51%
51%
No.
45%
45%
I'm not sure.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 848
Who do you think deserves the most blame for the Gulf Coast oil spill -- BP for its operational management; Halliburton, TransOcean, et al. for the oil rig's setup; or the federal government for the lack of oversight?
BP.
40%
40%
Halliburton, TransOcean, et al.
29%
29%
Federal government.
17%
17%
Some other entity.
3%
3%
I'm not sure.
12%
12%
Total Votes: 852
Do you think Europe's economic crisis will cause problems for the U.S.?
Yes.
88%
88%
No.
7%
7%
I'm not sure.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 793
President Obama has named Elena Kagan as his nominee to replace retiring Justice John Paul Stevens on the Supreme Court. What is your initial reaction to this choice?
Pleased.
24%
24%
Displeased.
53%
53%
The jury is still out.
23%
23%
Total Votes: 820
Rasmussen Reports says a survey of working adults finds that 78% describe their workplaces as somewhat positive while 21% have a negative view of where they work. How would you rate your workplace?
Somewhat positive.
33%
33%
Somewhat negative.
21%
21%
Very negative.
20%
20%
Very positive.
27%
27%
Total Votes: 726
May 9th is the fiftieth anniversary of the U.S. FDA's approval of the birth control pill. What do you think the birth control pill's effect on society has been?
Mostly positive.
60%
60%
Somewhat positive.
12%
12%
Somewhat negative.
6%
6%
Mostly negative.
13%
13%
I'm not sure.
8%
8%
Total Votes: 899
Which of the following news events is causing you the greatest concern today?
Gulf Coast oil spill.
31%
31%
Stock market volatility.
24%
24%
Tennessee flooding aftermath.
20%
20%
Times Square bombing attempt.
13%
13%
I'm not sure / something else.
12%
12%
Total Votes: 757
Which of the following institutions gives you the greatest dissatisfaction?
Big business.
14%
14%
Entertainment industry.
7%
7%
Federal government.
55%
55%
Financial institutions.
11%
11%
News media.
13%
13%
Total Votes: 877
Do you consider your personal beliefs to be aligned with those of the American mainstream?
Yes.
40%
40%
No.
50%
50%
I'm not sure.
11%
11%
Total Votes: 808
What is your primary reaction to weather-related events?
Anxiety.
23%
23%
Awe.
25%
25%
Fascination.
24%
24%
Indifference.
19%
19%
I'm not sure.
9%
9%
Total Votes: 686
Americans' projected retirement age has gradually increased over the past 15 years, with more than a third of nonretirees today saying they will retire after age 65. When do you plan to retire?
At 65.
23%
23%
After 65.
24%
24%
I don't plan to retire.
23%
23%
I'm already retired.
30%
30%
Total Votes: 1,167
What is your opinion of offshore drilling in the aftermath of the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster?
Drill, baby, drill.
65%
65%
It needs to be halted.
21%
21%
I'm not sure.
14%
14%
Total Votes: 1,106
Should Tennessee and Virginia enact Arizona-type legislation giving the police the power to arrest a person, without a warrant, if there is probable cause that the person is an alien not in possession of required registration documents?
Yes.
73%
73%
No.
23%
23%
I'm not sure.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 916
For the fourth time, People magazine has named actress Julia Roberts as the "World's Most Beautiful Woman." Do you agree?
Yes.
18%
18%
No.
76%
76%
I'm not sure.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 884
Several public health groups are urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to set new federal standards for the amount of salt Americans eat. Do you think the government should do this?
Yes.
31%
31%
No.
66%
66%
I'm not sure.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 934
World renowned scientist Stephen Hawking believes extraterrestrial life almost certainly exists -- and humans should be extremely cautious about interacting with it. What do you think?
Humans should fear alien life.
25%
25%
Humans shouldn't fear alien life.
16%
16%
There is no alien life to fear.
44%
44%
I'm not sure.
15%
15%
Total Votes: 964
Is religious faith an important part of your daily life?
No.
18%
18%
Yes.
82%
82%
Total Votes: 1,368
A federal judge recently struck down the federal statute that established the National Day of Prayer, ruling that it violates the constitutional ban on government-backed religion. Do you agree with this ruling?
Yes.
16%
16%
No.
81%
81%
I'm not sure.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,237
How much confidence do you have in the stability of America's banking system?
Very confident.
6%
6%
Somewhat confident.
32%
32%
Somewhat not confident.
20%
20%
Not at all confident.
36%
36%
I'm not sure.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 776
A recent national poll revealed that more Americans have a favorable perception of U.S.-made vehicles over those manufactured in Japan. Which country do you think makes the best vehicles?
U.S.A.
45%
45%
Japan
31%
31%
Germany
21%
21%
Other Asian
2%
2%
Other European
1%
1%
Total Votes: 902
The Army is considering whether to rescind an invitation to evangelist Franklin Graham to appear at the National Day of Prayer event at the Pentagon amid complaints about his description of Islam as evil. Should Graham be dumped?
Yes.
14%
14%
No.
77%
77%
I don't know / I don't care.
9%
9%
Total Votes: 948
The U. S. Supreme Court (in an 8-1 decision) struck down a federal law aimed at banning videos that show graphic violence against animals, saying it violates the right to free speech. Do you agree with this ruling?
Yes.
35%
35%
No.
55%
55%
I'm not sure.
10%
10%
Total Votes: 768
Many school systems across the country are facing strict budget cuts, and one option on the table is going to four-day school weeks to save money. Is this a good idea?
No.
54%
54%
Yes.
46%
46%
Total Votes: 1,320
How often do you use social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter?
Frequently.
34%
34%
Occassionaly.
10%
10%
Seldomly.
9%
9%
Never.
42%
42%
I'm not even sure what it is.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 1,103
President Obama predicted Thursday that American astronauts will reach Mars within his lifetime. Do you think he's right?
Yes.
32%
32%
No.
68%
68%
Total Votes: 1,195
A new AP-GfK poll finds that President Obama's approval rating has hit a new low. Even worse for Democrats, about as many Americans approve of congressional Republicans as Democrats. Do you think the Democrats deserve to maintain control of Congress?
Yes.
50%
50%
No.
50%
50%
Total Votes: 1,360
A Tennessee House committee has deferred action on a bill that would authorize the medical use of marijuana for certain patients. Should the state allow the use of medical marijuana?
Yes.
62%
62%
No.
32%
32%
I don't know.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 991
Kingsport and the surrounding area are under a pollen alert due to extremely high pollen counts in the air from budding trees. How does pollen affect you?
It makes me feel miserable.
41%
41%
It bothers me somewhat.
39%
39%
It has no effect on me.
20%
20%
Total Votes: 829
A national grass-roots campaign kicked off in California Sunday calling for equal Social Security benefits for same-sex couples. Do you support the idea?
Yes.
22%
22%
No.
78%
78%
Total Votes: 914
A medical student group wants Tennessee to add a tax to soft drinks to help fight childhood obesity. Do you support this idea?
Yes.
21%
21%
No.
76%
76%
I'm not sure.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,097
A recent Harris Poll shows that former President George W. Bush continues to be blamed for the country's economic troubles more than anyone else. Of the parties listed below, whom do you think is most at fault?
President Barack Obama.
14%
14%
President George W. Bush.
42%
42%
Democrats in Congress.
19%
19%
Republicans in Congress.
23%
23%
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,818
Tennessee Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey is considering hiring an independent lawyer if the state attorney general refuses to legally challenge the constitutionality of a federal health care overhaul law. Is this a good idea?
Yes.
42%
42%
No.
55%
55%
I'm not sure.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,730
A Tennessee lawmaker, who wants the state to allow horse meat processing operations, is waging a public fight with anti-horse slaughtering advocate Willie Nelson. Should Tennessee let horses be processed for human consumption?
Yes.
18%
18%
No.
77%
77%
I'm not sure.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 850
A law-enforcement group is proposing that Tennessee enhance penalties for aggravated robbery and provide more resources to prosecute criminals. Do you think the state should do this, whatever the financial cost?
Yes.
76%
76%
No.
14%
14%
I'm not sure.
10%
10%
Total Votes: 672
The Census Bureau is encouraging same-sex couples to identify themselves as married if they so choose, even if they live in a state that does not recognize gay unions. Do you agree with the Census Bureau's actions?
Yes.
16%
16%
No.
80%
80%
I don't know.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 608
Duke and Butler meet Monday night to determine the NCAA men's basketball championship. Which team would you prefer to win?
Duke.
20%
20%
Butler.
50%
50%
I don't care.
30%
30%
Total Votes: 989
How do you plan to celebrate Easter?
Attend church to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.
32%
32%
Dinner with family or friends.
32%
32%
Hiding colored eggs for children.
4%
4%
All of the above.
32%
32%
Total Votes: 622
An extremist group has given Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen and more than 30 other governors this message: "Leave office in three days or be removed." How do you feel about this tactic?
I oppose it.
75%
75%
I support it.
15%
15%
I'm not sure.
11%
11%
Total Votes: 369
The highly anticipated iPad goes on sale April 3. Are you planning to buy one?
Yes.
4%
4%
No.
88%
88%
I'm going to wait and see.
8%
8%
Total Votes: 740
A watchdog group is calling for the retirement of Ronald McDonald because they say he contributes to the country's growing obesity epidemic by luring youngsters to fast food joints. Do you agree?
Yes.
16%
16%
No.
81%
81%
I'm not sure.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,112
A report by the Associated Press states that the consensus in Washington is that the war on drugs, like America's earlier experiment with Prohibition, has been a long and costly mistake. Do you think our war on drugs has been worth it?
Yes.
37%
37%
No.
54%
54%
I'm not sure.
9%
9%
Total Votes: 730
The Kingsport City School system is facing a budget shortfall of $1.4 million for the coming fiscal year. Would you be willing to pay more in taxes to close the schools' budget gap?
Yes.
18%
18%
No.
82%
82%
Total Votes: 1,199
The Kingsport Board of Education is considering a proposal to take over Sullivan South High School, if that is an option. Do you think the city should take over South?
Yes
48%
48%
No
42%
42%
I don't know
10%
10%
Total Votes: 1,242
Recent national polls reveal that Americans' support for the use of nuclear power to provide electricity for the United States has risen. Should the U.S. build more nuclear power plants as a way of providing electricity? What do you think?
I strongly favor.
61%
61%
I somewhat favor.
19%
19%
I somewhat oppose.
3%
3%
I strongly oppose.
11%
11%
I'm not sure.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 940
Tennessee House Majority Leader Jason Mumpower has announced his decision not to seek re-election to his 3rd House District seat. How do you rate his performance during his 14 years of elective office?
Excellent.
13%
13%
Good.
20%
20%
Fair.
22%
22%
Poor.
16%
16%
Terrible.
29%
29%
Total Votes: 708
Do you think a proposed statewide mandatory deposit on drink containers as a way to reduce roadside trash in Tennessee is a good idea?
Yes.
42%
42%
No.
49%
49%
I'm not sure.
9%
9%
Total Votes: 913
A recent Harris Poll revealed that 24% of Republicans believe that President Obama may be the Antichrist. Do you think the President is the Antichrist?
No.
74%
74%
Yes.
26%
26%
Total Votes: 322
According to a new Gallup Poll, President Obama gets higher ratings for the job he did on the health care reform process over the past year than either congressional party. Who do you think best addressed health care reform issues over the past year?
President Obama.
45%
45%
Democrats in Congress.
4%
4%
Republicans in Congress.
50%
50%
Total Votes: 1,018
Where does your pet sleep?
In my bed.
46%
46%
In a pet bed.
28%
28%
Outside or in the garage.
25%
25%
Total Votes: 1,035
Rasmussen Reports says 50% of voters it polled nationwide say states should have the right to opt out of the health care reform plan. Do you agree?
Yes.
74%
74%
No.
26%
26%
Total Votes: 1,111
The Tennessee Vols have advanced to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament. How much further do you think the Vols will go?
Elite Eight
28%
28%
Final Four
16%
16%
Runners up
3%
3%
Champions
20%
20%
No further
34%
34%
Total Votes: 360
Do you think Ron Ramsey will be elected the next governor of Tennessee?
Yes.
39%
39%
No.
50%
50%
I don't know.
10%
10%
Total Votes: 1,234
Rasmussen reports says 50% of the voters it polled say they are less likely to vote for their representative in Congress this November if he or she votes for the health care plan. How will you vote?
I'll vote against anyone who votes against it.
28%
28%
I'll vote against anyone who votes for it.
65%
65%
I don't know.
7%
7%
Total Votes: 1,042
Do you think Kingsport and Bluff City should turn off their traffic cameras during race week?
Yes.
27%
27%
No.
73%
73%
Total Votes: 1,289
Israel's insistence on building new settlements in disputed Palestinian territory has heightened tensions with the United States. Do you think Israel should be required to stop those settlements as part of a peace deal with the Palestinians?
Yes.
50%
50%
No.
50%
50%
Total Votes: 8
Rasmussen Reports says its surveying shows 44% of Americans now say they are less likely to buy a Toyota because of the automaker's recent large safety recalls. Would you?
Yes.
40%
40%
No.
60%
60%
Total Votes: 873
How would you rate the current U.S. Supreme Court?
Too far right.
33%
33%
Too far left.
44%
44%
About right.
23%
23%
Total Votes: 823
Many Americans believe that people learn more practical skills through life experiences and work after college rather than in college. What do you think?
I agree.
94%
94%
I disagree.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 1,039
What do you think of the annual switch to daylight-saving time?
I like it.
48%
48%
I dislike it.
32%
32%
I don't really care.
20%
20%
Total Votes: 1,387
A school district in Mississippi has decided to cancel the prom rather than to allow a lesbian student to attend the event with her girlfriend. Did school officials make the right call?
Yes.
50%
50%
No.
50%
50%
Total Votes: 1,257
Tennessee state Rep. Eric Watson, R-Cleveland, is sponsoring a bill that would require driver's license exams to be given exclusively in English. Do you support the idea?
Yes.
88%
88%
No.
12%
12%
Total Votes: 980
Several players from the greater Tri-Cities region are making their presence felt in the National Football League. Who do you think will have made the biggest impact over the course of his career?
Thomas Jones
19%
19%
Jason Witten
68%
68%
Heath Miller
7%
7%
Gerald Sensabaugh
7%
7%
Total Votes: 849
The U.S. Navy is planning to end its longstanding policy of barring women sailors from serving aboard submarines. Is that a good idea?
Yes.
39%
39%
No.
61%
61%
Total Votes: 707
Do you think the 'Hurt Locker' deserved to win best picture status over "Avatar'?
Yes.
20%
20%
No.
16%
16%
I don't care one way or the other.
64%
64%
Total Votes: 779
What is your favorite aspect of the Academy Awards?
The awards.
5%
5%
The fashion.
8%
8%
The hosts.
1%
1%
The speeches.
1%
1%
I don't watch.
84%
84%
Total Votes: 312
Do you think privatizing the U.S. Postal Service is the best way to solve that agency's chronic financial woes?
Yes.
49%
49%
No.
51%
51%
Total Votes: 890
According to a new Gallup poll, the Kingsport-Bristol Metropolitan Statistical Area is the tenth most obese metro area in the country. Over 30 percent of adults in the area are considered obese. How's your weight?
My weight is normal.
21%
21%
I could stand to lose a few pounds.
21%
21%
I could stand to lose at least 25 pounds.
20%
20%
I could stand to lose at least 50 pounds.
22%
22%
I'm underweight.
16%
16%
Total Votes: 1,499
According to The Tennessean, a majority of Tennesseans disapprove of President Obama's job performance for the first time since his inauguration, the latest MTSU poll finds. How would you grade his performance?
A
34%
34%
B
31%
31%
C
4%
4%
D
8%
8%
F
23%
23%
Total Votes: 2,567
The Postal Service is considering eliminating Saturday mail delivery in response to huge financial losses. Do you support the idea?
Yes.
70%
70%
No.
30%
30%
Total Votes: 1,156
Rep. Tony Shipley is sponsoring a bill that would allow ATV riders to use locally designated public roads. Is this a good idea?
Yes.
19%
19%
No.
81%
81%
Total Votes: 1,243
Which upcoming sporting event are you most anticipating?
NCAA basketball tournament
28%
28%
Start of baseball season
9%
9%
NASCAR race in Bristol
36%
36%
NFL draft
6%
6%
Don't follow sports
20%
20%
Total Votes: 1,232
State Rep. Susan Lynn has accused the federal government of abusing its powers and is pushing for state sovereignty for Tennessee. Do you think pursuing state sovereignty is a good idea?
Yes.
34%
34%
No.
50%
50%
I'm not sure.
16%
16%
Total Votes: 1,224
Nearly six in 10 Americans say they are dissatisfied with the way democracy is working in the United States, according to a new national poll. What do you think?
I'm dissatisfied.
72%
72%
I'm satisfied.
28%
28%
Total Votes: 1,197
Facing high unemployment and a difficult economy, many Americans think the U.S.'s roll in the world economy is diminishing and the 21st century will belong to China. Are you worried about a smaller U.S. world position?
Yes.
75%
75%
No.
25%
25%
Total Votes: 820
A new Rasmussen Reports national survey finds that 41% of voters favor health care bill proposed by President Obama and congressional Democrats, while 56% oppose it. Where do you stand?
I support it.
53%
53%
I oppose it.
47%
47%
Total Votes: 1,660
A bipartisan jobs bill cleared a GOP filibuster on Monday with critical momentum provided by the Senate's newest Republican, Scott Brown of Massachusetts. Do you think it will help?
Yes.
35%
35%
No.
65%
65%
Total Votes: 643
Who makes the best economic decisions?
Economists.
11%
11%
Government.
2%
2%
Consumers.
48%
48%
Big business.
3%
3%
Small business.
36%
36%
Total Votes: 743
How much of the Winter Olympics have you been watching?
A little each night.
37%
37%
As much as I can.
17%
17%
The Olympics are on?
46%
46%
Total Votes: 909
Tiger Woods gave his press conference, admitting to affairs and apologizing to his wife, family, and friends. He also took a swipe at the media by attacking how they pursued his family when the scandal broke. How did he do?
It works.
18%
18%
An apology doesn't cut it.
23%
23%
I don't care one way or the other.
59%
59%
Total Votes: 1,147
Sixty-one percent (61%) of the respondents to the latest Rasmussen poll say it is better for the economy for the government to stay out of the housing market. What do you think?
I agree.
77%
77%
I disagree.
17%
17%
I don't know.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 507
Do you think Sullivan County would be better off if all incumbents were defeated during the next election?
Yes.
69%
69%
No.
31%
31%
Total Votes: 13
How would you rate the performance of you local government when compared to its counterpart on the state level?
Better than state government.
10%
10%
Worse than state government.
69%
69%
About the same.
21%
21%
Total Votes: 1,604
How would you rate the performance of you local government we compared to its counterpart on the state level?
Better than state government.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 0
52% of the respondents to a CNN/Opinion Research Poll said they didn't believe President Obama deserves a second term. What do you think?
I agree.
28%
28%
I disagree.
66%
66%
It's too early to say.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 3,252
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 47% think long-term planetary trends are mostly to blame for global warming. What do you think causes it?
Planetary trends.
41%
41%
Human activity.
41%
41%
I don't know.
3%
3%
Global warming doesn't exisit.
15%
15%
Total Votes: 2,429
Some critics have complained the federal government is pursuing Toyota for its safety problems more aggressively than usual to help government-owned General Motors sell more cars. Do you agree?
No.
60%
60%
Yes.
40%
40%
Total Votes: 1,296
Gallup's standard of living poll ranks Tennessee among the bottom 10 states in the nation - 71.5 percent of the respondents said they were not satisfied with their state's economy. What do you think?
I agree.
46%
46%
I disagree.
54%
54%
Total Votes: 1,877
Gallup says U.S. voters are about equally divided as to whether they would vote for Barack Obama or a GOP candidate in 2012. The GOP is currently most likely to name Mitt Romney or Sarah Palin as their nominee. How would you vote?
Obama.
48%
48%
Palin.
44%
44%
Romney.
8%
8%
Total Votes: 7,983
Rasmussen Reports says most voters think the country would be better off if the majority of the current Congress wasn't reelected, and their confidence in their own congressman continues to fall. How much confidence do you have in your congressman?
Full confidence.
28%
28%
Some confidence.
27%
27%
Not much.
22%
22%
No confidence.
23%
23%
Total Votes: 1,461
According to Rasmussen Reports 75% of poll respondents say they are angry at current government's policies, primarily because neither the GOP nor Democrats have a good understanding of what's needed. Do you agree?
No.
63%
63%
Yes.
37%
37%
Total Votes: 1,889
Do you think the Tea Party will have a major impact on elections later this year?
Yes
29%
29%
No
71%
71%
Total Votes: 2,059
What's your prediction for Super Bowl Sunday?
Saints win by less than 7 points.
11%
11%
Saints win by more than 7 points.
30%
30%
Colts win by less than 7 points.
14%
14%
Colts win by more than 7 points.
46%
46%
Total Votes: 1,156
Rasmussen says its survey shows 83% of Americans say the size of the federal budget deficit is due more to the unwillingness of politicians to cut spending than to the reluctance of taxpayers to pay more in taxes. Do you agree?
Yes.
42%
42%
No.
58%
58%
Total Votes: 2,195
How confident are you about the job performance of the Kingsport city school system?
Very confident.
25%
25%
Confident.
25%
25%
Somewhat skeptical.
25%
25%
No confidence.
25%
25%
Total Votes: 666
How confident are you in the stability of the U.S. banking system?
Very confident.
23%
23%
Confident.
26%
26%
Somewhat skeptical.
28%
28%
No confidence.
23%
23%
Total Votes: 1,228
Rasmussen polling shows that many Americans tend to trust the wisdom of the crowd more than their political leaders and they are skeptical of both big government and big business. Do you agree?
Yes.
35%
35%
No.
65%
65%
Total Votes: 2,144
What do you think should be the main focus of the Obama administration?
Health care
31%
31%
Creating jobs
32%
32%
Fighting terrorism
6%
6%
Protecting the environment
0%
0%
Reducing national debt
31%
31%
Total Votes: 2,553
Rasmussen Reports says its surveys show the number of voters who give Congress a poor job performance rating is now at its highest level in more than 3 years. More voters also think most members of Congress are corrupt. Do you agree?
Yes.
63%
63%
No.
37%
37%
Total Votes: 1,614
According to the Gallup Poll, more than a third of Americans (35%) would rather have a job working for the government, while 59% would rather work for a business. Which would you prefer?
Government job.
45%
45%
Private sector job.
55%
55%
Total Votes: 866
What would you rate President Obama's State of the Union Speech?
Good.
55%
55%
Bad.
9%
9%
Average.
22%
22%
I didn't watch or listen to it.
14%
14%
Total Votes: 3,844
How would you rate the current direction of the Kingsport city government?
Approve.
59%
59%
Disapprove.
41%
41%
Total Votes: 1,092
How would you rate the current direction of Sullivan County government?
Approve.
19%
19%
Disapprove.
81%
81%
Total Votes: 703
According to Rasmussem Reports 39% of poll respondents think government will not do enough to help fix the economy and 49% are worried it will do too much. What do you think?
It will try to do too much.
46%
46%
It won't do enough.
54%
54%
Total Votes: 898
Which team do you think will win the Super Bowl?
Indianapolis Colts
80%
80%
New Orleans Saints
20%
20%
Total Votes: 143
The Supreme Court has wiped out decades of laws designed to curb corporate influence on elections, ruling that a government ban on political spending by corporations and unions violates the First Amendment. Is this a good ruling?
Yes.
36%
36%
No.
64%
64%
Total Votes: 1,275
President Obama wants new federal government powers to limit the size and complexity of large financial institutions and to limit their ability to engage in high-risk trades. Is this a good idea?
No.
40%
40%
Yes.
60%
60%
Total Votes: 1,077
Rasmussen Reports says its polls show that health care was a huge issue in Scott Brown's upset victory in Massachusetts. Do you think the election means the death of President Obama's health care reform?
Yes.
36%
36%
No.
64%
64%
Total Votes: 1,866
Rasmussen says its polling shows 51% of voters say the average reporter is more liberal than they are; 18% say that reporter is more conservative; 20% think their views are about the same as the average reporter's. What do you think?
More liberal than me.
32%
32%
More conservative than me.
61%
61%
About the same.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 1,863
Do you support President Obama's "Bad Banker Tax" to recoup $90 billion in TARP funds from banks?
Yes.
64%
64%
No.
36%
36%
Total Votes: 971
What do you think about UT's hiring of Derek Dooley as head football coach?
It's a good decision.
48%
48%
UT could have done better.
14%
14%
It's too early to form an opinion.
38%
38%
Total Votes: 1,524
If keeping red light and traffic cameras were placed on the ballot how would you vote?
Get rid of them.
33%
33%
Keep them.
67%
67%
Total Votes: 4,519
How confident are you that your city and county elected officials are representing your best interests instead of the concerns of special interests and parochial politics?
Very confident.
1%
1%
Confident.
3%
3%
Somewhat skeptical.
14%
14%
No confidence.
81%
81%
Total Votes: 1,607
Would you like to see former Tennessee football coach Phil Fulmer take over the reins of the UT program again?
Yes.
20%
20%
No.
32%
32%
I don't care.
48%
48%
Total Votes: 231
Which political party do you trust most when it comes to handling government ethics and corruption issues?
Republicans
17%
17%
Democrats
57%
57%
Neither
26%
26%
Total Votes: 2,056
France appears close to enacting the first law in the world that makes verbal and psychological abuse in marriages a criminal act. Is this law a good idea?
Yes.
37%
37%
No.
63%
63%
Total Votes: 977
A new Rasmussen poll says 51% of the respondents continue to believe that the economic woes can still be blamed on Administration of George W. Bush. Do you agree?
Yes.
63%
63%
No.
38%
38%
Total Votes: 1,872
Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen wants to make teacher evaluations and tenure dependent in part on student achievement. Do you support the governor's idea?
Yes.
70%
70%
No.
30%
30%
Total Votes: 796
Do you think Texas would have defeated Alabama Thursday night if Longhorns quarterback Colt McCoy hadn't been injured?
Yes.
43%
43%
No.
57%
57%
Total Votes: 709
How confident are you that your local state representatives are representing your best interests in Nashville instead of the concerns of lobbyists and partisan politics?
Very confident.
24%
24%
Somewhat confident.
20%
20%
Somewhat skeptical.
10%
10%
No confidence.
46%
46%
Total Votes: 921
How confident are you that your congressman and senators are representing your best interests instead of the concerns of lobbyists and partisan politics?
Very confident.
52%
52%
Somewhat confident.
5%
5%
Somewhat skeptical.
7%
7%
No confidence.
36%
36%
Total Votes: 2,757
Rasmussen Reports says its polling shows television will likely remain the primary source for political news for most people this year. Where do you get most of your political news?
TV.
19%
19%
National newspapers.
1%
1%
Local newspapers.
58%
58%
The Web.
19%
19%
Talk radio.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 1,979
Rasmussen Reports says its polling shows television will likely to remain the primary source for political news for most people this year. Where do you get most of your political news?
TV.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 0
National polls show respondents are OK with taxing the rich but strongly reject cuts in Medicare and excise taxes on "Cadillac" health plans provided by employers to pay for health care plan. Which would you prefer?
Tax Cadillac plans.
51%
51%
Tax the rich.
45%
45%
Cut Medicare.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 1,568
Half of the respondents to a new Rasmussen Report survey say they believe the country will still be in recession at the end of 2010. Do you agree?
Yes.
52%
52%
No.
48%
48%
Total Votes: 1,327
Does the attempted bombing of a Northwest Airlines jet above Detroit on Christmas Day make you feel less inclined to travel by plane this year?
Yes.
41%
41%
No.
59%
59%
Total Votes: 1,059
Will you be making any New Year's resolutions?
Yes.
13%
13%
No.
38%
38%
I haven't decided.
49%
49%
Total Votes: 1,304
As 2009 draws to a close do you think the United States is headed in the right direction?
Yes.
53%
53%
No.
47%
47%
Total Votes: 2,218
For the first time in two years concerns over government ethics and corruption have been ranked as almost as important as the economy in a Rasmussen national survey of voters. Which concerns you most?
Government corruption, ethics
35%
35%
The economy.
65%
65%
Total Votes: 1,677
Are you confident about the safety of using credit cards for online shopping?
Yes.
30%
30%
No.
70%
70%
Total Votes: 1,114
Do you think the $787-billion economic stimulus plan helped or hurt the U.S. economy.
It hurt the economy.
40%
40%
It helped the economy.
60%
60%
Total Votes: 1,582
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 45% of Americans believe a cyberattack by terrorist hackers poses a greater economic threat to the United States than another 9/11 attack. Do you agree?
Yes.
20%
20%
No.
80%
80%
Total Votes: 3,424
If the 2010 elections were held today which political party's candidate would you be most likely to vote for in a congressional race?
Democrat.
67%
67%
Republican.
23%
23%
Tea Party.
8%
8%
Libertarian.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 2,679
Sarah Palin's recent book tour did not do much to improve her popularity among Americans, though her favorable number is up slightly since October from 40% to 44%. What's your opinion of Mrs. Palin?
Favorable
37%
37%
Unfavorable.
63%
63%
Total Votes: 2,368
Rasmussen reports' Consumer Index shows, 34% of Americans say the U.S. economy is getting better these days, but the plurality (43%) say it is getting worse. What do you think?
It's slowly improving.
61%
61%
It's getting worse.
39%
39%
Total Votes: 1,238
Rasmussen Reports says its latest national survey shows most respondents prefer smaller government with fewer services over a more active government with more services and higher taxes. Do you agree?
Yes.
28%
28%
No.
72%
72%
Total Votes: 3,515
A Rasmussen Reports national survey showed that most respondents think private sector workers make less money, work harder, have less job security and get fewer benefits than government workers. Do you agree?
Yes.
47%
47%
No.
51%
51%
I'm not sure.
2%
2%
Total Votes: 1,901
East Tennessee Republicans ensured their districts got part of a $1.1 trillion spending bill by putting local projects in it then showing their distaste for federal spending by voting against it. What do you think about it?
That's bringing home the bacon.
8%
8%
It's disingenuous.
28%
28%
It's hypocritical.
65%
65%
Total Votes: 2,462
East Tennessee Republicans ensured their districts got part of a $1.1 trillion spending bill by putting local projects in it then showing their distaste for federal spending by voting against it. What do you think about it?
That's bring home the bacon.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 0
President Obama gives himself a B+ grade for his presidency. How would you grade him?
A
58%
58%
B
9%
9%
C
4%
4%
D
11%
11%
F
19%
19%
Total Votes: 3,458
According to a national survey on the public's travel plans for the holiday season, 80 percent of the respondents say they plan to stay home this year. That up 77% from last year. Do you plan to stay close to home this year, or travel?
I'll stay close to home.
87%
87%
I plan to travel.
13%
13%
Total Votes: 832
Do you think Tennessee should change its laws so that wine could be sold in grocery stores?
Yes.
73%
73%
No.
27%
27%
Total Votes: 874
A new Rasmussen Reports national survey finds respondents split almost evenly on whether to take immediate action to stop it or wait a few years to see if global warming is real before making major changes. Fourteen percent were unsure. What do you think?
Take immediate action.
37%
37%
Wait a few years?
58%
58%
Unsure.
5%
5%
Total Votes: 1,055
The Environmental Protection Agency has declared carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions dangers to public heath and plans to regulate them. Should that be allowed to happen with an OK from Congress?
Yes.
34%
34%
No.
66%
66%
Total Votes: 781
In a three-way generic ballot test, a Rasmussen telephone survey finds Democrats attracting 36% of the vote in a congressional race. The Tea Party candidate picks up 23%, and Republicans finish third at 18%. Another 22% are undecided. How would you vote?
Democrats.
69%
69%
Republicans.
16%
16%
Tea Party.
11%
11%
Undecided.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 1,853
President Obama wants to use repaid TARP funds to stimulate creating jobs. Republicans say the money should be used to reduce the deficit? Who's right?
President Obama.
67%
67%
Republicans.
33%
33%
Total Votes: 2,299
Do you think Muslims are out to destroy the American way of life?
Yes.
76%
76%
No.
24%
24%
Total Votes: 1,284
It's official, the Tennessee Vols will play the Virginia Tech Hokies in the Chick-fil-A Bowl on New Year's Eve. Who do you think will win the game?
Tennessee
56%
56%
Virginia Tech
44%
44%
Total Votes: 358
Rasmussen Reports says its latest national survey shows 37% of respondents now believe protests at congressional town hall meetings on the health care reform plan were phony efforts drummed up by special interest groups and lobbyists. Do you agree?
Yes.
57%
57%
No.
43%
43%
Total Votes: 1,822
How is the political furor over information gleaned from e-mail stolen from prominent climate scientists influencing your opinion of climate change?
No change, it's real.
27%
27%
It's junk science.
41%
41%
It's scientific fascism.
31%
31%
Total Votes: 650
President Obama has decided to deploy an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan. Do you agree with the decision?
No.
43%
43%
Yes.
57%
57%
Total Votes: 840
In your opinion, how important is a candidate for public office's religious faith?
Very important.
47%
47%
Important.
20%
20%
Somewhat important.
12%
12%
It's not important.
21%
21%
Total Votes: 959
The Kingsport BMA will discuss the city's red light camera program Monday afternoon. Do you think the cameras have made Kingsport's roads safer?
Yes.
56%
56%
No.
44%
44%
Total Votes: 1,435
Which source will account for most of your holiday purchases this year?
Stores.
29%
29%
Internet.
28%
28%
Catalogs.
20%
20%
I'm not buying this year.
23%
23%
Total Votes: 993
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 50% of respondents say the nation's economic problems are due to the recession which began under the Bush administration, but 42% blame Obama's policies. What do you think?
It's Bush's fault.
74%
74%
It's Obama's fault.
23%
23%
Not sure.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 3,113
Do you plan to do any shopping on Black Friday?
Yes.
17%
17%
No.
83%
83%
Total Votes: 416
Do you think the $787 billion stimulus plan has helped the U.S. economy?
Yes.
65%
65%
No.
35%
35%
Total Votes: 2,859
Do you think the federal government is attempting to do too much in its reaction to the nation's financial problems?
Yes.
43%
43%
No.
57%
57%
Total Votes: 1,105
From what you now know about it, if you were a member of Congress how would you vote on the health care plan proposed by President Obama and congressional Democrats?
I would oppose it.
42%
42%
I would vote for it.
58%
58%
Total Votes: 479
Do you think marijuana should be legalized and taxed to solve some of the nation's budget problems?
No
51%
51%
Yes
49%
49%
Total Votes: 1,201
Five men accused in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack will face a civilian federal trial just blocks from the site of the destroyed World Trade Center. Do you think the trial should take place in New York?
Yes
45%
45%
No
51%
51%
I don't know
5%
5%
Total Votes: 343
Do you think global warming is caused primarily by long-term planetary trends or human activity?
Planetary trends.
35%
35%
Human activity.
33%
33%
Global warming doesn't exist.
33%
33%
Total Votes: 964
Do you approve or disapprove of President Obama's job performance?
Approve.
64%
64%
Disapprove.
36%
36%
Total Votes: 3,058
A new poll says nearly half of parents surveyed don't intend to have their children vaccinated against the swine flu virus. Do you plan to have your child vaccinated?
No.
61%
61%
Yes.
39%
39%
Total Votes: 638
Have you ever worked with anyone who you thought was capable of mass violence?
Yes.
55%
55%
No.
45%
45%
Total Votes: 805
Two new Rasmussen polls find most Republicans saying former Alaska Gov. Sara Palin shares the values of most GOP voters and that most Republicans think their party's representatives in Congress have lost touch with GOP voters. Do you agree?
Yes.
27%
27%
No.
73%
73%
Total Votes: 2,162
According to a Gallup Poll survey, Americans say they plan to spend a little over $600 on Christmas gifts this year. That's almost exactly what they said last year. How much do you plan to spend on Christmas this year?
A little over $600.
12%
12%
More than $600.
19%
19%
Less than $600.
69%
69%
Total Votes: 887
Tenn. House Speaker Kent Williams wants to be reinstated to the Republican Party. Williams was elected speaker over Jason Mumpower, thanks to the vote of every House Democrat and Williams' own vote. Should the GOP welcome Williams back to the fold?
Yes.
80%
80%
No.
20%
20%
Total Votes: 2,243
Forty-five percent of voters responding to a Rasmussen survey gave President Obama poor marks for his handling of the economy, the highest level of disapproval this year. Do you think President Obama is doing a poor job of handling the economy?
Yes.
37%
37%
No.
63%
63%
Total Votes: 2,371
As President Obama prepares to make a decision on U.S. military policy in Afghanistan 44% of Gallup poll respondents would like to see the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan reduced. Do you agree?
Yes.
48%
48%
No.
52%
52%
Total Votes: 763
Nearly a quarter of people across 27 countries worldwide believe free market capitalism is fatally flawed, according to a poll taken to mark 20 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall. Do you agree?
Yes.
45%
45%
No.
55%
55%
Total Votes: 889
Twenty-eight percent of adults in a nationwide poll believe that veterans of today's conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan face more challenges when they return home than veterans of the Vietnam War. What do you think?
They face more challenges.
22%
22%
They face fewer challenges.
39%
39%
It's about the same.
38%
38%
Total Votes: 721
Do you think laws should be changed to prevent employers from eliminating jobs held by those called for National Guard duty?
No.
19%
19%
Yes.
81%
81%
Total Votes: 804
The Tennessee Vols have games remaining against Mississippi, Vanderbilt and Kentucky. How many of these games do you think UT will win?
Zero
24%
24%
1
24%
24%
2
25%
25%
3
27%
27%
Total Votes: 549
Residents of Maine this week rejected same sex marriage, dealing a setback to gay rights advocates who hoped the state would be the first to approve such unions by popular vote. Did Maine voters make the right decision?
Yes.
40%
40%
No.
60%
60%
Total Votes: 2,569
On Thursday the AARP and AMA endorsed the Democratic health plan while thousands of protesters led by GOP officials and Tea Party activists went to the U.S. Capitol to protest the bill. Do you think the Democratic plan should be approved?
No.
34%
34%
Yes.
66%
66%
Total Votes: 2,305
The White House is minimizing the meaning of GOP off-year election victories Tuesday, saying the results did not reflect on President Obama. What do you think?
It signals the end for President Obama.
37%
37%
It means little for President Obama.
63%
63%
Total Votes: 1,264
A new CNN poll finds 37 percent of Americans think "things are going well in the country." That's the highest level in two years, just before the recession began. What is your overall feeling?
Things are going very well
34%
34%
Things are going fairly well
28%
28%
Things are pretty bad
20%
20%
Things are very bad
18%
18%
Total Votes: 1,579
Do you think health care professionals involved with direct patient care should be required to take the H1N1 vaccine?
Yes
46%
46%
No
54%
54%
Total Votes: 919
For the first time in school history, and following months of speculation and rumor, the University of Tennessee wore black football jerseys on Saturday night. Did you like the look?
Yes
46%
46%
No
54%
54%
Total Votes: 1,356
Third party candidates are shaking up two major races in New York and New Jersey. Some observers interpret the success of those candidacies as a warning shot fired at both major parties by angry voters. Are you happy with the current two party system?
Yes.
61%
61%
No.
39%
39%
Total Votes: 1,398
A Gallup poll shows 51 percent of Americans currently approve of Barack Obama's performance as president so far, while 43 percent disapprove. What's your opinion?
Approve
68%
68%
Disapprove
32%
32%
Total Votes: 3,372
Ridgefields Country Club owes more than $200,000 in back taxes to the IRS, and the matter is currently in litigation to resolve payment of the funds. Do you think the city of Kingsport should provide Ridgefields with financial backing?
Yes
3%
3%
No
97%
97%
Total Votes: 2,705
Many schools are replacing the word "Halloween" with "Fall Festival" because of negative connotations some see in the long-standing holiday name. Is this a good idea?
Yes.
24%
24%
No.
76%
76%
Total Votes: 929
If the health care plan proposed by President Obama and congressional Democrats passes what do you think will happen?
It will increase costs.
23%
23%
It will reduce the quality.
20%
20%
It will reduce the costs.
16%
16%
It will lead to better care.
40%
40%
Total Votes: 1,809
Rasmussen Reports says 49% of voters say passing no health care reform bill this year would be better than passing the plan currently working its way through Congress, but 39% disagree. What do you think?
No bill this year.
46%
46%
Pass it this year.
54%
54%
Total Votes: 2,572
Do you think President Obama is taking too much time in considering military officials' request for more troops in Afghanistan?
Yes.
46%
46%
No.
54%
54%
Total Votes: 1,199
Do you think laws should be changed so health insurance companies are subject to anti-trust regulations intended to prevent private firms from working together in ways to limit competition?
Yes.
87%
87%
No.
13%
13%
Total Votes: 821
The Treasury Dept. is expected to order companies that received huge government bailouts last year to slash the base salaries of their top executives by an average of 90 percent and cut their total compensation in half. Is this a good idea?
Yes.
72%
72%
No.
28%
28%
Total Votes: 851
If you were selecting a person for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination out of this group of likely contenders, whom would you choose?
Mike Huckabee
38%
38%
Mitt Romney
20%
20%
Sarah Palin
42%
42%
Total Votes: 1,456
How much confidence do you have in the U.S. banking system?
Full confidence.
12%
12%
Some confidence.
32%
32%
Little confidence.
31%
31%
No confidence.
25%
25%
Total Votes: 899
Do you think pet owners should be allowed to deduct up to $3,500 for qualified pet-care expenses.
No.
40%
40%
Yes.
60%
60%
Total Votes: 1,565
Tenn. state lawmakers last week grilled representatives from police departments over the growing use of red light cameras. Do you think the state should put more restrictions on the use of such devices?
Yes.
47%
47%
No.
53%
53%
Total Votes: 1,358
A Rasmussen poll shows that 39% of respondents agree with the statement that "health care costs will never come down until the American people change their behavior and take better care of themselves." What do you think?
I agree.
49%
49%
I disagree.
51%
51%
Total Votes: 1,181
North Carolina is about to become the second state to penalize state employees for being obese. Do you think government workers who are overweight should pay more for their health insurance?
Yes.
34%
34%
No.
33%
33%
All obese workers should pay more.
33%
33%
Total Votes: 1,772
The Gallup Poll's first look at 2009 Christmas spending intentions finds Americans, on average, planning to spend $740 on gifts this year. That's down somewhat from the $801 recorded at this time a year ago. How much will you spend?
$800, or more.
18%
18%
Between $750 and $800.
5%
5%
Less than $750.
77%
77%
Total Votes: 852
President Obama says U.S. children need to spend more time in school to make them more competitive with students from other countries. What do you think?
I agree.
58%
58%
I disagree.
42%
42%
Total Votes: 1,422
Some Americans are skeptical of the motivation behind the awarding of the Nobel Prizes to President Obama. A Rasmussen survey finds 58% of American adults now believe politics plays a role in the awarding of the prize. Do you agree?
No.
51%
51%
Yes.
49%
49%
Total Votes: 1,581
The Tennessee Vols soundly defeated Georgia by a score of 45-19, thanks in part to a strong performance by quarterback Jonathan Crompton. Do you think Crompton will be able to sustain that level of play for the rest of the season?
Yes.
53%
53%
No.
47%
47%
Total Votes: 1,145
The number of U.S. voters in Rasmussen polls who say American society is generally fair and decent is decreasing. What do you think?
It's fair.
61%
61%
It's unfair.
39%
39%
Total Votes: 1,029
The health care reform plan working its way through the U.S. Senate now includes a proposal requiring young and healthy Americans to either buy health insurance or pay a $750 annual penalty for not having it. Do you agree with this?
Yes.
60%
60%
No.
40%
40%
Total Votes: 1,637
Do you think the NE Tennessee economy will be stronger next year than it is now?
Yes.
56%
56%
No.
44%
44%
Total Votes: 1,040
According to Rasmussen Reports 55% of likely voters blame former President George Bush for the nation's current economic problems. 37% blame President Obama's policies. What do you think?
It's Bush's fault.
54%
54%
It's Obama's fault.
46%
46%
Total Votes: 1,215
Do you think your children will be better off than you are?
Yes.
33%
33%
No.
67%
67%
Total Votes: 860
Kingsport leaders are considering splitting $48,000 between the Downtown Kingsport Association and the new Downtown Business Association -- money that previously would have gone solely to the DKA. What should the city do?
Fund both groups.
18%
18%
Fund the DKA.
14%
14%
Fund the DBA.
3%
3%
Fund neither of them.
65%
65%
Total Votes: 648
A national survey commissioned by the University of Michigan found only 40 percent of parents surveyed in August said they intend to have their children immunized against swine flu. Will your child take the shot?
Yes.
55%
55%
No.
45%
45%
Total Votes: 793
Do you think legislation should be posted online in final form and available for everyone to read before Congress votes on it?
Yes.
96%
96%
No.
4%
4%
Total Votes: 951
Typically only about 45 percent of health care workers take advantage of voluntary flu vaccine. But some are protesting a new public health mandate that they take the seasonal and swine flu shots. What do you think?
It's about public safety, take the shot.
41%
41%
There should be no such requirement.
59%
59%
Total Votes: 729
According to the Gallup Poll most Americans, 65%, expect the economy to improve over the next year. Twenty-three percent expect the U.S. to still be in a recession, and 12% expect conditions to get worse than they are now. What do you think?
Full recovery.
38%
38%
Partial recovery.
30%
30%
Still in recession.
16%
16%
Worse than now.
16%
16%
Total Votes: 1,614
President Obama says kids need longer school days, shorter summer vacations to be competitive. Do you agree?
Yes.
38%
38%
No.
62%
62%
Total Votes: 1,018
Would you support a possible merger of the University of Tennessee system and the Tennessee Board of Regents system?
Yes.
42%
42%
No.
58%
58%
Total Votes: 430
While much of the focus of President Obama has been on health care reform, the economy is still an issue on his plate. Currently, 60% of Harris poll respondents rate his performance as negative while 40% rate his job as positive. What's your opinion?
Positive.
31%
31%
Negative.
69%
69%
Total Votes: 1,333
Seventy-five percent of adults say Americans are becoming ruder and less civilized, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Do you agree?
No.
8%
8%
Yes.
92%
92%
Total Votes: 966
Despite frequent GOP complaints about the vitriol leveled at President Bush, most respondents to a national survey say the level of anger is higher now and neither party has answers. Do you agree?
No.
27%
27%
Yes.
73%
73%
Total Votes: 761
A new Rasmussen national survey finds that 31% of voters agree with President Obama's decision to stop the anti-missile shield in Eastern Europe, but 38% disagree. Thirty-two percent are not sure what's best to do. What's your opinion?
Agree.
26%
26%
Disagree.
64%
64%
Not sure.
9%
9%
Total Votes: 804
Gen. Stanley McChrystal says the situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating and that without additional resources, the U.S.-led coalition could lose the war. Should more troops be sent?
No, pull out now.
51%
51%
Yes.
49%
49%
Total Votes: 881
Officials in Scott and Lee counties are at odds over a plan to reintroduce elk to Southwest Virginia. Would you like to see an elk population established in the region?
Yes.
62%
62%
No.
38%
38%
Total Votes: 78
Do you think the city of Kingsport should buy the State Theater building on Broad Street?
Yes.
43%
43%
No.
57%
57%
Total Votes: 622
Do you think abortion coverage should be prohibited in any government-subsidized health care plan?
Yes.
74%
74%
No.
26%
26%
Total Votes: 1,174
For nearly one-out-of-three voters (32%), Jimmy Carter is the living ex-president who has done the best job since leaving the White House, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Do you agree?
Yes.
43%
43%
No.
57%
57%
Total Votes: 1,097
Public assessment of the accuracy of news stories is now at its lowest level in more than two decades of Pew Research surveys, and views of media bias and independence now match previous lows. Which medium do you find the most accurate and fair?
Local newspapers
21%
21%
National newspapers
6%
6%
Local TV
29%
29%
National TV
10%
10%
Internet
34%
34%
Total Votes: 740
A survey of 2,130 U.S. doctors by the New England Journal of Medicine found that most favored both public and private options in health care reform. What do you think?
We need both.
58%
58%
No public option.
42%
42%
Total Votes: 811
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone poll shows 48% of voters favor health care reform plan proposed by President Obama and congressional Democrats and 48% are opposed. What's you opinion?
I support it.
58%
58%
I oppose it.
42%
42%
Total Votes: 2,750
Kingsport is poised to build an aquatic center at a cost of almost $14 million. Do you think the city and its consultants solicited enough public input about the project?
Yes.
50%
50%
No.
42%
42%
I don't know.
8%
8%
Total Votes: 1,266
A Rasmussen poll says 78% of the respondents think every American should be allowed to purchase the same health insurance plan available to members of Congress. What do you think?
Yes.
97%
97%
No.
3%
3%
Total Votes: 1,295
Whatever the public may think about proposals for health care reform, they blame many different parties for the problems with the system we have now. Who do you think should shoulder the blame?
Health insurance firms
44%
44%
Pharmaceutical industry
11%
11%
Congress
33%
33%
Doctors
4%
4%
Hospitals
8%
8%
Total Votes: 887
Did you watch President Obama's speech on health care reform that he delivered to Congress Wednesday night?
Yes.
39%
39%
No.
61%
61%
Total Votes: 238
White House official suggest the GOP overplayed its hand by sparking the controversy over President Obama's Tuesday speech urging kids to say in school. What do you think?
It was the right reaction.
45%
45%
It was political overkill.
55%
55%
Total Votes: 834
Both Ron Ramsey and Zack Wamp are vowing to defend Tennessee from the federal government if elected governor. What concerns you the most?
Securing a better economy.
42%
42%
Health care cost reform.
24%
24%
States' rights.
20%
20%
The war in Afghanistan.
3%
3%
The battle against abortion.
11%
11%
Total Votes: 799
Both Ron Ramsey and Zack Wamp are vowing to defend Tennessee from the federal government if elected governor. What concerns you the most?
Securing a better economy.
0%
0%
Health care cost reform.
0%
0%
States' rights.
0%
0%
Total Votes: 0
House Speaker Kent Williams says an effort to reinstate him into the Tenn. Republican Party is "progressing," but e-mails from state GOP Executive Committee members indicate they are deeply divided. Should the GOP reinstate Williams?
Yes
73%
73%
No
27%
27%
Total Votes: 1,856
The military's anticipated request for more troops to combat the insurgency in Afghanistan has divided senior advisers to President Obama. What do you think the U.S. should do?
Get the job done.
51%
51%
Get out now.
49%
49%
Total Votes: 1,202
Some talk radio hosts are urging parents keep their kids out of school next Tuesday when President Obama makes an address to students on taking responsibility for their success in school. What do you think?
Keep them out of school.
41%
41%
Send them to school.
59%
59%
Total Votes: 1,089
Do you plan to get a flu shot this year?
Yes.
59%
59%
No.
35%
35%
Undecided.
6%
6%
Total Votes: 301
Englewood, N.J., Mayor Michael Wildes is trying to keep Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi from staying at a 5-acre estate when he visits the United Nations in September. Do you think Gadhafi should be allowed to stay at the estate?
Yes
17%
17%
No
74%
74%
I don't know
9%
9%
Total Votes: 1,167
How many games do you think the Tennessee Vols will win this football season?
0-3
19%
19%
4-6
37%
37%
7-9
33%
33%
10 or more
11%
11%
Total Votes: 1,265
A study commissioned by the Pentagon and the Veterans Affairs Department recommends moving toward a tobacco-free military. Do you support the idea?
Yes.
35%
35%
No.
65%
65%
Total Votes: 699
Do you think the Justice Department should investigate the treatment and possible torture of terrorists by the CIA during the Bush administration?
No.
41%
41%
Yes.
59%
59%
Total Votes: 2,281
Would you favor a government that offers fewer services and imposes lower taxes over one that provides more services with higher taxes?
Lower taxes, fewer services.
49%
49%
More services, higher taxes.
38%
38%