Polls & Research

U.S. Democrats Edge GOP in Three Key Topics

- Many adults in the United States express preference for the Democratic Party in specific policy issues, according to a poll by Rasmussen reports. 54 per cent of respondents trust the Democrats on health care, while 35 per cent choose the Republican Party.

In addition, 51 per cent of respondents pick the Democrats to tackle the issue of education, and 50 per cent prefer them to deal with Social Security.

American voters renewed the House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate on Nov. 7. The Democratic Party will take control of the House of Representatives for the first time since 1994, with at least 232 lawmakers. A victory for the Democratic candidates for the Senate in Montana and Virginia also gave the party a majority in the upper house.

Health care in the U.S. is based on a system of benefits provided by employers, as well as the Medicare and Medicaid programs which allocate health insurance for the elderly, disabled and poor. Around 45 million Americans are uninsured.

In 2004, U.S. president George W. Bush vowed to reform the Social Security system. Bush has proposed allowing workers to divert up to four per cent of their Social Security taxes into personal accounts that could be invested in stocks and bonds.

Last month, Republican Kentucky senator Mitch McConnell—who will take over as Senate minority leader when Congress reconvenes in January—outlined the top issues for the legislative branch, saying, "Left over from last year, I would put immigration at the top of the list. But I also share the view that this would be the perfect time to tackle Social Security."

Polling Data

Who do you trust more on health care?

Who do you trust more on education?

Who do you trust more on Social Security?