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Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day for December 2, 2020
The Number of the Day columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.
December 2, 2020: A PoliticalIQ survey found that 68% of voters nationwide now believe the worst of the coronavirus is still to come. That’s up six points from two weeks ago, up 12 points from mid-October, and the highest level of pessimism measured all year.[1]
The previous high-water mark for pessimism was recorded in July.
In July, however, just 15% thought the worst was behind us. That figure is 18% today.[1]
Much of the increase in pessimism can be attributed to Republicans. In mid-October, 41% of GOP voters thought the worst was behind us, while just 33% held a more pessimistic view.[2] Those numbers slipped a bit in the week following the election. Now, just 24% of Republicans believe the worst is behind us, while 62% believe the worst is still to come.[1]
That collapse in confidence likely results from the fact that Republicans have consistently seen the economic threat from the pandemic as greater than the health threat. And, they overwhelmingly supported President Trump’s focus on re-opening the economy. With the election of a president from the opposing party, it is fairly typical to see such a switch from optimism to pessimism.[1]
What is a bit surprising is the fact that there has been little or no increase in optimism among Democrats since the election. Just 13% of Democrats believe the worst is behind us, while 78% believe the worst is yet to come.[1]
The table below highlights selected results showing trends over the past few months.
| Worst of Pandemic is Behind Us | Worst of Pandemic is Still to Come | |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 27-28 | 18% | 68% |
| Nov. 12-14 | 22% | 62% |
| Oct. 15-17 | 22% | 56% |
| Oct. 8-10 | 27% | 52% |
| Oct. 1-3 | 24% | 55% |
| Sept. 3-5 | 29% | 49% |
| Aug. 13-15 | 20% | 59% |
| July 23-25 | 15% | 63% |
| June 4-6 | 29% | 42% |
| April 9-11 | 16% | 60% |
Each weekday, Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day explores interesting and newsworthy topics at the intersection of culture, politics, and technology.
- December 1, 2020 -57 percent of voters say protecting free speech more important than preventing spread of misinformation
- November 30, 2020 -216 years ago today the U.S. Senate began preparing impeachment trial of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase
- November 24, 2020 -83 percent of Pennsylvania voters say it's important to reform Pennsylvania’s voting laws before the next election
- November 23, 2020 -62 percent of voters say faith or religion important during coronavirus outbreak
- November 20, 2020 –9 consecutive presidential elections where winning candidate won 53% of the vote or less
- To see other recent numbers, check out the archive.
Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day is published by Ballotpedia weekdays at 8:00 a.m. Eastern. Click here to check out the latest update.
The Number of the Day is broadcast on local stations across the country. An archive of these broadcasts can be found here.
Columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.
Ballotpedia is the nonprofit, nonpartisan Encyclopedia of American Politics.
See also
- Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day
- Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day for November 19, 2020
- Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day for October 22, 2020
- Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day for July 29, 2020
Footnotes
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