Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day for February 19, 2020
The Number of the Day columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.
February 19, 2020: Sixty-one percent (61%) of Americans say they are better off than they were three years ago when President Trump took office.[1]
According to Gallup, that’s a more upbeat assessment than any recent president has enjoyed while beginning their re-election year. When Barack Obama was at the same point in his presidency, 45% said they were better off. For each of the three presidents before Obama, 50% thought they were better off (George W. Bush in 2004, Bill Clinton in 1996, and George H.W. Bush in 1992).[2]
All of those candidates except the first President Bush won re-election.
Sixty percent (60%) of independent voters say they are better off since Trump took office. That, too, is higher than his four predecessors. Previous incumbents seeking re-election received positive reviews from 46% to 50% of independents.
One detail from the 1996 data seems almost unbelievable in today’s hyper-partisan world. When Bill Clinton ran for re-election, there was virtually no partisan divide on this question. Fifty-three percent (53%) of Democrats said they were better off. That view was shared by 50% of independents and 49% of Republicans.
By way of comparison, 89% of Republicans today say they’re better off while just 29% of Democrats agree.
Each weekday, Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day explores interesting and newsworthy topics at the intersection of culture, politics, and technology.
- February 18, 2020 –97.5 degrees Fahrenheit may be average human body temperature
- February 17, 2020 –0 presidents have their birthday on President’s Day
- February 14, 2020 –55 percent of Americans will celebrate Valentine’s Day
- February 13, 2020 –15.2 billion dollars in revenue from YouTube ads
- February 12, 2020 –65.1 percent homeownership rate in 2019
- 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.
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Columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.
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