Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day for May 28, 2021
The Number of the Day columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.
May 28, 2021: Fifty-two percent (52%) of voters now believe that the worst of the pandemic is behind us. That’s up two points from a month ago and up ten points since early in March. The new numbers reflect the highest level of confidence yet measured.[1]
A Ballotpedia national survey found that 21% of voters currently disagree and believe the worst is yet to come. Twenty-seven percent (27%) are not sure.[1]
From the very beginning, public confidence about the pandemic has resembled a roller-coaster ride.
- Following the election last fall, confidence fell sharply. In late November, 68% believed that the worst was still to come. However, following the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines, confidence surged.[1]
- By late January, 33% of voters believed the worst of the pandemic was behind us, while 40% believed the worst was still to come.[1]
- Then, in mid-February, for the first time ever, a plurality of voters believed that the worst was behind us. At that point, 39% took the optimistic view, while 31% gave a more pessimistic answer.[1]
- After that surge, the trend of growing confidence appeared to stall. From mid-February to mid-April, there was little change in public confidence.[1]
- However, since mid-April, optimism has soared once again.[1]
Throughout the pandemic, there has been a vast partisan perception gap. That remains the case today. Sixty-three percent (63%) of Republicans believe the worst is behind us. That view is shared by 46% of Democrats and 43% of independent voters.[1]
Yesterday’s Number of the Day showed that fewer than half of all voters are aware of the new CDC guidelines on mask-wearing. There is a partisan divide on this as well. Most Republican voters (56%) are aware of the new CDC guidelines, while most Democrats (57%) are not. Independent voters are evenly divided.[1]
| Worst of Pandemic is Behind Us | Worst of Pandemic is Still to Come | Net | |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 20-22 | 52% | 21% | +31% |
| Apr. 29-May 1 | 50% | 24% | +26% |
| Apr. 15-17 | 41% | 32% | +9% |
| Mar. 4-6 | 42% | 28% | +14% |
| Feb. 18-20 | 39% | 31% | +8% |
| Jan. 28-30 | 33% | 40% | -7% |
| Dec. 10-12 | 21% | 62% | -41% |
| Nov. 27-28 | 18% | 68% | -50% |
| Nov. 12-14 | 22% | 62% | -40% |
| Oct. 15-17 | 22% | 56% | -34% |
| Oct. 8-10 | 27% | 52% | -25% |
| Oct. 1-3 | 24% | 55% | -31% |
| Sept. 3-5 | 29% | 49% | -20% |
| Aug. 13-15 | 20% | 59% | -39% |
| July 23-25 | 15% | 63% | -48% |
| June 4-6 | 29% | 42% | -13% |
| April 9-11 | 16% | 60% | -44% |
Each weekday, Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day explores interesting and newsworthy topics at the intersection of culture, politics, and technology.
- May 27, 2021 -45 percent of U.S. voters aware of new CDC guidelines on masks
- May 26, 2021 -93 percent of voters recognize racism as major issue in American history
- May 25, 2021 -27 percent of voters say their finances are getting better, 21 percent say worse
- May 24, 2021 -63 percent of U.S. adults think immigration policy should be guided by what benefits the United States
- May 21, 2021 -79 percent of government employees voted in Election 2020
- 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 May 4, 2021
- Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day for February 23, 2021
- Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day for April 20, 2021
Footnotes
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