The Albany Gazette - July Harvard Caps / Harris Poll: Trump Approval Sees No Change at 42% with Inflation Still Top Concern

35% of voters say the U.S. is on the right track, and 33% say the same about the U.S. economy.

Of key institutions, voters have the most favorable view of the U.S. military (+58 net favorable) and the United States (+56), and the least favorable view of communism (-55), and Iran (-51).

50% of voters say the economy is better today than it was when Biden was president (+6).

50% of voters believe price increases caused by tensions with Iran will be short-term and come back down quickly (+8).

67% of voters say the U.S. should prioritize energy independence to avoid global price shocks (-6).

11 out of 13 key Trump policy positions continue to see majority support. His most popular policies are lowering prescription drug prices (86% support), deporting illegal immigrants who have committed crimes (79%), and requiring proof of citizenship to vote (70%).

70% of voters say they are planning to vote in the upcoming 2026 Congressional midterm elections (-3, May 2026; Democrats: 63%; Republicans: 59%; Independents: 37%)

The horserace is split 50-50 among general voters, with Democrats holding a 2-pt. lead among likely midterm voters.

68% of voters have thought about the upcoming 2028 presidential election.

78% of voters say we are better off with free enterprise instead of socialism. 83% say the future of the country should continue to be a mix of capitalism with social welfare programs rather than a fully socialist system, including a majority across political parties.

Large majorities of voters prefer a system of government where people can start their own businesses (88%), own homes (88%), earn money based on merit and work (88%), and practice their freedom of speech and religion rights as citizens without them being taken away (77%).

79% of voters personally feel they live in a country that rewards hard work with opportunity.

A majority of voters believe that under socialism, people can own homes (60%), businesses (57%), and practice freedom of religion and speech rights (59%).

62% of voters think socialism in other countries has mostly devolved into harsh dictatorships (Democrats: 51%; Republicans: 68%; Independents: 65%).

66% of voters believe Graham Platner was an unqualified candidate for the U.S. Senate, including a majority across political parties.

69% of voters support Medicare for All, including a majority across political parties.

58% of voters believe all healthcare is paid for by the government under Medicare for All but 57% believe private insurers would still exist.

42% of voters believe medical care will get worse if the government pays for health insurance, while 38% say it will improve.

58% of voters say the current Medicare system is working, and 55% say the same about Medicaid.

78% of voters approve of Medicare Advantage accounts.

57% of voters say they personally use AI, with 56% of AI users using it daily.

Voters are split 50-50 on whether they find AI amazing, but 67% say we need to slow down the rush on AI, including a majority across political parties. 68% of voters say the U.S. should slow down AI development until there are stronger safeguards in place.

60% of voters say AI is a huge advancement.

57% say it is more likely AI will degrade society and create mass unemployment than create added value and productivity. Job loss (41%) and power usage (30%) are viewed as the primary dangers.

56% of employed voters believe their employment is currently not at risk from AI and automation.

62% of voters say data centers use too much energy and water and provide too few benefits to local communities, including a majority across political parties.

53% of voters say they would oppose a data center in their own neighborhood (Support: 25%), and the same share say such a facility should not be allowed near them even if the company provides local jobs, benefits, and protections.

79% of voters say the Supreme Court should defend the Constitution regardless of public opinion.

66% of voters favor the Supreme Court's decision to uphold birthright citizenship (Democrats: 83%; Republicans: 48%; Independents: 68%). 67% believe it followed the Constitution and law, including a majority across political parties.

63% of voters favor the ruling that states should decide their own mail-in ballot rules.

52% of voters favor the ruling that the President may hire and fire commissioners to agencies at will, with 57% believing it followed the law.

65% of voters favor the ruling that the Federal Reserve is an exception to general rule and members can only be removed for cause.

74% of voters are proud to be an American today, including a majority across political parties.

Freedom (75%) and peace (59%) are the most defining American values for voters across political party lines. Views differ on the importance of equality, democracy, patriotism, and diversity as American values.

Freedom and rights (69%) is the strongest source of American pride among voters, with democracy (47%) as the second-highest ranking quality.

Voters say healthcare costs (52%), gun violence (48%), and lack of affordable housing (46%) are the top three worst parts about living in America.

75% of voters believe they are living or will achieve the American Dream, including a majority across political parties.

51% of voters believe America should be proud of where it is as a country today. But 61% believe America's best days are ahead (Democrats: 50%; Republicans: 75%: Independents: 56%).

69% of voters say they are following developments in the U.S., Israel, and Iran conflict closely, including a majority across political parties and age groups. 50% have heard of the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on June 17.

65% of voters believe the terms of the MOU are better for the U.S., with 71% viewing it as about the same or better than the 2015 Iran Deal.

70% of voters believe Iranians are working to buy time, not serious with their negotiations. 66% believe they are in violation of the terms in the MOU.

68% of voters say Iran should not be allowed to control the Strait of Hormuz. 73% say the U.S. should resume use of force, sanctions, and blockades if Iran does not give up control of the Strait.

61% of voters say U.S. military response to Iran firing on commercial ships was justified, including a majority across political parties. 64% believe the U.S. has the upper hand in negotiations.

73% of voters continue to support Israel over Hamas.

77% of voters believe there are terrorist groups on the borders of Israel today, including a majority across political parties and age groups. 43%, a plurality, believe the groups are trying to destroy Israel.

70% of voters say Hezbollah should be required to disarm as part of a long-term peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon.

76% of voters say Israel has a right to exist as the Jewish homeland, and 56% believe Israel should be defined as a Jewish state.