Welcome to the Number of the Day

February 23, 2021

Thirty-nine percent (39%) of voters now believe the worst of the coronavirus pandemic is behind us. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 31% disagree and believe the worst is still to come.[1]

Rasmussen has been tracking this question throughout the pandemic, and this is the first time ever that a plurality offered a positive view. As recently as late November, 68% believed that the worst was still to come. At that time, only 18% believed the worst was behind us.

However, the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines dramatically decreased the levels of pessimism. By late January, 33% of voters believed the worst of the pandemic was behind us, while 40% believed the worst was still to come.[2]

Republicans, by a 50% to 23% margin, believe the worst is behind us. Democrats and independents are evenly divided on the question.[1]

The survey found that 17% of voters have had the vaccine. But awareness of the impact is much more significant. Among those who have not yet had the vaccine, 63% know a close friend or family member who has been vaccinated.[1]

Suburban voters are more optimistic than those living in urban or rural areas.[1]