Budget/Taxes (4)

[ Home ] [ Up ]

Budget, Taxes, Economic Policy (p. 4)

Gallup Poll. Dec. 21-22, 2012. N=1,076 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4. Interviews conducted as part of Gallup Daily tracking.

"How closely are you following the news about the ongoing 'fiscal cliff' federal budget negotiations in Washington: very closely, somewhat closely, not too closely, or not at all?"

		Very closely	Somewhat closely	Not too closely	Not at all	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/21-22/12	34	30	20	16	1
	12/15-16/12	28	34	21	16	1
	12/8-9/12	28	36	19	16	1
	12/1-2/12	30	30	21	19	1

"Based on what you have heard or read, do you approve or disapprove of the way each of the following is handling the fiscal cliff budget negotiations? How about [see below]?"

		Approve	Disapprove	Unsure
		%	%	%

	"President Barack Obama"
	12/21-22/12	54	38	9
	12/15-16/12	48	43	9
	12/8-9/12	48	44	8
	12/1-2/12	52	43	6

	"Democratic leaders in Congress" N=526, margin of error ą 5
	12/21-22/12	45	43	12
	12/15-16/12	34	56	10
	12/8-9/12	38	50	12
	12/1-2/12	39	49	11

	"Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid" N=550, margin of error ą 5
	12/21-22/12	34	43	23
	12/15-16/12	24	48	29

	"Speaker of the House John Boehner" N=550, margin of error ą 5
	12/21-22/12	26	54	19
	12/15-16/12	25	49	26

	"Republican leaders in Congress" N=526, margin of error ą 5
	12/21-22/12	26	61	13
	12/15-16/12	29	61	10
	12/8-9/12	26	64	11
	12/1-2/12	27	63	10

"What would you like to see government leaders in Washington do in the fiscal cliff negotiations: stick to their principles and beliefs on tax increases and spending cuts, even if no agreement is reached by the Jan. 1 deadline, OR, compromise on their principles and beliefs on tax increases and spending cuts in order to reach an agreement by the Jan. 1 deadline?" Options rotated

		Stick to principles	Compromise	Neither/ Other (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/21-22/12	22	68	3	8
	12/15-16/12	24	66	3	7
	12/8-9/12	18	70	5	8
	12/1-2/12	25	62	4	8

"Just your best guess, how likely is it that President Obama and the leaders in Congress will reach a solution that avoids the fiscal cliff measures before Jan. 1: very likely, somewhat likely, not too likely, or not likely at all?"

		Very likely	Somewhat likely	Not too likely	Not at all likely	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/21-22/12	14	36	30	18	2
	12/15-16/12	18	39	22	18	3
	12/8-9/12	18	41	21	17	3
	12/1-2/12	14	44	25	14	3

CNN/ORC Poll. Dec. 17-18, 2012. N=620 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"As you may know, last year Congress and the President agreed to a program to reduce the federal deficit that some people call the 'fiscal cliff.' Unless Congress and the President reach an agreement within the next few weeks, tax rates will automatically rise in January for almost all Americans and major spending cuts will automatically occur next year in most government spending programs, including military programs. "If those automatic tax increases and spending cuts occur next year, do you think that would cause a crisis, major problems, minor problems, or no problems at all for the United States?"

		A crisis	Major problems	Minor problems	No problems	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/17-18/12	20	50	24	4	2
	11/16-18/12	24	44	24	7	1

"If Congress and the President do not reach an agreement by the end of the year and those automatic tax increases and spending cuts occur, do you think that Barack Obama or the Republicans in Congress would be more responsible for that?"

		Obama	Republicans in Congress	Both (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/17-18/12	37	48	11	2	1
	11/16-18/12	34	45	15	1	4

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Dec. 13-16, 2012. N=1,002 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.5.

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Obama is handling budget negotiations to avoid the so-called 'fiscal cliff?'" 12/5-9/12: "Overall, do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling budget negotiations to avoid the so-called 'fiscal cliff?'"

		Approve	Disapprove	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/13-16/12	45	43	11
	12/5-9/12	49	42	10

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way the Republican leaders of Congress are handling budget negotiations to avoid the so-called 'fiscal cliff'?"

		Approve	Disapprove	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/13-16/12	26	65	9

"Overall, what do you think is the best way to reduce the federal budget deficit -- by cutting federal spending, by increasing taxes, or by a combination of both?"

		Cutting spending	Increasing taxes	Combination	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/13-16/12	29	4	65	2
	7/14-17/11	32	4	62	3
	6/2-5/11	37	4	57	2
	4/14-17/11	36	3	59	2
	3/10-13/11	31	3	64	3
	12/9-12/10	36	2	60	1

"If deficit reduction comes both from cutting spending and from increasing taxes, should it be more from cutting spending, or more from increasing taxes, or should it be half from each?"

		Cutting spending	Increasing taxes	Half from each	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/13-16/12	47	10	41	2
	6/2-5/11	52	8	39	2

"In order to strike a budget deal that avoids the so-called fiscal cliff, would you accept cutting spending on Medicaid, which is the government health insurance program for the poor, or is this something you would find unacceptable?"

		Accept	Unacceptable	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/13-16/12	28	68	3

"In order to strike a budget deal that avoids the so-called fiscal cliff, would you accept cutting military spending, or is this something you would find unacceptable?"

		Accept	Unacceptable	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/13-16/12	42	55	3

"In order to strike a budget deal that avoids the so-called fiscal cliff, would you accept raising taxes on Americans with incomes over 250-thousand dollars a year, or is this something you would find unacceptable?"

		Accept	Unacceptable	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/13-16/12	74	24	2

"In order to strike a budget deal that avoids the so-called fiscal cliff, would you accept raising the age for Medicare coverage from 65 to 67, or is this something you would find unacceptable?"

		Accept	Unacceptable	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/13-16/12	36	60	3

"In order to strike a budget deal that avoids the so-called fiscal cliff, would you accept changing the way Social Security benefits are calculated so that benefits increase at a slower rate than they do now, or is this something you would find unacceptable?"

		Accept	Unacceptable	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/13-16/12	34	60	7

"In order to strike a budget deal that avoids the so-called fiscal cliff, would you accept capping the amount of money people can claim in tax deductions at no more than 50-thousand dollars a year, or is this something you would find unacceptable?"

		Accept	Unacceptable	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/13-16/12	54	36	10

"If a budget agreement is not reached, who do you think will be mainly to blame: the Republicans in Congress or Obama?" Options rotated

		Republicans in Congress	Obama	Both (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/13-16/12	47	31	18	3

"How concerned are you, if at all, about what may happen to the national economy if Obama and Congress cannot reach a budget agreement: very concerned, somewhat concerned, not too concerned or not concerned at all?"

		Very concerned	Somewhat concerned	Not too concerned	Not concerned at all	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/13-16/12	58	30	7	3	1

"How concerned are you, if at all, about what may happen to your personal finances if Obama and Congress cannot reach a budget agreement: very concerned, somewhat concerned, not too concerned or not concerned at all?"

		Very concerned	Somewhat concerned	Not too concerned	Not concerned at all	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/13-16/12	46	32	11	10	1

"How concerned are you, if at all, about what may happen to the government's ability to operate effectively if Obama and Congress cannot reach a budget agreement: very concerned, somewhat concerned, not too concerned or not concerned at all?"

		Very concerned	Somewhat concerned	Not too concerned	Not concerned at all	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/13-16/12	48	30	11	9	2

"How concerned are you, if at all, about what may happen to the U.S. military if Obama and Congress cannot reach a budget agreement: very concerned, somewhat concerned, not too concerned or not concerned at all?"

		Very concerned	Somewhat concerned	Not too concerned	Not concerned at all	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/13-16/12	44	31	14	9	2

"Has the leadership of the Republican Party been too willing or not willing enough to compromise with Obama on the budget deficit?"

		Too willing	Not willing enough	About right (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/13-16/12	14	76	2	8
	7/14-17/11	14	77	3	6
	3/10-13/11	16	71	5	8

"Has Obama been too willing or not willing enough to compromise with the leadership of the Republican Party on the budget deficit?"

		Too willing	Not willing enough	About right (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/13-16/12	28	57	5	10
	7/14-17/11	29	58	8	6
	3/10-13/11	30	52	10	8

CBS News Poll. Dec. 12-16, 2012. N=1,179 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"As you may know, tax increases and automatic spending cuts will take effect in January unless the President and Congress reach an agreement before January 1st. This deadline is commonly referred to as the fiscal cliff. How closely have you been following news about the fiscal cliff budget negotiations? Would you say you have followed this very closely, somewhat closely, or not too closely?"

		Very closely	Somewhat closely	Not too closely	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/12-16/12	30	39	30	1

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama and the Democrats in Congress are handling the current negotiations over tax increases and spending cuts?"

		Approve	Disapprove	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/12-16/12	38	50	12

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Republicans in Congress are handling the current negotiations over tax increases and spending cuts?"

		Approve	Disapprove	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/12-16/12	17	69	14

"If an agreement is not reached before January 1st automatic tax increases and spending cuts will take effect. Do you think that would cause major economic problems for the country, minor economic problems, or no economic problems at all for the country?"

		Major problems	Minor problems	No problems	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/12-16/12	53	38	4	5

"Do you think Barack Obama and the Republicans in Congress probably will or probably will not reach an agreement on deficit reduction before the deadline at the end of the year?"

		Will	Will not	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/12-16/12	50	44	7

"Which comes closest to your view about the tax cuts passed in 2001 and 2003? The tax cuts should be continued for everyone. OR, The tax cuts should only continue for household incomes under $250,000 a year. OR, The tax cuts should expire for everyone."

		Continue for everyone	Continue if under $250K	Expire for all	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/12-16/12	28	52	13	7
	10/25-28/12	35	42	15	8
	9/8-12/12	30	47	15	8

"In order to reduce the budget deficit, which would you prefer? A plan that includes raising tax rates on household incomes over $250,000 a year, eliminating some tax deductions, and cutting some government spending. OR, A plan that does not raise tax rates on household incomes over $250,000 a year, but instead eliminates more tax deductions, and includes greater cuts to government spending."

		Raises rates if over $250K	Does not	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/12-16/12	52	40	8

"I'm going to read you some suggestions that have been made to reduce the size of the federal budget deficit. Please tell me whether you would favor or oppose each of the following. "In order to reduce the budget deficit, would you favor or oppose reducing Social Security benefits for retirees with higher incomes?"

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/12-16/12	39	57	4

"In order to reduce the budget deficit, would you favor or oppose raising the retirement age at which a person can start to collect full Medicare benefits?"

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/12-16/12	32	64	4

"In order to reduce the budget deficit, would you favor or oppose eliminating the mortgage interest tax deduction for homeowners?"

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/12-16/12	30	62	8

"In order to reduce the budget deficit, would you favor or oppose eliminating the tax deduction for charitable contributions?"

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/12-16/12	33	62	5

"In order to reduce the budget deficit, would you favor or oppose raising the tax rate on household incomes that are over $250,000 a year?"

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/12-16/12	69	29	2
	Republicans	51	46	3
	Democrats	84	15	0
	Independents	66	30	4

"Congress will soon decide whether or not to raise the federal debt ceiling, which is the legal limit on how much the federal government can borrow to pay for the budget deficit. Some people say the debt ceiling should be raised, because otherwise the country could default on its loans, causing severe problems for the U.S. economy. Other people say the debt ceiling should not be raised because the country owes too much money already, and raising it will cause long term economic problems. In general, do you think Congress should or should not raise the federal debt ceiling?"

		Should	Should not	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/12-16/12	25	68	7

Bloomberg National Poll conducted by Selzer & Company. Dec. 7-10, 2012. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.1.

"I am going to mention some changes that could be made to decrease the deficit. For each, please tell me if you favor or oppose the change. . . ."

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%

	"Limit the amount that can be deducted for home mortgages"
	12/7-10/12	38	49	13

	"Limit the amount that can be deducted for charitable gifts"
	12/7-10/12	41	51	8

	"Let tax cuts for all taxpayers expire as scheduled and return rates to previous levels"
	12/7-10/12	38	50	12

	"Repeal the tax cuts for households earning more than $250,000 a year"
	12/7-10/12	52	42	6

	"Repeal the tax cuts for households earning more than $1 million a year"
	12/7-10/12	60	32	8

	"Reduce Social Security benefits for high-income earners"
	12/7-10/12	52	43	5

	"Gradually increase the Social Security retirement age to 69"
	12/7-10/12	36	61	3

	"Cut Medicaid, which is government help for medical care for low-income people"
	12/7-10/12	22	74	4

	"Gradually increase the age of eligibility for Medicare from 65 to 67"
	12/7-10/12	42	55	3

	"Reduce Medicare benefits for high-income earners"
	12/7-10/12	60	35	5

"As Congress debates how to reduce the deficit, who is more on your side in representing your interests: House Speaker Boehner and the Republicans in Congress, or Obama and the Democrats in Congress?" Options rotated

		Boehner, Republicans	Obama, Democrats	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/7-10/12	37	51	12

"Income from investments, such as the sale of stock or from dividends, is taxed at a lower rate than income from wages. There is currently debate on whether this rate should be raised or kept at its current level. Which of the following is closer to your view? The lower rate encourages investment and so creates jobs. It is fairer for investment income to be taxed at the same rate as income from paychecks."

		Lower rate creates jobs	Fairer to tax at same rate	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/7-10/12	52	36	12

"Democrats and Republicans have agreed to collect more tax revenue. At issue is whether it is better to raise the top tax rate the wealthy pay, or to limit the amount people can claim in tax breaks, such as mortgage interest and charitable contributions, so they end up paying tax on a bigger share of their income. Which do you think is better: to raise the tax rate or to limit tax breaks?"

		Raise tax rate	Limit tax breaks	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/7-10/12	39	52	9

"President Obama has said he will not negotiate with Republicans on cuts to entitlement programs, including Medicare, until they agree to raise tax rates on the wealthy. Do you think he is right or wrong to insist on that as a precondition to broader negotiations?"

		Right	Wrong	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/7-10/12	58	37	5

"Congress and the President are working on a self-imposed deadline to make decisions on cutting the deficit. If they miss the deadline, there will be automatic across-the-board cuts and automatic tax increases for all. Do you think it would be okay to let the automatic cuts and tax increases take effect, or do you think this would destabilize the economy and send the country back into recession?"

		Okay to let them take effect	Would destabilize the economy	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/7-10/12	22	65	13

"One reason Republicans are resistant to raising taxes is that many have signed a pledge never to vote to raise taxes. This is known as Grover Norquist's Taxpayer Protection Pledge. Which of the following is closest to your view? Republicans were wrong to sign the pledge in the first place. Republicans were right to sign the pledge when they did but things have changed and they should back away from it. Republicans were right to sign the pledge and should not break it."

		Wrong to sign in the first place	Right to sign, but should back away	Right to sign, should not break it	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/7-10/12	34	34	23	9

"Do you think Republicans have put too much emphasis on protecting the wealthy from tax increases, or do you think they are pursuing the interests of middle-class families in promoting economic growth by resisting tax increases for anyone?"

		Too much emphasis on protecting wealthy	Pursuing interests of middle-class families	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/7-10/12	60	34	6

"For each of the following, please tell me if you think President Obama does or does not have a mandate to get it done because he won reelection. Just answer yes or no. . . ."

		Yes	No	Unsure
		%	%	%

	"Raise income tax rates on income over $250,000"
	12/7-10/12	65	33	2

	"Protect Social Security from substantial budget cuts"
	12/7-10/12	64	33	3

	"Protect Medicare from fundamental change"
	12/7-10/12	62	34	4

	"Decrease defense spending"
	12/7-10/12	50	47	3

Gallup Poll. Dec. 8-9, 2012. N=1,069 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4. Interviews conducted as part of Gallup Daily tracking.

"Suppose no agreement is reached by the deadline and the fiscal cliff measures go into effect. Please say whether you think each of the following would or would not have a negative impact on the United States as a whole. How about [see below]?"

		Would	Would not	Unsure
		%	%	%

	"Major cuts in U.S. defense spending"
	12/8-9/12	64	31	5

	"Major cuts in U.S. domestic spending"
	12/8-9/12	69	24	7

	"Increases in federal income and Social Security payroll taxes for most taxpayers"
	12/8-9/12	75	19	6

"And if the fiscal cliff tax increases and spending cuts go into effect, do you think that would or would not have a negative impact on your personal financial situation?"

		Would	Would not	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/8-9/12	64	33	3

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). Dec. 6-9, 2012. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.1.

"Now, thinking about last month's election and whether voters gave President Obama a mandate -- meaning that the voters have backed his positions on the issues and want him to pursue policies that he advocated during the campaign -- for each of the following policies that I read you, please tell me whether, speaking for yourself, you think that President Obama has a mandate from the voters to pursue this policy. . . ."

		Has a mandate	Does not	Depends (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%

	"Cutting taxes for working families earning less than two hundred and fifty thousand dollars per year"
	12/6-9/12	68	28	1	3

	"Reducing the federal deficit by both increasing taxes on the wealthy and reducing federal spending"
	12/6-9/12	65	30	1	4

	"Eliminating the Bush tax cuts for those with higher incomes over two hundred and fifty thousand dollars per year"
	12/6-9/12	59	36	1	4

"Which of the following comes closer to your point of view about reducing the federal deficit? This is something that needs to be solved now. This is something that needs to be worked on and that we need to continue to address. This is something that we can address in the future." Options rotated

		Needs to be solved now	Need to continue to address	Can address in the future	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/6-9/12	58	37	4	1

"Have you seen, read, or heard the news coverage about the package of tax increases and spending cuts that is currently scheduled to automatically take place on January first, sometimes called the fiscal cliff?"

		Yes	No
		%	%
	12/6-9/12	77	22

"How serious a problem do you think the so-called fiscal cliff is: a very serious problem, a fairly serious problem, just somewhat a serious problem, or not that serious a problem?" Options rotated

		Very serious	Fairly serious	Just somewhat serious	Not that serious	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/6-9/12	46	22	19	6	7

"Now, as you may know, if Congress does not reach consensus on federal deficit reduction by the end of the current legislative session this month, then on January first 2013 there will be automatic across the board federal spending cuts equally divided between military and domestic programs. At the same time, income, payroll, capital gains, and estate tax rates would go back up automatically for all Americans. This is sometimes referred to as the fiscal cliff. "Are you optimistic or pessimistic that Congress will reach a consensus that would avoid the fiscal cliff? ... And are you very/somewhat optimistic/pessimistic?"

		Very optimistic	Somewhat optimistic	Somewhat pessimistic	Very pessimistic	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/6-9/12	14	34	27	21	4

"Who do you trust more on handling the fiscal cliff: Barack Obama or John Boehner and Republicans in Congress, do you trust them both equally, or do you trust neither?"

		Obama	Boehner, Republicans	Both equally	Neither	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/6-9/12	38	19	14	28	1

"Would you be willing to accept cuts to an important federal government program you care about or an increase in federal taxes in order to reach an agreement between Republicans and Democrats to deal with the fiscal cliff?"

		Yes	No	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/6-9/12	67	24	9

"If the plan to avoid the fiscal cliff and reduce the deficit included an income tax rate increase for people who earn more than $250,000 per year would that be acceptable or unacceptable to you?" Half sample (Form A)

		Acceptable	Unaccept- able	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/6-9/12	76	22	2

"And, if there is no compromise on the fiscal cliff and the automatic spending cuts and tax increases go into effect, who do you think will be to blame for this: President Obama and the Democrats in Congress, the Republicans in Congress, or do you think they will be equally to blame?" Half sample (Form B)

		Obama, Democrats	Republicans	Equally to blame	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/6-9/12	19	24	56	1

"Now, if the spending cuts and tax increases set to automatically go into place January first were enacted how much of an impact do you think it would have on you and your family: a great deal, quite a bit, just some, or not much at all?" Options rotated

		A great deal	Quite a bit	Just some	Not much at all	None (vol.)
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/6-9/12	26	29	30	13	1

"When it comes to dealing with the budget deficit, which of these two statements comes closer to your point of view? Would it be -- Statement A: Leaders in Congress should make compromises to gain consensus on the budget deficit, even if it means Democrats would have to accept targeted spending cuts in Social Security and Medicare and Republicans would have to accept targeted increases in tax rates. OR, Statement B: Leaders in Congress should stick to their positions on the budget deficit, even if it means there would be automatic across the board spending cuts equally divided between military and domestic programs and tax rates would go back up automatically." Options rotated. Half sample (Form B).

		Make compromises	Stick to positions	Mixed (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/6-9/12	65	28	1	3	3

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Dec. 5-9, 2012. N=1,018 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"Overall, do you approve or disapprove of the way House Speaker John Boehner is handling budget negotiations to avoid the so-called 'fiscal cliff?'"

		Approve	Disapprove	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/5-9/12	25	49	26

Pew Research Center. Dec. 5-9, 2012. N=1,503 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 2.9.

"Looking ahead five years or so, do you think we will have made significant progress in reducing the federal budget deficit, or not?"

		Yes	No	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%
	12/5-9/12	44	50	6
	7/20-24/11	39	51	10
	4/21-22 & 25/11	31	55	14
	12/1-5/10	37	52	11
	2/89	40	46	14

"Thinking about ways to reduce the deficit and size of the national debt, please tell me if you would approve or disapprove of each of the following. First, [see below]. Would you approve or disapprove of this as a way to reduce the size of the national debt?"

		Approve	Disapprove	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%

	"Reduce military defense spending"
	12/5-9/12	43	55	2
	10/4-7/12	40	56	4

	"Raise the income tax rate on incomes over $250,000 a year"
	12/5-9/12	69	28	3
	10/4-7/12	64	29	6

	"Limit the amount of deductions a taxpayer can claim" N=753 (Form 1), margin of error ą 4.1
	12/5-9/12	54	40	6

	"Gradually raising the age at which people can begin receiving Medicare benefits" N=753 (Form 1), margin of error ą 4.1
	12/5-9/12	41	56	2

	"Reduce Medicare benefits for seniors with higher incomes" N=753 (Form 1), margin of error ą 4.1
	12/5-9/12	51	46	3

	"Reduce federal funding for programs that help lower-income Americans" N=753 (Form 1), margin of error ą 4.1
	12/5-9/12	38	58	4

	"Reduce federal funding for roads and transportation" N=753 (Form 1), margin of error ą 4.1
	12/5-9/12	30	67	4

	"Gradually raise the age at which people can begin receiving Social Security benefits" N=750 (Form 2), margin of error ą 4.2
	12/5-9/12	42	56	2

	"Reduce Social Security benefits for seniors with higher incomes" N=750 (Form 2), margin of error ą 4.2
	12/5-9/12	51	46	3

	"Raise the tax rate on investment income" N=750 (Form 2), margin of error ą 4.2
	12/5-9/12	52	43	5

	"Reduce federal funding for education" N=750 (Form 2), margin of error ą 4.2
	12/5-9/12	21	77	2

	"Limit tax deductions for interest paid on home mortgages" N=750 (Form 2), margin of error ą 4.2
	12/5-9/12	41	52	6

"From what you've read and heard, can the nation's long-term debt problem be solved only if some taxes go up, or can it be solved without having to raise any taxes?" Options rotated

		Only if taxes go up	Without raising taxes	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%
	12/5-9/12	59	32	9

"Thinking about the current debate in Washington over the debt and deficit, are Republicans in Congress making a serious effort to work with Barack Obama to reach an agreement on the budget deficit, or not?"

		Making serious effort	Not making serious effort	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%
	12/5-9/12	32	57	11

"Is Barack Obama making a serious effort to work with Republicans in Congress to reach an agreement on the budget deficit, or not?"

		Making serious effort	Not making serious effort	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%
	12/5-9/12	55	38	7

McClatchy-Marist Poll. Dec. 4-6, 2012. N=1,091 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"Do you think President Obama and the Republicans in Congress will reach a deal or not reach a deal on the fiscal cliff before the end-of-the-month deadline?"

		Will	Will not	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/4-6/12	52	42	6

"If there is no agreement between Congress and President Obama by the end of the year, who do you think is more to blame . . . ?"

		Republicans in Congress	President Obama	Both	Neither/ Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/4-6/12	47	36	11	6

"Please tell me whether you support or oppose each of the following to reduce the federal budget deficit. . . ." N=approx. 550, margin of error ą 4.2

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%

	"Let the Bush tax cuts expire and raise taxes on individual income above $200,000 or family income above $250,000"
	12/4-6/12	57	40	3

	"Let the Obama payroll tax cut expire"
	12/4-6/12	33	50	17

	"Cut spending for Medicare"
	12/4-6/12	23	74	3

	"Cut spending for Medicaid"
	12/4-6/12	26	70	4

	"Eliminate the tax deduction for home mortgage interest"
	12/4-6/12	29	67	4

	"Eliminate the tax deduction for charitable contributions"
	12/4-6/12	28	69	3

	"Let the Bush tax cuts expire and raise taxes for everyone"
	12/4-6/12	24	74	2

	"Raise the age to receive Medicare from 65 to 67"
	12/4-6/12	40	59	1

AP-GfK Poll conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate Communications. Nov. 29-Dec. 3, 2012. N=1,002 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.9.

"The following are ways that some people have proposed making cuts in government spending to reduce the federal budget deficit. For each one, please tell me if you favor, oppose or neither favor nor oppose it as a way of reducing the federal budget deficit. . . ."

		Favor	Oppose	Neither	Unsure	Refused
		%	%	%	%	%

	"Eliminating the tax deduction for mortgage interest, in exchange for a lower overall income tax rate"
	11/29 - 12/3/12	42	33	19	6	1
	11/18-22/10	48	31	15	5	-

	"Limiting the dollar amount of deductions taxpayers can take"
	11/29 - 12/3/12	39	37	18	6	-

"The tax cuts that were passed in 2001 and 2003 will expire this year if they are not continued. Which of the following best describes what you think Congress should do about the tax cuts? Allow the tax cuts to expire for everyone. Allow the tax cuts on income above $250,000 to expire, but continue them for income below $250,000. Continue the tax cuts for everyone."

		Expire for everyone	Expire on income above $250,000	Continue for everyone	Unsure	Refused
		%	%	%	%	%
	11/29 - 12/3/12	13	48	32	5	2

Pew Research Center/Washington Post. Nov. 29-Dec. 2, 2012. N=1,003 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.7.

"As I read a list of some stories covered by news organizations this past week, please tell me if you happened to follow each news story very closely, fairly closely, not too closely, or not at all closely. First, the debate in Washington over automatic spending cuts and tax increases that would take effect in January unless the President and Congress act."

		Very closely	Fairly closely	Not too closely	Not at all closely	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%	%
	11/29 - 12/2/12	40	26	14	20	1

"How well do you feel you understand what would happen if these automatic spending cuts and tax increases were to go into effect in January: very well, fairly well, not too well, or not at all well?"

		Very well	Fairly well	Not too well	Not at all well	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%	%
	11/29 - 12/2/12	28	29	22	19	1

"If these automatic spending cuts and tax increases go into effect, do you think they would have a major effect, minor effect or no effect on the U.S. economy?"

		Major effect	Minor effect	No effect	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%
	11/29 - 12/2/12	64	20	7	9

	If would have an effect: "And would the effect on the U.S. economy be mostly positive or mostly negative?"

		Mostly positive	Mostly negative	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%
	11/29 - 12/2/12	23	71	6

"If these automatic spending cuts and tax increases go into effect, do you think they would have a major effect, minor effect or no effect on your personal financial situation?"

		Major effect	Minor effect	No effect	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%
	11/29 - 12/2/12	43	35	14	7

	If would have an effect: "And would the effect on your personal financial situation be mostly positive or mostly negative?"

		Mostly positive	Mostly negative	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%
	11/29 - 12/2/12	17	77	6

"Do you think President Obama and Republicans in Congress will reach an agreement to prevent automatic spending cuts and tax increases from going into effect before January 1st, or not?"

		Will	Will not	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%
	11/29 - 12/2/12	40	49	11

"If an agreement is not reached, who do you think would be more to blame: Republicans in Congress or President Obama?" Options rotated

		Republicans in Congress	President Obama	Both equally (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%	%
	11/29 - 12/2/12	53	27	12	2	6

United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Nov. 29-Dec. 2, 2012. N=1,003 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.6.

"As you may know, Congress is considering ways to reduce the federal deficit over the next decade. Which ONE of the following three options to reduce the deficit would you most prefer? Have about two-thirds of the money come from spending cuts and one-third from tax increases. OR, Have about two-thirds of the money come from tax increases and one-third from spending cuts. OR, Have about half the money come from tax increases and half from spending cuts."

		2/3 spending cuts & 1/3 tax increases	1/3 spending cuts & 2/3 tax increases	1/2 spending cuts & 1/2 tax increases	None of these/ Other (vol.)	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%	%
	11/29 - 12/2/12	38	16	38	4	4

"As you may know, both Democrats and Republicans are talking about raising more tax revenue from families earning at least $250,000 per year as part of a long-term plan to reduce the federal deficit. Which ONE of the following three options would you most prefer to raise additional tax revenue from high income families? Reduce their ability to benefit from tax deductions like those for mortgage payments and state and local taxes but do NOT increase their tax rates. OR, Increase their tax rates but do NOT change their ability to benefit from tax deductions. OR, BOTH increase their tax rates AND reduce their ability to benefit from tax deductions."

		Reduce deductions only	Increase tax rates only	Reduce deductions and increase tax rates	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%
	11/29 - 12/2/12	21	29	39	11

"As you may know, the top tax rate for taxpayers with the highest incomes is now 35 percent. President Obama says this top rate should rise to 39.6 percent, its level during Bill Clinton's presidency. Congressional Republicans say returning the top rate to that level would weaken the economy by discouraging job creation and hurting small businesses. Which ONE of the following four statements best describes your view of how this change in the top rate would affect the economy. It would not hurt the economy at all. It would hurt the economy somewhat. It would hurt the economy a lot. OR, It would actually HELP the economy by reducing the deficit."

		Not hurt at all	Hurt somewhat	Hurt a lot	Actually help	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%	%
	11/29 - 12/2/12	8	27	22	38	6

"I'm going to read you some government programs whose spending could be cut to help reduce the federal budget deficit. As I read each one, please tell me if you think spending should be cut back a lot, some, or not at all to help reduce the deficit. First/Next, what about [see below]?"

		A lot	Some	Not at all	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%

	"Social Security"
	11/29 - 12/2/12	3	19	77	2
	2/9-12/12	3	19	76	2

	"Medicare, the medical program for the elderly"
	11/29 - 12/2/12	3	17	79	1
	2/9-12/12	2	16	80	2

	"Food stamps and housing vouchers that go to low income families"
	11/29 - 12/2/12	13	37	49	2
	2/9-12/12	9	37	51	2

	"Medicaid for low income families"
	11/29 - 12/2/12	7	28	63	3
	2/9-12/12	5	28	65	2

	"Defense spending"
	11/29 - 12/2/12	17	47	33	3
	2/9-12/12	18	42	35	5

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Nov. 21-25, 2012. N=1,016 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.5.

"Overall, do you support or oppose raising taxes on incomes over 250 thousand dollars a year?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	ALL	60	37	3
	Democrats	73	26	1
	Republicans	39	59	2
	Independents	63	33	4

"Overall, do you support or oppose reducing deductions people can claim on their federal income taxes?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	11/21-25/12	44	49	8

"Overall, do you support or oppose raising the age for Medicare coverage from 65 to 67?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	11/21-25/12	30	67	3

CNN/ORC Poll. Nov. 16-18, 2012. N=1,023 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"As you may know, last year Congress and the President agreed to a program to reduce the federal deficit that some people call the 'fiscal cliff.' Unless Congress and the President reach an agreement within the next few weeks, tax rates will automatically rise in January for almost all Americans and major spending cuts will automatically occur next year in most government spending programs, including military programs. "If those automatic tax increases and spending cuts occur next year, do you think that would cause a crisis, major problems, minor problems, or no problems at all for the United States?"

		A crisis	Major problems	Minor problems	No problems	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	11/16-18/12	24	44	24	7	1

"And if those automatic tax increases and spending cuts occur next year, do you think that would affect your personal financial situation a great deal, some, not much, or not at all?"

		A great deal	Some	Not much	Not at all
		%	%	%	%
	11/16-18/12	38	39	16	6

"If you had to choose, would you rather see Congress and President Obama agree to a budget plan that only included cuts in government spending, or a budget plan that includes a combination of spending cuts and tax increases on higher-income Americans?"

		Spending cuts only	Spending cuts and tax increases	Other (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	11/16-18/12	29	67	1	3
	7/18-20/11	34	64	1	1

"What's your best guess? Do you think that in the upcoming discussions on this matter, elected officials in Washington will behave mostly like responsible adults or mostly like spoiled children?"

		Responsible adults	Spoiled children	Mixed/ Both (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	11/16-18/12	28	67	2	3

"Which of these statements comes closest to your view? Taxes on wealthy people should be kept low because they invest their money in the private sector and that helps the economy and creates jobs. Taxes on wealthy people should be kept high so the government can use their money for programs to help lower-income people." Options rotated

		Kept low	Kept high	Unsure
		%	%	%
	11/16-18/12	36	56	8
	8/5-7/11	34	62	5

USA Today/Gallup Poll. Nov. 9-12, 2012. N=1,009 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"As you may know, Congress can reduce the federal budget deficit by cutting spending, raising taxes, or a combination of the two. Ideally, how would you prefer to see Congress attempt to reduce the federal budget deficit: only with spending cuts, mostly with spending cuts, equally with spending cuts and tax increases, mostly with tax increases, or only with tax increases?" Options rotated

		11/9-12/12	7/7-10/11	4/20-23/11
		%	%	%
	Only spending cuts	10	20	20
	Mostly spending cuts	30	30	28
	Spending cuts, tax increases equally	45	32	37
	Mostly tax increases	8	7	9
	Only tax increases	3	4	2
	Other (vol.)	1	1	1
	Unsure	3	5	3

United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Oct. 12-14, 2012. N=1,006 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.7.

"As you may know, if Congress does not come up with a plan that passes by the end of this year it will trigger automatic cuts in government spending, including $600 billion each from defense and domestic programs. Do you think this is a good idea or a bad idea?"

		Good idea	Bad idea	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%
	10/12-14/12	17	64	19

"Many members of Congress have expressed concern that they cannot come up with a deficit deal between their return to Congress in mid-November and the end of the year. Do you think that Congress can get a deal in the time remaining, or that Congress should defer any deal until the new year after Congress and the president are sworn in?"

		Can get a deal in time remaining	Should defer deal	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%
	10/12-14/12	45	40	15

"When it comes to the federal budget deficit, would you like lawmakers who share your views to stand by their principles, even if that means the problems don't get dealt with, or be willing to compromise, even if that means a deal that includes things you don't like?"

		Stand by principles	Compromise	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%
	10/12-14/12	26	63	12

"If Congress fails to reach an agreement, who do you think would be most to blame: Republicans in Congress, President Obama, Democrats in Congress, or all parties equally?"

		Republicans in Congress	President Obama	Democrats in Congress	All parties equally	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%	%
	10/12-14/12	18	10	6	61	5

"Which one of the following possible outcomes of an agreement to reduce the deficit concerns you most? It will cut too much from government programs like Medicare and Social Security. It will raise taxes on people like you. It will allow for too much federal spending in the next few years. It will not meet its target for reducing the federal deficit and debt." Options rotated

		Cut too much from gov't programs	Raise taxes on people like you	Allow too much federal spending	Not meet its target	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%	%
	10/12-14/12	36	24	15	15	11
	11/17-20/11	38	23	12	17	10

"Congress has considered many proposals for reducing the deficit. As I read a list of ideas, please tell me if you think each one should be part of the final package that Congress considers to reduce the deficit, or not. First, how about [see below]? Do you think this should be part of the package to reduce the deficit, or not?" 11/11: "The super committee has considered many proposals for reducing the deficit. ..."

		Should be part	Should not be part	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%

	"Letting the Bush tax cuts expire for families earning at least $250,000 a year"
	10/12-14/12	55	36	8
	11/17-20/11	53	36	11

	"Reducing the value of itemized deductions for families earning at least $250,000 a year"
	10/12-14/12	58	33	9
	11/17-20/11	55	32	14

	"Raising the eligibility age for Medicare from 65 to 67"
	10/12-14/12	39	57	5
	11/17-20/11	35	62	3

	"Placing strict limits on how much Washington will spend on Medicaid and Medicare"
	10/12-14/12	43	49	8
	11/17-20/11	45	47	8

	"Freezing spending through the year 2019 on non-defense domestic programs such as education, parks and housing"
	10/12-14/12	35	57	8
	11/17-20/11	32	62	6

United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Sept. 7-9, 2012. N=1,012 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.7.

"What is more important: taking steps to reduce the budget deficit or keeping Social Security and Medicare benefits as they are?"

		Reduce deficit	Keep benefits as they are	Both equally (vol.)	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%
	9/7-9/12	34	51	10	5

"In 2009, Congress passed a 781 billion dollar stimulus program with money for roads, education, energy and other areas designed to revive the economy. Republicans have charged that it was a waste of money that didn't help the economy and added to the national debt, while supporters of this program say that it kept the economy from being in much worse shape and has helped the country in areas like energy independence. How much have you seen or heard about the stimulus program? Would you say a lot, a little, or nothing?"

		A lot	A little	Nothing	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%
	9/7-9/12	48	37	14	1

	Asked of those who have heard about the program: "From what you have seen or heard about the stimulus program do you think it was the right thing to do for the country or the wrong thing for the country?"

		Right thing	Wrong thing	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%
	9/7-9/12	55	36	9

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Aug. 22-25, 2012. N=1,002 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"Who do you think is more responsible for the country's current economic problems: Barack Obama or George W. Bush?" Options rotated

		Obama	Bush	Both (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	8/22-25/12	32	54	8	5	1
	5/17-20/12	34	49	8	7	3
	1/12-15/12	29	54	9	6	2

"What do you think is a better way for the government to try to create jobs: by cutting taxes, or by spending money on projects like roads, bridges and technology development?" Options rotated

		Cutting taxes	Spending on projects	Both (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	8/22-25/12	33	52	7	3	5

"What do you think is the bigger problem in this country: unfairness in the economic system that favors the wealthy, or over-regulation of the free market that interferes with growth and prosperity?" Options rotated

		Unfairness	Over- regulation	Both (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	8/22-25/12	56	34	5	1	3
	5/17-20/12	56	34	5	2	3
	4/5-8/12	52	37	4	2	5
	1/12-15/12	55	35	5	2	4

"As chairman of the House Budget Committee, [Paul] Ryan proposed a budget that would cut federal spending; cut taxes, including those paid by wealthy Americans and corporations; and restructure the Medicare and Medicaid insurance programs. Given what you know about this budget plan, would you say you support it strongly, support it somewhat, oppose it somewhat or oppose it strongly?"

		Support strongly	Support somewhat	Oppose somewhat	Oppose strongly	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	8/22-25/12	20	27	17	28	9

Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation Poll. July 25-Aug. 5, 2012. N=3,130 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 2.

"Which of these do you think is more important right now: increasing federal spending to try to create jobs and improve the economy; or avoiding a big increase in the federal budget deficit?" Options rotated

		Spending to improve the economy	Avoiding increasing the deficit	Unsure
		%	%	%
	7/25 - 8/5/12	48	48	4

"Thinking specifically about the JOB SITUATION in the country, please tell me whether each of the following would help, hurt, or not make much of a difference. . . ."

		Help	Hurt	Not much difference	Unsure
		%	%	%	%

	"Cutting personal income taxes"
	7/25 - 8/5/12	51	23	23	3

	"Cutting taxes on businesses"
	7/25 - 8/5/12	54	21	21	4

	"Budget cuts to reduce the federal deficit"
	7/25 - 8/5/12	53	22	20	5

	"Additional spending on roads, bridges, and other public works projects"
	7/25 - 8/5/12	63	13	22	1

	"Raising taxes on businesses that move manufacturing jobs overseas"
	7/25 - 8/5/12	54	32	12	2

"Please tell me if you would support or oppose each of the following to help reduce the nation's budget deficit. . . ."

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%

	"Raising taxes on households with incomes of 250 thousand dollars per year and higher"
	7/25 - 8/5/12	65	33	2

	"Raising taxes on the middle class"
	7/25 - 8/5/12	11	88	1

	"Reducing Social Security benefits" Half sample
	7/25 - 8/5/12	17	82	1

	"Reducing Social Security benefits for those with high incomes" Half sample
	7/25 - 8/5/12	57	39	3

	"Reducing Medicare benefits"
	7/25 - 8/5/12	21	77	2

	"Reducing Medicare benefits for those with high incomes" Half sample
	7/25 - 8/5/12	63	35	3

	"Reducing military spending"
	7/25 - 8/5/12	46	51	3

United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. July 19-22, 2012. N=1,001 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.8.

"Over the past few years, Washington leaders have tried to address the problem of high unemployment, without much success. Which ONE of the following do you think is the MAIN reason unemployment remains high? Neither Democrats nor Republicans in Washington have come up with any good ideas to reduce unemployment so far. There have been good ideas, but fighting between Democrats and Republicans has blocked needed government action. OR, There is not much Washington leaders can do to reduce unemployment through policy or legislation."

		No good ideas so far	Fighting has blocked action	Not much Washington can do	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	7/19-22/12	17	52	24	8
	10/13-16/11	16	54	21	9

CBS News/New York Times Poll. July 11-16, 2012. N=1,089 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"In general, would you be willing or not willing to have many of your local government services reduced if it meant you would pay significantly less in taxes?"

		Willing	Not willing	Depends (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	7/11-16/12	45	46	4	5

"Looking at your local public schools, would you be willing or not willing to have shorter school days or more crowded classrooms if it meant you would pay significantly less in taxes?"

		Willing	Not willing	Unsure
		%	%	%
	7/11-16/12	21	74	5

"Looking at your local fire department, would you be willing or not willing to have fewer firefighters and fire stations if it meant you would pay significantly less in taxes?"

		Willing	Not willing	Unsure
		%	%	%
	7/11-16/12	12	83	5

"Looking at your local police department, would you be willing or not willing to have fewer police officers and police precincts if it meant you would pay significantly less in taxes?"

		Willing	Not willing	Unsure
		%	%	%
	7/11-16/12	15	82	3

"What about less essential government services, such as libraries and parks? Would you be willing or not willing to have a reduction in these services if it meant you would pay significantly less in taxes?"

		Willing	Not willing	Unsure
		%	%	%
	7/11-16/12	30	66	4

Pew Research Center. July 12-15, 2012. N=1,015 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.6.

"How much, if anything, have you heard about the debate over whether to raise federal taxes on income over $250,000? Have you heard a lot, a little, or nothing at all?"

		A lot	A little	Nothing	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	7/12-15/12	35	39	26	1

"Do you think raising taxes on income over $250,000 would help the economy, hurt the economy, or not make a difference?"

		Help	Hurt	No difference	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	7/12-15/12	44	22	24	11

"Do you think raising taxes on income over $250,000 would make the tax system more fair make the tax system less fair, or not make a difference?"

		More fair	Less fair	No difference	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	7/12-15/12	44	21	25	10

"And just as far as you know, which presidential candidate supports raising taxes on income over $250,000: Obama, Romney, both, or neither?"

		Obama	Romney	Both	Neither	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	7/12-15/12	58	7	7	8	20

McClatchy-Marist Poll. July 9-11, 2012. N=849 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.5.

"Which statement comes closer to your view? Congress should extend the tax cuts only for the middle class, but not for the top 2%, that is, households earning $250,000 or more. Congress should extend the tax cuts for everyone, including the top 2%, that is, households earning $250,000 or more."

		Middle class	Everyone	Unsure
		%	%	%
	7/9-11/12	43	52	5

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). June 20-24, 2012. N=1,000 adults nationwide.

"When it comes to the effect of President Obama's policies in improving economic conditions, would you say his policies have helped or hurt economic conditions, or have they not made much of a difference one way or the other?" Half sample (Form B)

		Helped	Hurt	Not much difference	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	6/20-24/12	32	33	32	2
	4/13-17/12	36	33	30	1
	11/2-5/11	22	30	47	1
	8/27-31/11	23	37	39	1

Pew Research Center. June 7-17, 2012. N=2,013 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 2.5.

"If you were setting priorities for the federal government these days, would you place a higher priority on spending to help the economy recover, or a higher priority on reducing the budget deficit?" Options rotated

		Spending on recovery	Reducing the deficit	Unsure
		%	%	%
	6/7-11/12	48	47	5
	Republicans	30	66	4
	Democrats	62	33	5
	Independents	48	48	5

	9/22 - 10/4/11	47	48	5
	8/17-21/11	47	46	7
	6/15-19/11	42	52	6
	2/2-7/11	46	49	5

Reuters/Ipsos Poll conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs. June 7-11, 2012. N=1,099 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"Since the recession started in 2008, do you think the U.S. Congress has generally helped the U.S. economy recover OR done more harm than good to the economy?"

		Helped	More harm than good	Unsure
		%	%	%
	6/7-11/12	21	70	8

"Since the recession started in 2008, do you think President Obama has generally helped the U.S. economy recover OR done more harm than good to the economy?"

		Helped	More harm than good	Unsure
		%	%	%
	6/7-11/12	50	44	6

CBS News/New York Times Poll. April 13-17, 2012. N=957 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"Which do you think is the best way to promote economic growth in the U.S.? Lower taxes on individuals and businesses, and pay for those tax cuts by cutting spending on some government services and programs. OR, Spend more on education and the nation's infrastructure, and raise taxes on wealthy individuals and businesses to pay for that spending."

		Lower taxes/ Cut spending	Spend more/ Raise taxes	Depends/ Both (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	ALL	37	56	2	1	4
	Republicans	71	24	1	3	1
	Democrats	13	82	3	1	1
	Independents	34	57	3	1	5

CNN/ORC Poll. April 13-15, 2012. N=1,015 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"Would you favor or oppose a proposal to change the federal income tax rates so that people who make more than one million dollars a year will pay at least 30 percent of their income in taxes?" N=509 (Version A), margin of error ą 4.5

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	ALL	72	27	1
	Democrats	90	8	2
	Independents	69	30	-
	Republicans	53	46	1

"I'd like to know whether the following statement describes or does not describe the way you feel: The present tax system benefits the rich and is unfair to the ordinary working man or woman." N=506 (Version B), margin of error ą 4.5

		Describes	Does not describe	Unsure
		%	%	%
	ALL	68	29	4
	Democrats	84	15	1
	Independents	67	28	5
	Republicans	47	48	5

"Do you consider the amount of federal income tax you have to pay as too high, about right, or too low?"

		Too high	About right	Too low	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	ALL	45	50	3	2
	Democrats	41	54	3	2
	Independents	44	51	3	2
	Republicans	53	44	2	-

United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. April 12-15, 2012. N=1,002 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.6.

"Over the next year, what would you most like to see Congress and President Obama agree on? A plan to reduce the federal deficit and debt. A plan to create more jobs." Options rotated

		Reduce deficit, debt	Create more jobs	None/Other (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	4/12-15/12	31	64	2	4

Gallup Poll. April 9-12, 2012. N=1,016 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"Would you favor or oppose Congress passing a new law that would require households earning $1 million a year or more to pay a minimum of 30% of their income in taxes?"

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	ALL	60	37	3
	Republicans	43	54	2
	Independents	63	33	4
	Democrats	74	24	2

Fox News Poll conducted by Anderson Robbins Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R). April 9-11, 2012. N=910 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ą 3. 2010 & earlier: Conducted by Opinion Dynamics Corp.

"In general, do you think the taxes you pay are too high, about right or too low?"

		Too high	About right	Too low	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	4/9-11/12	54	43	3	1
	4/6-7/10	53	42	2	2
	4/6-7/04	51	44	1	4

"Would you agree to pay higher federal taxes if all of the money went toward paying down the national debt?"

		Yes	No	Unsure
		%	%	%
	4/9-11/12	37	60	4

"Do you believe your federal tax money is spent more carefully today than it was five years ago, less carefully, or is it being spent with about the same amount of care as before?"

		More	Less	About the same	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	4/9-11/12	15	53	29	2

University of Phoenix/National Journal Next America Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. April 5-11, 2012. N=1,308 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.6.

"Please tell me which ONE of the following two approaches by government you think would create more economic opportunity for people like you. Would it be better if government focuses on cutting taxes, reducing regulation of business, and helping people start their own businesses, OR if government focuses on investment in education and training, infrastructure projects like roads, and scientific research into areas like alternative energy?" Options rotated

		Cut taxes/ Reduce regulation/ Help start-ups	Invest in education, infrastructure, research	Unsure
		%	%	%
	ALL	44	50	6
	Non-Hispanic whites	44	48	7
	Non-Hispanic blacks	37	60	3
	Hispanics	46	51	3

United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. March 22-25, 2012. N=1,003 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.6.

"As you may know, Republicans in Congress have proposed using some of the revenue from oil drilling to pay for the nation's highways, including leasing and production fees from drilling rights. Do you strongly favor, somewhat favor, somewhat oppose or strongly oppose this idea?"

		Strongly favor	Somewhat favor	Somewhat oppose	Strongly oppose	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%	%
	3/22-25/12	16	39	17	15	12

McClatchy-Marist Poll. March 20-22, 2012. N=846 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.5.

"Do you think the current economic conditions are mostly something President Obama inherited or are they mostly a result of his own policies?"

		Inherited	His own policies	Unsure
		%	%	%
	3/20-22/12	58	37	5
	11/8-10/11	60	32	8
	9/13-14/11	60	34	6
	8/2-4/11	59	33	8
	6/15-23/11	61	31	9
	4/10-14/11	63	30	7
	1/6-10/11	63	25	12
	11/15-18/10	65	28	8
	6/17-24/10	62	28	10
	3/25-26 & 29/10	64	27	9
	2/1-3/10	62	29	9
	6/1-3/09	74	18	8
	4/21-23/09	80	14	6
	4/1-3/09	76	13	11

Fox News Poll conducted by Anderson Robbins Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R). March 10-12, 2012. N=912 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"Do you think the Obama administration has made the economy better or worse?"

		Better	Worse	No difference (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	3/10-12/12	44	42	10	3
	7/17-19/11	34	49	12	5

Bloomberg National Poll conducted by Selzer & Company. March 8-11, 2012. N=1,002 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.1.

"Which of the following approaches is more likely to be successful in growing the U.S. economy and creating jobs? Spending cuts and tax cuts will give businesses more confidence to hire. Government investments in infrastructure, education, and alternative energy will create jobs." Options rotated

		Spending cuts, tax cuts	Government investments	Unsure
		%	%	%
	3/8-11/12	41	51	8

"Do you think it is reasonable or unreasonable that managers of hedge funds and private equity partnerships pay lower than 15 percent on their share of profits, called carried interest, compared to the 35 percent rate imposed on regular wages?"

		Reasonable	Unreasonable	Unsure
		%	%	%
	3/8-11/12	17	68	15

Reuters/Ipsos Poll conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs. March 8-11, 2012. N=1,084 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.1.

"Do you support or oppose establishing a minimum tax rate of 30 percent on Americans making 1 million dollars a year or more -- also called the Buffett Rule?"

		Support	Oppose	Neither (vol.)	Both (vol.)/ Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	3/8-11/12	64	30	2	4

"Do you support or oppose tax reforms that would eliminate the homeowners' mortgage interest reduction if it meant that overall income tax rates could be lowered?"

		Support	Oppose	Neither (vol.)	Both (vol.)/ Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	3/8-11/12	57	30	4	9

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. March 7-10, 2012. N=1,003 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"Do you think Obama's economic program is making the economy better, making it worse, or having no real effect?"

		Better	Worse	No real effect	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	3/7-10/12	31	30	37	2
	8/29 - 9/1/11	17	34	47	2
	1/27 - 2/9/11	27	28	38	7
	1/13-16/11	35	24	39	2
	8/30 - 9/2/10	30	33	36	1
	4/22-25/10	39	26	32	2
	1/12-15/10	35	23	41	2
	10/15-18/09	41	22	35	2
	8/13-17/09	43	23	32	2

Budget, taxes, economic policy continued

HOME | TABLE OF CONTENTS | SEARCH THE SITECopyright Š 2021 POLLING REPORT, INC., and polling/sponsoring organizations