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     Budget, Taxes, Economic Policy  (p. 7)


 
 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. July 14-17, 2011. N=1,001 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way the Republicans in Congress are handling the federal budget deficit?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

7/14-17/11

27 68 5    
             

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way the Republicans in Congress are handling creating jobs?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

7/14-17/11

26 65 9    
             

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way the Republicans in Congress are handling taxes?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

7/14-17/11

31 65 4    
             

"As you may know, there is a debate in Washington right now about reducing the federal budget deficit and increasing the government's debt limit. Who do you trust more to handle this issue: Obama or the Republicans in Congress?" Options rotated

 
    Obama Republicans
in Congress
Both (vol.) Neither (vol.) Unsure
    % % % % %
 

7/14-17/11

48 39 1 10 3
             

"Who do you think cares more about protecting the economic interests of small businesses: Obama or the Republicans in Congress?" Options rotated

 
    Obama Republicans
in Congress
Both (vol.) Neither (vol.) Unsure
    % % % % %
 

7/14-17/11

48 39 2 8 3
             

"Who do you think cares more about protecting the economic interests of you and your family: Obama or the Republicans in Congress?" Options rotated

 
    Obama Republicans
in Congress
Both (vol.) Neither (vol.) Unsure
    % % % % %
 

7/14-17/11

47 37 2 12 2
             

"Who do you think cares more about protecting the economic interests of Wall Street financial institutions: Obama or the Republicans in Congress?" Options rotated

 
    Obama Republicans
in Congress
Both (vol.) Neither (vol.) Unsure
    % % % % %
 

7/14-17/11

26 59 4 4 7
             

"Who do you think cares more about protecting the economic interests of large business corporations: Obama or the Republicans in Congress?" Options rotated

 
    Obama Republicans
in Congress
Both (vol.) Neither (vol.) Unsure
    % % % % %
 

7/14-17/11

24 67 3 3 3
             

"Thinking about the economic challenges facing the country would you say the actions taken by the Obama administration made things better, made things worse, or had no effect?"

 
    Better Worse No effect Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

7/14-17/11

29 37 33 2  
             

"Thinking about the economic challenges facing the country would you say the actions taken by the Bush administration made things better, made things worse, or had no effect?"

 
    Better Worse No effect Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

7/14-17/11

16 57 24 3  
             

"Thinking about the economic challenges facing the country would you say the actions taken by the Republicans in Congress made things better, made things worse, or had no effect?"

 
    Better Worse No effect Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

7/14-17/11

16 39 42 3  

 

Quinnipiac University Poll. July 5-11, 2011. N=2,311 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.

             

"Who do you trust to do a better job handling the economy: President Obama or the Republicans in Congress?"

 
    President
Obama
Republicans
in Congress
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

7/5-11/11

45 38 17    
 

5/31 - 6/6/11

41 43 15    
 

5/2-3/11

46 37 17    
 

4/26 - 5/1/11

43 44 13    
 

2/21-28/11

45 45 10    
 

1/4-11/11

46 39 14    
 

11/8-15/10

42 45 14    
 

7/13-19/10

41 42 17    
 

5/19-24/10

45 36 19    
 

12/15-20/09

45 36 19    
 

7/27 - 8/3/09

47 36 17    
 

6/23-29/09

54 32 14    
 

4/21-27/09

54 27 18    
 

3/24-30/09

55 27 18    
 

2/25 - 3/2/09

56 26 18    
             

"What do you think is more important: reducing the federal budget deficit or reducing unemployment?" Split sample A

 
    Reducing
the deficit
Reducing
unemployment
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

7/5-11/11

32 62 7    
 

4/26 - 5/1/11

35 54 11    
 

1/4-11/11

31 63 6    
 

7/13-19/10

30 64 6    
 

2/2-8/10

23 71 6    
             

"What do you think is more important: reducing federal government spending, or reducing unemployment?" Split sample B

 
    Reducing
spending
Reducing
unemployment
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

7/5-11/11

43 49 8    
 

4/26 - 5/1/11

46 47 7    
             

"Who do you blame more for the current condition of the U.S. economy: former President George W. Bush or President Barack Obama?"

 
    George W.
Bush
Barack
Obama
Neither
(vol.)
Both (vol.) Unsure
    % % % % %
 

7/5-11/11

54 27 8 7 3
 

1/4-11/11

57 21 11 7 4
 

7/13-19/10

53 25 10 7 4
 

1/5-11/10

55 20 14 7 4
             

"As you may know, unless Congress and the President can agree to raise the federal debt limit soon, the government will not be able to borrow more money to fund its operations and pay its debts. If the limit is not raised, who do you think would mainly be responsible for this: the Obama Administration or the Republicans in Congress?"

 
    Obama
Administration
Republicans
in Congress
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

7/5-11/11

34 48 17    
             

"All things considered, which of these is your greater concern: that raising the debt limit would lead to higher government spending and make the national debt bigger, OR that not raising the debt limit would force the government into default and hurt the nation's economy?"

 
    Raising limit/
Bigger debt
Not raising/
Default
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

7/5-11/11

43 45 12    
             

"Do you think any agreement to raise the national debt ceiling should include only spending cuts, or should it also include an increase in taxes for the wealthy and corporations?"

 
    Spending
cuts only
Also a tax
increase
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

ALL

25 67 8    
 

Republicans

48 43 9    
 

Democrats

7 87 6    
 

Independents

26 66 8    

 

Gallup Poll. July 7-10, 2011. N=1,016 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

             

"How closely are you following the news about discussions to raise the U.S. debt ceiling, the maximum amount of money the U.S. government can borrow by law: very closely, somewhat closely, not too closely, or not at all?"

 
    Very
closely
Somewhat
closely
Not too
closely
Not
at all
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

7/7-10/11

22 36 24 18 -
 

5/5-8/11

23 34 23 19 1
             

"From what you know or have read about the discussion of raising the debt ceiling, would you want your member of Congress to vote in favor of raising the debt ceiling, vote against raising the debt ceiling, or don't you know enough to say?"

 
    Vote
in favor
Vote
against
Don't know
enough
   
    % % %    
 

7/7-10/11

22 42 35    
 

5/5-8/11

19 47 34    
             

"Who do you trust more to handle the issues concerning the federal budget deficit and the federal debt ceiling: President Obama or the Republican leaders in Congress?" Options rotated

 
    President
Obama
Republican
leaders
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

7/7-10/11

43 46 11    

 

Fox News Poll conducted by Anderson Robbins Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R). June 26-28, 2011. N=912 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Would you favor or oppose a balanced budget amendment -- that is, an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would require the federal government to produce a balanced budget?"

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

6/26-28/11

72 20 9    
             

"Would you favor or oppose a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution if it meant major spending cuts to entitlement programs like Medicare and Social Security?"

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

6/26-28/11

31 63 6    
             

"Would you favor or oppose a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution if it meant major tax increases for every American?"

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

6/26-28/11

34 62 4    

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. June 24-28, 2011. N=979 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Who do you think is mostly to blame for the current state of the nation's economy: the Bush administration, the Obama administration, Wall Street and financial institutions, Congress, or someone else?"

 
      6/24-28/11 3/18-21/11 10/21-26/10 9/10-14/10
      % % % %
 

Bush administration

26 28 30 37
 

Wall Street, financial institutions

25 22 22 21
 

Congress

11 10 13 11
 

Obama administration

8 7 8 5
 

Someone else

8 7 8 8
 

All of the above (vol.)

7 7 7 4
 

Combination (vol.)

12 14 11 11
 

Unsure

3 5 1 3
             
 
      4/5-12/10 2/5-10/10 7/24-28/09 4/1-5/09
      % % % %
 

Bush administration

32 31 30 33
 

Wall Street, financial institutions

22 23 29 21
 

Congress

10 13 12 11
 

Obama administration

4 7 4 2
 

Someone else

7 5 7 8
 

All of the above (vol.)

9 9 6 7
 

Combination (vol.)

13 10 11 14
 

Unsure

3 2 1 4
             

"Do you think the government should extend unemployment benefits for people who are currently out of work, even if it means increasing the budget deficit, or shouldn't it do that?"

 
    Should Should not Depends
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

ALL

47 44 5 4  
 

Republicans

31 64 4 1  
 

Democrats

64 28 5 3  
 

Independents

45 45 5 5  
             

"Which comes closer to your own view? The federal government should spend money to create jobs, even if it means it has to borrow the money to do so. OR, The federal government should not spend money to create jobs and should instead focus on lowering the country's debt."

 
    Spend to
create jobs
Lower
country's debt
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

ALL

42 52 6    
 

Republicans

20 75 5    
 

Democrats

61 34 5    
 

Independents

40 52 8    
             

"Regardless of how you usually vote, do you think the Republican Party or the Democratic Party is more likely to ensure a strong economy?"

 
    Republican
Party
Democratic
Party
Both (vol.) Neither (vol.) Unsure
    % % % % %
 

6/24-28/11

35 39 3 12 11
 

2/5-10/10

42 37 4 8 9
             

"Regardless of how you usually vote, do you think the Republican Party or the Democratic Party is more likely to make the right decisions about the nation's housing and mortgage situation?"

 
    Republican
Party
Democratic
Party
Both (vol.) Neither (vol.) Unsure
    % % % % %
 

6/24-28/11

37 38 2 10 13

 

AP-GfK Poll conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate Communications. June 16-20, 2011. N=1,001 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.1.

             

"Overall, please tell me whether you approve, disapprove, or neither approve nor disapprove of the way the Democrats in Congress are handling the federal budget deficit?" If neither: "If you had to choose, do you lean more toward approving or disapproving of the way the Democrats in Congress are handling the federal budget deficit?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Neither Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

6/16-20/11

30 67 1 1  
 

3/24-28/11

35 62 1 1  
             

"Overall, please tell me whether you approve, disapprove, or neither approve nor disapprove of the way the Republicans in Congress are handling the federal budget deficit?" If neither: "If you had to choose, do you lean more toward approving or disapproving of the way the Republicans in Congress are handling the federal budget deficit?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Neither Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

6/16-20/11

28 69 1 2  
 

3/24-28/11

31 68 1 1  
             

"How worried are you that increasing federal debt will harm the financial future of your children and grandchildren . . . ?"

 
    Very
worried
Somewhat
worried
Not too
worried
Not at all
worried
 
    % % % %  
 

6/16-20/11

55 26 10 8  

 

Pew Research Center/Washington Post. June 16-19, 2011. N=1,003 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

             

"As you may know, unless Congress and the president can agree to raise the federal debt limit soon, the government will not be able to borrow more money to fund its operations and pay its debts. If the limit is not raised, who do you think would mainly be responsible for this: the Obama Administration or the Republicans in Congress?" Options rotated

 
    Obama
Administration
Republicans
in Congress
Both (vol.) Neither (vol.) Unsure
    % % % % %
 

6/16-19/11

33 42 13 4 7

 

CBS News Poll. June 3-7, 2011. N=1,024 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Do you think significant spending cuts need to be part of any agreement on the debt ceiling, or is the debt ceiling issue so serious that it needs to be addressed on its own?"

 
    Spending
cuts needed
Addressed
on its own
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

6/3-7/11

35 56 9    
             

"In the next few months, do you think the federal debt ceiling probably will or probably will not be raised?"

 
    Probably
will
Probably
will not
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

6/3-7/11

68 23 9    
             

"Do you think the debate in Washington concerning the federal debt ceiling is mostly about honest disagreements over economic policy or is it mostly about political gain?"

 
    Economy
policy
Political
gain
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

6/3-7/11

8 85 7    

 

Pew Research Center/Washington Post. May 19-22, 2011. N=1,004 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

             

"How well do you feel you understand what would happen if the government DOES NOT raise the federal debt limit: very well, fairly well, not too well, or not at all well?"

 
    Very well Fairly well Not too
well
Not at
all well
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

5/19-22/11

18 32 26 21 3
             

"How concerned, if at all, are you that raising the debt limit would lead to higher government spending and make the national debt bigger: very concerned, somewhat concerned, not too concerned, or not at all concerned?"

 
    Very
concerned
Somewhat
concerned
Not too
concerned
Not at all
concerned
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

5/19-22/11

47 30 10 10 2
             

"How concerned, if at all, are you that not raising the debt limit would force the government into default and hurt the nation's economy: very concerned, somewhat concerned, not too concerned, or not at all concerned?"

 
    Very
concerned
Somewhat
concerned
Not too
concerned
Not at all
concerned
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

5/19-22/11

37 36 13 10 4
             

"All things considered, which of these is your greater concern: that raising the debt limit would lead to higher government spending and make the national debt bigger, OR that not raising the debt limit would force the government into default and hurt the nation's economy?"

 
    Raising:
Higher
spending,
bigger debt
Not raising:
Default, hurt
economy
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

5/19-22/11

48 35 17    

 

Fox News Poll conducted by Anderson Robbins Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R). May 15-17, 2011. N=910 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Who would you trust more to deal with the federal budget deficit: a president who is a Democrat or a president who is a Republican?" Options rotated

 
    Democrat Republican Both (vol.) Neither (vol.) Unsure
    % % % % %
 

5/15-17/11

44 35 3 11 7
             

"Let's say you had to balance the federal budget by cutting money from national security and defense, OR from Social Security and Medicare. Which would you choose?" Options rotated

 
    National
security,
defense
Social
Security,
Medicare
Both (vol.) Neither (vol.) Unsure
    % % % % %
 

5/15-17/11

54 22 6 14 4

 

George Washington University/Politico Battleground Poll conducted by the Tarrance Group (R) and Lake Research Partners (D). May 8-12, 2011. N=1,000 likely voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"Now, thinking about the federal government and fiscal policy: As you may know, the federal government has a limit on how much debt it can incur. The Treasury Secretary estimates that this limit will be reached in August. Exceeding this limit requires a vote of approval from Congress. If Congress does not approve an increase in this limit, the U.S. could default on its debts and be unable to pay its creditors. Which of the following best describes the implications you believe will occur if Congress does NOT vote to raise the debt limit? It will be disastrous to the U.S. economy. OR, It will not have a serious impact on the U.S. economy." Options rotated

 
    Disastrous Not a serious
impact
Combination
(vol.)
Neither (vol.) Unsure/
Refused
    % % % % %
 

5/8-12/11

56 32 1 2 8

 

AP-GfK Poll conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate Communications. May 5-9, 2011. N=1,001 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.2.

             

"Do you think it is possible for the federal government to balance its budget without cutting spending on Medicare, or do you think spending on Medicare will have to be cut?"

 
    Cuts are not
necessary
Cuts are
necessary
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

5/5-9/11

54 44 2    
             

"Do you think it is possible for the federal government to balance its budget without cutting spending on Social Security, or do you think spending on Social Security will have to be cut?"

 
    Cuts are not
necessary
Cuts are
necessary
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

5/5-9/11

59 39 2    

 

Quinnipiac University Poll. May 2-3, 2011. N=834 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.4.

             

"Who do you trust to do a better job handling the economy: President Obama or the Republicans in Congress?"

 
    President
Obama
Republicans
in Congress
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

5/2-3/11

46 37 17    
 

4/26 - 5/1/11

43 44 13    
 

2/21-28/11

45 45 10    
 

1/4-11/11

46 39 14    
 

11/8-15/10

42 45 14    
 

7/13-19/10

41 42 17    
 

5/19-24/10

45 36 19    
 

12/15-20/09

45 36 19    
 

7/27 - 8/3/09

47 36 17    
 

6/23-29/09

54 32 14    
 

4/21-27/09

54 27 18    
 

3/24-30/09

55 27 18    
 

2/25 - 3/2/09

56 26 18    
             

"Who do you trust to do a better job handling the federal budget deficit: President Obama or the Republicans in Congress?"
2/11: "Who do you trust to do a better job handling the budget deficit, President Obama or the Republicans in Congress?"

 
    President
Obama
Republicans
in Congress
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

5/2-3/11

42 44 14    
 

4/26 - 5/1/11

42 46 11    
 

2/21-28/11

43 46 11    

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. April 29-May 1, 2011. N=1,034 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"When it comes to dealing with the tough choices involved both in cutting programs to reduce the budget deficit and still maintaining needed federal programs, whose approach do you prefer: the Republicans in Congress or President Obama's?"

 
    Republicans' Obama's Neither (vol.) Both (vol.) Unsure
    % % % % %
 

4/29 - 5/1/11

42 50 6 1 1
 

4/9-10/11

43 48 7 1 1
 

3/18-20/11

45 46 7 1 1
 

3/11-13/11

47 43 6 1 3
 

1/14-16/11

43 46 6 2 3
             

"When it comes to dealing with Medicare, whose approach do you prefer: the Republicans in Congress or President Obama's?"

 
    Republicans' Obama's Neither (vol.) Both (vol.) Unsure
    % % % % %
 

4/29 - 5/1/11

40 49 7 1 3
             

"As you may know, there is a limit to the amount of money the government can owe that is sometimes called the 'debt ceiling.' The government will reach that limit sometime this summer and unless a bill is passed that would raise the debt ceiling, the government will not have enough money to pay all of its bills and other financial obligations. Would you favor or oppose a bill that would raise the debt ceiling?"

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/29 - 5/1/11

37 60 4    

 

The Washington Post/Pew Research Center. April 21-22 & 25, 2011. N=1,001 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

             

"Which of these statements do you think best describes the federal budget deficit? It is a major problem that the country must address now. It is a major problem that should be addressed when the economy is better. It is not much of a problem for the country."

 
    Must
address now
Address when
the economy
is better
Not much of
a problem
Unsure/
Refused
 
    % % % %  
 

4/21-22 & 25/11

81 14 1 4  
 

12/1-5/10

70 23 1 5  

 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. April 20-23, 2011. N=1,013 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

             

"Do you think the Republicans in Congress or the Democrats in Congress would do a better job of dealing with each of the following issues and problems? How about the federal budget?"

 
    Republicans Democrats No difference
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/20-23/11

48 36 9 6  
             

"Which do you think is the better long-term plan for dealing with the federal budget deficit: the Republican plan put forth by Congressman Paul Ryan or the Democratic plan put forth by President Barack Obama?" Options rotated

 
    Republican
plan
Democratic
plan
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/20-23/11

43 44 14    
             

"Are you worried or not worried that the Democratic plan for reducing the federal budget deficit in the long-term would . . . ?"

 
    Worried Not worried Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"Not go far enough to fix the problem"

 

4/20-23/11

71 24 4    
             
 

"Use the deficit as an excuse to raise taxes"

 

4/20-23/11

62 36 2    
             
 

"Cut defense spending too much"

 

4/20-23/11

49 48 3    
             

"Are you worried or not worried that the Republican plan for reducing the federal budget deficit in the long-term would . . . ?"

 
    Worried Not worried Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"Cut Medicare too much"

 

4/20-23/11

66 31 3    
             
 

"Cut Social Security too much"

 

4/20-23/11

65 33 2    
             
 

"Take away needed protections for the poor and disadvantaged"

 

4/20-23/11

64 34 2    
             
 

"Protect the rich at the expense of everyone else"

 

4/20-23/11

64 35 2    

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. April 14-17, 2011. N=1,001 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"Who do you trust to do a better job protecting the middle class: Obama or the Republicans in Congress?" Options rotated
1/11 & earlier: "Who do you trust to do a better job helping the middle class: Obama or the Republicans in Congress?"

 
    Obama Republicans
in Congress
Both (vol.) Neither (vol.) Unsure
    % % % % %
 

4/14-17/11

51 39 1 8 1
 

1/13-16/11

51 37 1 8 3
 

12/9-12/10

53 38 1 6 2
             

"Obama, the Democrats in Congress and the Republicans in Congress agreed last week to cut about 38 billion dollars from the federal budget, avoiding a partial shutdown of the federal government. Given what you've heard or read about it, do you support or oppose this budget agreement?"

 
    Support Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/14-17/11

59 33 7    
             

"The national debt is the total amount of money the U.S. government owes to its bondholders and to some programs, such as Social Security. Who do you trust more to handle the national debt: Obama or the Republicans in Congress?" Options rotated

 
    Obama Republicans
in Congress
Both (vol.) Neither (vol.) Unsure
    % % % % %
 

4/14-17/11

42 46 1 9 2
             

"In order to reduce the national debt, would you support or oppose . . . ?"

 
    Support Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"Raising taxes on Americans with incomes over 250 thousand dollars a year"

 

4/14-17/11

72 27 1    
             
 

"Cutting military spending"

 

4/14-17/11

42 56 2    
             
 

"Cutting spending on Medicaid, which is the government health insurance program for the poor"

 

4/14-17/11

30 69 2    
             
 

"Cutting spending on Medicare, which is the government health insurance program for the elderly"

 

4/14-17/11

21 78 1    
             

"Say the national debt could be reduced significantly by raising taxes on all Americans by a small percentage and making small reductions in Medicare and Social Security benefits. Is this something you would support or oppose?"

 
    Support Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/14-17/11

45 53 2    

 

McClatchy-Marist Poll. April 10-14, 2011. N=555 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.5.

             

"Do you support or oppose doing each of the following to deal with the federal budget deficit? . . ."

 
    Support Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"Increase taxes on income over 250,000 dollars"

 

4/10-14/11

64 33 3    
             
 

"Reduce military spending"

 

4/10-14/11

44 54 2    
             
 

"Raise the federal debt ceiling"

 

4/10-14/11

24 69 7    
             
 

"Cut Medicare and Medicaid"

 

4/10-14/11

18 80 2    

 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. April 13, 2011. N=1,004 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4. Interviews conducted as part of Gallup Daily tracking.

             

"Next, we'd like to ask you about federal income taxes. Would you favor or oppose eliminating each of the following tax deductions as part of a plan to lower the overall federal income tax rate? How about . . . ?" N=491 (Form C), MoE ± 5

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"Eliminating the deduction on home mortgage interest"

 

4/13/11

31 61 9    
             
 

"Eliminating the deduction for state and local taxes"

 

4/13/11

30 62 8    
             
 

"Eliminating the deduction for contributions to charities"

 

4/13/11

26 71 3    
             

"Next, we'd like to ask you about federal income taxes. Would you favor or oppose eliminating each of the following tax deductions as part of a plan to reduce the federal budget deficit? How about . . . ?" N=513 (Form D), MoE ± 5

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"Eliminating the deduction for state and local taxes"

 

4/13/11

33 58 8    
             
 

"Eliminating the deduction on home mortgage interest"

 

4/13/11

33 60 7    
             
 

"Eliminating the deduction for contributions to charities"

 

4/13/11

29 68 4    
             

"Please tell me whether you, personally, claim each of the following deductions on your federal income tax return. How about . . . ?"

 
    Yes, claim No, do
not claim
Do not pay
taxes (vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 
 

"The deduction for state and local taxes"

 

4/13/11

58 32 4 6  
             
 

"The deduction for contributions to charities"

 

4/13/11

51 44 3 2  
             
 

"The deduction on home mortgage interest"

 

4/13/11

43 52 3 2  

 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. April 11, 2011. N=1,004 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4. Interviews conducted as part of Gallup Daily tracking.

             

"As you may know, Democratic and Republican leaders reached an agreement late Friday night on the federal budget, avoiding a federal government shutdown. Overall, do you approve or disapprove of that agreement?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/11/11

62 25 13    
             

"Based on what you have heard or read about the budget agreement, do you think it was a victory for the Democrats, a victory for the Republicans, a victory for both sides, or not a victory for either side?"

 
    Democrats Republicans Both sides Neither side Unsure
    % % % % %
 

4/11/11

5 8 20 56 12
             

"Now looking ahead to next year's federal budget, do you think it should or should not include higher taxes for families with household incomes of $250,000 and above?"

 
    Should Should not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/11/11

59 37 4    
             

"Now looking ahead to next year's federal budget, do you think it should or should not include significant additional cuts in spending on domestic programs?"

 
    Should Should not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/11/11

45 47 8    
             

"Do you think the government should completely overhaul Medicare to control the cost of the program, make major changes to Medicare but not completely overhaul it, make minor changes to Medicare, or should the government not try to control the costs of Medicare?"

 
    Completely
overhaul
Make major
changes
Make minor
changes
Not try to
control costs
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

4/11/11

13 18 34 27 8

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. April 9-10, 2011. N=824 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"As you may know, an agreement between the Republicans and Democrats in Congress and Barack Obama prevented the federal government from shutting down all non-essential services. Based on what you have read or heard, do you approve or disapprove of that budget agreement?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

ALL

58 38 5    
 

Democrats

66 28 5    
 

Independents

56 39 5    
 

Republicans

47 49 5    
             

"If a government shutdown had occurred, would you have personally viewed it as a crisis, as a major problem, as a minor problem, or as not a problem at all?"

 
    Crisis Major
problem
Minor
problem
Not a
problem
 
    % % % %  
 

4/9-10/11

24 39 24 13  
             

"Who do you think is more responsible for the budget agreement that prevented the government shutdown? Do you think Barack Obama and the Democrats in Congress are more responsible for that agreement, or do you think the Republicans in Congress are more responsible for that agreement?"

 
    Obama and
Democrats
Republicans Both
equally (vol.)
Neither
(vol.)
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

4/9-10/11

48 35 11 3 3
             

"Next, please tell me whether you approve or disapprove of the way each of the following has handled the budget negotiations in Washington over the past few days. . . ."

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

"Barack Obama"

 

4/9-10/11

54 45 2    
             
 

"The Republican leaders in Congress"

 

4/9-10/11

44 54 1    
             
 

"The Democratic leaders in Congress"

 

4/9-10/11

44 54 2    
             

"In your view, did the Republicans in Congress give up too much in the budget agreement, or don't you think so?"

 
    Gave up
too much
Did not give
up too much
Should have
given up
more (vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/9-10/11

25 67 3 5  
             

"In your view, did Barack Obama and the Democrats in Congress give up too much in the budget agreement, or don't you think so?"

 
    Gave up
too much
Did not give
up too much
Should have
given up
more (vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/9-10/11

18 76 2 4  
             

"As you may know, a bill has been passed which will fund all government actions until Thursday. In order to make sure the government is funded until the end of the fiscal year, Congress will have to pass a different bill and President Obama will have to sign that bill into law. Based on what you have read or heard about that bill, do you think it should or should not become law?"

 
    Should Should not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/9-10/11

47 35 18    
             

"The events of the past few days have dealt with this year's budget, but during that time Republican leaders in Congress also announced their proposals for the federal budget for next year and beyond. Here are a few questions specifically about that budget. In your view, do current Republican proposals to cut spending go too far, or not?"

 
    Too far Not too far Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/9-10/11

47 51 2    
             

"Do Republican proposals to cut spending apply fairly to all groups in society, or do they unfairly favor some groups more than others?"

 
    Fair Unfair Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/9-10/11

29 68 2    
             

"As far as you know, would the current Republican proposals to cut spending affect you or someone in your immediate family, or would they only affect other people?"

 
    You, family Only other
people
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/9-10/11

69 28 2    
             

"Are you very angry about the amount of federal income taxes you or your family paid last year, or fairly angry, or fairly satisfied, or very satisfied -- or don't you have any particular feeling one way or the other about the amount of federal income taxes you or your family paid last year?"

 
    Very angry Fairly angry Fairly
satisfied
Very
satisfied
No feeling
    % % % % %
 

4/9-10/11

17 23 31 7 21
 

4/9-11/10

15 25 29 7 24
             

"Do you think that people in the government waste a lot of money we pay in taxes, waste some of it, or don't waste very much of it?"

 
    A lot Some Not very much Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/9-10/11

73 23 4 1  
 

4/9-11/10

74 23 3 -  

 

Gallup Poll. April 5, 2011. N=1,014 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4. Interviews conducted as part of Gallup Daily tracking.

             

"Who do you think is doing the better job in the current efforts to agree on a new federal budget: Barack Obama and the Democrats in Congress or the Republicans in Congress?" Options rotated

 
    Obama/
Democrats
Republicans Both
equally (vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/5/11

41 34 5 20  
 

2/22/11

39 42 3 16  
             

"Do you think the budget proposals being made by Barack Obama and the Democrats in Congress go too far in cutting federal spending, are about right, or do not go far enough in cutting federal spending?" Options rotated

 
    Go too far Are about
right
Do not go
far enough
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/5/11

15 26 45 14  
 

2/22/11

13 29 48 10  
             

"Do you think the budget proposals being made by the Republicans in Congress go too far in cutting federal spending, are about right, or do not go far enough in cutting federal spending?" Options rotated

 
    Go too far Are about
right
Do not go
far enough
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/5/11

32 22 30 15  
 

2/22/11

25 25 37 13  
             

"As you may know, if the Republicans in Congress and President Obama do not agree on federal spending goals by April 8, the federal government will have to shut down all of its nonessential services until a budget is passed. What would you like the people in government who represent your views on the budget to do in this situation? Should they hold out for the basic budget plan they want, even if that means the government shuts down, or should they agree to a compromise budget plan, even if that means they pass a budget you disagree with?" Options rotated.
2/11: "As you may know, if the Republicans in Congress and President Obama do not agree on federal spending goals by March 4 . . . ."

 
    Hold out Compromise Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/5/11

33 58 9    
 

2/22/11

32 60 8    

 

Fox News Poll conducted by Anderson Robbins Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R). April 3-5, 2011. N=914 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Do you feel like you pay more than your fair share in taxes, less than your fair share, or do you feel the amount of taxes you pay is pretty close to your fair share?"

 
    More than
fair share
Less than
fair share
Pretty close
to fair share
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/3-5/11

43 3 52 2  
             

"Do you believe your 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
carefully
Less
carefully
Same amount
of care
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/3-5/11

14 49 34 3  
             

"Thinking about all the things the government does and all the services you use that are paid for with your taxpayer dollars, do you feel like you personally are getting a good or bad deal for the taxes you pay?"

 
    A good deal A bad deal A fair deal
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/3-5/11

29 60 6 4  

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). March 31-April 4, 2011. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"Let me read you a number of decisions that President Obama and his administration have made in the past few months. For each tell me if you strongly approve, somewhat approve, somewhat disapprove, or strongly disapprove. Proposing a budget freeze on federal spending for domestic programs."

 
    Strongly
approve
Somewhat
approve
Somewhat
disapprove
Strongly
disapprove
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

3/31 - 4/4/11

25 33 20 17 5
             

"Now, thinking about the recent debate over the federal budget: Do you want Democratic leaders in the House and Senate to make compromises to gain consensus on the current budget debate, or do you want them stick to their positions even if this means not being able to gain consensus on the budget?" Asked of Democrats and independents

 
    Make
compromises
Stick to their
positions
Depends
(vol.)
Neither
(vol.)
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

Democrats

68 26 1 - 5
 

Independents

76 18 1 1 4
             

"Now, thinking about the recent debate over the federal budget: Do you want Republican leaders in the House and Senate to make compromises to gain consensus on current budget debate, or do you want them stick to their positions even if this means not being able to gain consensus on the budget?" Asked of Republicans and independents

 
    Make
compromises
Stick to their
positions
Depends
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

Republicans

38 56 1 5  
 

Independents

66 30 - 4  
             

"Do you think the budget disagreement between President Obama and Democrats in Congress with Republicans in Congress will lead to a major shutdown of the federal government, or do you think they will reach an agreement in time to avoid a shutdown?"

 
    Will lead to
a major
shutdown
They will
avoid a
shutdown
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

3/31 - 4/4/11

19 76 5    
 

2/24-28/11

25 71 4    
             

"And, if the budget disagreement should lead to a major shutdown of the federal government, in your view, who will be more to blame for this: President Obama, the Democrats in Congress or the Republicans in Congress?" Options rotated

 
    Obama Democrats
in Congress
Republicans
in Congress
Obama and
Democrats
(vol.)
All (vol.)/
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

3/31 - 4/4/11

20 20 37 2 21
             

"Is there a particular type of budget cut that is so unacceptable to you personally that you would prefer to have a budget stalemate and federal government shutdown rather than make this cut, or is there no type of cut that you feel this way about, and you would prefer to make the necessary compromises to keep the federal government running?"

 
    Would prefer
shutdown to a
particular cut
Would prefer
necessary
compromises
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

3/31 - 4/4/11

32 61 7    
             

"Do you favor or oppose a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution?"

 
    Favor Oppose Depends
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

3/31 - 4/4/11

61 28 2 9  
 

1/95

71 16 4 9  
 

12/94

68 19 3 10  
             

"Would you favor or oppose a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution if that would require a twenty percent cut in spending on entitlement programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans benefits?"

 
    Favor Oppose Depends
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

3/31 - 4/4/11

27 69 1 3  
 

1/95

28 65 3 4  
 

12/94

33 61 3 3  
             

"Now, talking a moment about something called the federal debt ceiling: The federal debt ceiling acts as a check and limit on the country's overall liabilities, including the federal deficit and other debts. When the U.S. Treasury needs to issue debt above the ceiling, Congress needs to vote to raise the ceiling. Congress is again currently considering whether and how much to extend the debt ceiling. Do you think Congress should or should not raise the debt ceiling? If you don't know enough to have an opinion, please just say so."

 
    Should raise Should not
raise
Don't know
enough
   
    % % %    
 

3/31 - 4/4/11

16 46 38    
             

"And, thinking some more about the debt ceiling: Now, I'm going to read you two statements about the debt ceiling and please tell me which comes closer to your point of view. Some people say raise the debt ceiling because otherwise the government will be unable to pay the nation's bills, including making payments to people who participate in various government programs, government workers cannot be paid, and the government will default on its current debt payments; while other people say do not raise the debt ceiling because doing so will make it harder to get the government's financial house in order, will increase the U.S. debt that is held by other countries, and will increase the debt that will be passed on to the next generation." Options rotated

 
    Raise the
debt ceiling
Do not raise
the debt
ceiling
Mixed (vol.) Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

3/31 - 4/4/11

32 62 1 5  

 

Washington Post Poll. March 31-April 3, 2011. N=1,008 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"If the federal government shuts down because Republicans and the Obama administration can't agree on a budget, who do you think would be more to blame: Republicans or the Obama administration?" Options rotated. 2/11: Co-sponsored by Pew Research Center.

 
    Republicans Obama
administration
Both
equally (vol.)
Neither
(vol.)
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

3/31 - 4/3/11

37 37 15 2 9
 

2/24-27/11

36 35 17 1 10
             

"Do you think the Obama administration is honestly trying to resolve the budget issue, or is it just playing politics?"

 
    Trying to
resolve
Playing
politics
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

3/31 - 4/3/11

43 51 6    
             

"Do you think the Republicans in Congress are honestly trying to resolve the budget issue, or are they just playing politics?"

 
    Trying to
resolve
Playing
politics
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

3/31 - 4/3/11

31 62 7    

 

Pew Research Center. March 30-April 3, 2011. N=1,507 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"If there is not a budget agreement by the end of next week the federal government will have to shut down nonessential services until a budget is passed. What would you like lawmakers who share your views on this issue to do? Should they stand by their principles, even if that means the government shuts down, OR, should they be more willing to compromise, even if that means they pass a budget you disagree with?" Options rotated

 
    Stand by
their
principles
Be more
willing to
compromise
Unsure/
Refused
   
    % % %    
 

ALL

36 55 10    
 

Republicans

50 43 7    
 

Independents

38 53 8    
 

Democrats

21 69 10    
             

"If the federal government shuts down because Republicans and the Obama administration can't agree on a budget, who do you think would be more to blame: Republicans or the Obama administration?" Options rotated. 2/11: Co-sponsored by The Washington Post.

 
    Republicans Obama
administration
Both
equally (vol.)
Neither
(vol.)
Unsure/
Refused
    % % % % %
 

3/30 - 4/3/11

39 36 16 2 7
 

2/24-27/11

36 35 17 1 10

Budget, taxes, economic policy continued


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