Budget/Taxes (9)

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Budget, Taxes, Economic Policy (p. 9)

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Dec. 17-19, 2010. N=1,008 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"People all have different concerns about what's going on in the world these days, but you can't worry about everything all the time. Will you please tell me for each of the following whether right now this is something that worries you personally a lot, a little, or not at all? The size of the federal deficit."

		A lot	A little	Not at all
		%	%	%
	12/17-19/10	68	25	7

"Turning to the federal budget deficit, do you think reducing the budget deficit should be the main goal of government today, should be a very important goal of government, is a problem but not among the most important problems, or is not a problem?"

		Main goal	Very important	A problem, but not most important	Not a problem	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/17-19/10	22	46	28	4	1

"Congress has passed and President Obama has signed into law a bill that would extend tax cuts for all Americans, reduce the estate tax, extend unemployment benefits, and reduce the Social Security tax that workers pay. Taking into account all of those provisions, do you favor or oppose that bill?"

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/17-19/10	75	23	2

"Now let me describe to you some of the specific provisions in that bill and ask how you feel about each one. Please tell me whether your favor or oppose each of the following. . . ."

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%

	"A two-year extension of tax cuts for families who make less than 250 thousand dollars a year"
	12/17-19/10	89	11	-

	"An extension of unemployment benefits for workers who lose their jobs"
	12/17-19/10	76	22	1

	"A one-year reduction in the Social Security tax that workers pay"
	12/17-19/10	62	36	2

	"An increase in the federal deficit in order to pay for all of those provisions"
	12/17-19/10	41	57	2

	"A reduction in the tax paid by the heirs of some wealthy Americans when they die"
	12/17-19/10	39	59	2

	"A two-year extension of tax cuts for families who make more than 250 thousand dollars a year"
	12/17-19/10	37	62	-

"From what you know of that legislation, do you think you and your family will be better off, worse off or about the same now that the bill has passed?"

		Better off	Worse off	About the same	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/17-19/10	23	12	65	1

"And from what you know of that legislation, do you think the country will be better off, worse off or about the same now that the bill has passed?"

		Better off	Worse off	About the same	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/17-19/10	37	18	45	1

"Do you think that bill does too much for wealthy Americans, does about the right amount, or does not do enough for wealthy Americans?"

		Too much	About right	Not enough	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/17-19/10	56	35	9	1

"Do you think that bill does too much for middle-class Americans, does about the right amount, or does not do enough for middle-class Americans?"

		Too much	About right	Not enough	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/17-19/10	4	49	47	1

"As you may know, on a regular basis, Congress must pass bills that authorize the federal government to spend money. When that legislation expires, the government must shut down until Congress passes a new spending bill. Suppose the federal government had to shut down for a few days because Congress did not pass a new spending bill. Would you view a government shutdown that lasted a few days as a crisis, as a major problem, as a minor problem, or as not a problem at all?"

		A crisis	A major problem	A minor problem	Not a problem	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/17-19/10	13	30	35	22	1

"Now suppose the federal government had to shut down for a few weeks because Congress did not pass a new spending bill. Would you view a government shutdown that lasted a few week as a crisis, as a major problem, as a minor problem, or as not a problem at all?"

		A crisis	A major problem	A minor problem	Not a problem
		%	%	%	%
	12/17-19/10	33	38	20	8

"Members of Congress sometimes add provisions to legislation that include government spending projects for their own home states and districts, sometimes known as 'earmarks.' Do you think this practice is generally acceptable or not acceptable?"

		Acceptable	Not acceptable	Depends (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/17-19/10	19	79	1	1

FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll. Dec. 14-15, 2010. N=900 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"As you may know, the tax cuts passed during George W. Bush's term are set to expire at the end of this year. In addition, unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed are also set to expire. Recently President Obama came to an agreement with Republican leaders that, among other things, allows the Bush-era tax cuts to continue for all Americans for two years in exchange for extending the unemployment benefits. Overall, do you approve or disapprove of this agreement?"

		Approve	Disapprove	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/14-15/10	68	26	6

"Do you think President Obama compromised too much on tax cuts or is his deal with Republican leaders the way things should work in Washington?"

		Compromised too much	The way thing should work	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/14-15/10	32	50	18

"Do you think Republican leaders compromised too much on spending, or is their tax-cut deal with President Obama the way things should work in Washington?"

		Compromised too much	The way thing should work	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/14-15/10	37	41	22

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). Dec. 9-13, 2010. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.1.

"As you may know, recently President Obama announced an agreement with the Republican leadership in Congress to accept a continuation for two years of the Bush tax cuts for all taxpayers, including those with incomes over two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. In exchange, the Republican leadership in Congress is accepting an extension on unemployment benefits for another year and a two percent reduction of Social Security payroll taxes for all taxpayers for one year. Do you approve or disapprove of this agreement?" Half sample (Form A)

		Approve	Disapprove	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/9-13/10	59	36	5

"As you may know, recently President Obama announced an agreement with the Republican leadership in Congress to accept a continuation for two years of the Bush tax cuts for all taxpayers, including those with incomes over two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. In exchange, the Republican leadership in Congress is accepting an extension on unemployment benefits for another year and a two percent reduction of Social Security payroll taxes for all taxpayers for one year. When it comes to this agreement, do you think President Obama gave up too much, that the Republican leadership in Congress gave up too much, or that it is a fair compromise on both sides?" Half sample (Form B)

		Obama gave up too much	Republicans gave up too much	A fair compromise	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/9-13/10	23	10	61	6

"Given the current economic conditions is this a good time to deal with the deficit or should the deficit only be dealt with once the economy improves and there is less unemployment?"

		This is a good time	Wait until economy improves	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/9-13/10	51	45	4

"Now, as you may know, the U.S. government is facing a large budget deficit. Would you prefer that government reduce the deficit by increasing taxes, although this could slow the economic recovery; reduce the deficit by cutting spending, although this could affect important education and health care programs; or let the deficit increase now to try to boost the economy, although this could lead to even higher taxes or larger spending cuts later?"

		Increase taxes	Cut spending	Let deficit increase	None (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/9-13/10	19	53	19	4	5

"As you may know, recently President Obama created a Deficit Commission of Republicans and Democrats to recommend a plan to reduce the federal deficit. The proposal would reduce deficits by about four trillion dollars over the next decade. To get these savings, the commission recommends both tax increases on all Americans and spending cuts that would also affect all Americans. Would you strongly favor, somewhat favor, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose this?"

		Strongly favor	Somewhat favor	Somewhat oppose	Strongly oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/9-13/10	12	41	24	20	3

USA Today/Gallup Poll. Dec. 10-12, 2010. N=1,019 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"How closely are you following the news about the agreement on taxes reached by President Obama and Republican leaders in Congress last Monday: very closely, somewhat closely, not too closely, or not at all?"

		Very closely	Somewhat closely	Not too closely	Not at all
		%	%	%	%
	12/10-12/10	31	35	19	14

"Based on what you have heard or read about the tax agreement, do you think Congress should or should not vote to pass it?"

		Should	Should not	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/10-12/10	49	32	18

"As you may know, one part of the tax agreement reached by President Obama and Republicans in Congress extends for all Americans the income tax cuts passed in 2001 and 2003 that were set to expire on Dec. 31. If it were up to you, what would you want to happen: allow the tax cuts to expire for all Americans, extend the tax cuts but set new limits on how much of wealthy Americans' income is eligible for the lower tax rates, or extend the tax cuts for all Americans?" Options rotated

		Allow to expire	Extend with new limits	Extend for all	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/10-12/10	7	47	41	4

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Dec. 9-12, 2010. N=1,001 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.5.

"For each item I name, please tell me if it's something you support strongly, support somewhat, oppose somewhat or oppose strongly. . . ."

		Support strongly	Support somewhat	Oppose somewhat	Oppose strongly	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%

	"Extending the Bush-era tax cuts for all taxpayers, including wealthy people as well as the middle class"
	12/9-12/10	30	24	16	27	3

	"Funding an additional 13 months of unemployment benefits for people who are out of work"
	12/9-12/10	49	23	11	14	2

	"Cutting Social Security payroll taxes by two percentage points for all workers for the next year"
	12/9-12/10	18	21	18	39	3

	"Increasing the exemption on inheritance taxes so that only estates worth more than five million dollars are taxed"
	12/9-12/10	29	23	16	25	7

"Obama and the Republican leaders of Congress have reached an agreement to do all four of these things together as a package. Is this plan something you support strongly, support somewhat, oppose somewhat or oppose strongly?"

		Support strongly	Support somewhat	Oppose somewhat	Oppose strongly	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/9-12/10	20	49	17	12	2

"Some people oppose this agreement because it will increase the federal deficit by 900 billion dollars, and some also say it fails to raise taxes on wealthy people who can afford it. Others say it's worth it in order to let people have more money to spend while the economy is still weak. Given these arguments, is this agreement something you support strongly, support somewhat, oppose somewhat or oppose strongly?"

		Support strongly	Support somewhat	Oppose somewhat	Oppose strongly	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/9-12/10	17	45	20	14	4

"Over the next year or two, do you think this agreement will help the national economy, hurt the national economy or won't make much difference?"

		Help	Hurt	Not much difference	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/9-12/10	36	17	43	3

Pew Research Center. Dec. 9-12, 2010. N=1,011 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"As you may know, Barack Obama and Congressional Republicans have reached an agreement to extend tax cuts and unemployment benefits. From what you've read and heard, do you strongly approve, approve, disapprove or strongly disapprove of this plan?"

		Strongly approve	Approve	Disapprove	Strongly disapprove	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/9-12/10	12	48	17	5	18

"Do you think this plan will help or hurt the condition of the U.S. economy?"

		Help	Hurt	Make no difference (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/9-12/10	48	29	5	18

"Do you think this plan will help or hurt people like yourself?"

		Help	Hurt	Make no difference (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/9-12/10	47	25	12	15

"Do you think this plan will help or hurt the federal budget deficit?"

		Help	Hurt	Make no difference (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/9-12/10	26	46	5	23

Bloomberg National Poll conducted by Selzer & Company. Dec. 4-7, 2010. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.1.

"I'm going to mention some of the ideas for reducing the deficit. For each, please tell me if this is something you favor or oppose. Eliminate tax cuts the wealthiest Americans have received in recent years."

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/4-7/10	59	38	3

"The U.S. Congress is considering whether to renew most or all of the Bush tax cuts that expire at the end of December. In your view, what action would be best for the U.S. economy? Extend the tax cuts permanently for all income levels. Extend the tax cuts permanently for the middle class but not for those earning $250,000 a year or more. Permanently extend the tax cuts for the middle class and extend for only two years the tax cuts for the highest income earners. Let all tax cuts expire as scheduled and return rates to previous levels to help cut the deficit."

		Extend permanently for all income levels	Extend permanently for middle class, but not if $250,000 or more	Extend permanently for middle class, 2 years for highest earners	Let all tax cuts expire	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/4-7/10	19	34	16	27	4

"If Congress decided to raise taxes only for those with the highest household income, should it be for those who earn more than $250,000, more than $500,000 or more than $1 million?"

		More than $250,000	More than $500,000	More than $1 million	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/4-7/10	43	28	23	6

Gallup Poll. Dec. 3-6, 2010. N=1,003 adults nationwide, interviewed via Gallup Daily tracking. Margin of error ą 4.

"Suppose that on Election Day you could vote on key issues as well as candidates. Please tell me whether you would vote for or against a law that would do each of the following. First, would you vote for or against a law that would [see below]?"

		Vote for	Vote against	Unsure
		%	%	%

	"Extend the federal income tax cuts passed in 2001 and 2003 for all Americans for two years"
	12/3-6/10	66	29	5

	"Extend unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed"
	12/3-6/10	66	30	4

	"Ban all earmarks in bills passed by Congress"
	12/3-6/10	46	36	18

Pew Research Center. Dec. 1-5, 2010. N=1,500 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"How much, if anything, have you heard or read about the debate in Washington over the federal income tax cuts passed when George W. Bush was president? Have you heard a lot, a little, or nothing at all?"

		A lot	A little	Nothing	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/1-5/10	38	43	17	2

"As you may know, these tax cuts are set to expire at the end of December. Which comes closer to your view about what President Obama and Congress should do now? Keep all of the tax cuts in place. Keep the tax cuts only for income below $250,000, but end the tax cuts for income above that. End all of the tax cuts." N=763 (Form 1), MoE ą 4.5

		Keep all the tax cuts	Keep only for income below $250,000	End all the tax cuts	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/1-5/10	33	47	11	9

"As you may know, these tax cuts are set to expire at the end of December. Which comes closer to your view about what President Obama and Congress should do now? Keep all of the tax cuts in place. Keep the tax cuts only for income below $1 million but end the tax cuts for income above that. End all of the tax cuts." N=737 (Form 2), MoE ą 4.5

		Keep all the tax cuts	Keep only for income below $1 million	End all the tax cuts	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/1-5/10	34	36	14	15

CBS News Poll. Nov. 29-Dec. 1, 2010. N=808 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"Which comes closest to your view about the tax cuts passed in 2001? The tax cuts should be continued for everyone. The tax cuts should only continue for households earning less than $250,000 a year. OR, The tax cuts should expire for everyone."

		Continue for everyone	Continue if earn less than $250K	Expire for everyone	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	ALL	26	53	14	7
	Republicans	46	41	11	2
	Democrats	10	70	14	6
	Independents	25	47	17	11

AP-CNBC Poll conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate Communications. Nov. 18-22, 2010. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.3. Trend includes surveys conducted without the participation of CNBC.

"How likely is it that the current size of the federal budget deficit will cause a major economic crisis for this country in the next ten years? Is that . . . ?"

		Extremely likely	Very likely	Somewhat likely	Not too likely	Not likely at all
		%	%	%	%	%
	11/18-22/10	27	28	31	9	4

"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, or not at all worried?"

		Very worried	Somewhat worried	Not too worried	Not at all worried	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%	%
	11/18-22/10	56	29	10	4	2
	10/13-18/10	48	32	10	10	-
	8/11-16/10	54	26	10	9	-
	1/12-17/10	50	31	11	8	-
	9/3-8/09	47	33	11	9	1
	7/16-20/09	46	34	11	8	2
	4/16-20/09	49	30	12	9	1
	1/9-14/09	45	34	13	7	2
	9/27-30/08	42	37	11	8	2

"As you may know, it is estimated that the federal budget deficit now exceeds one trillion dollars. If you had to choose, what do you think should be the HIGHER priority? Increasing government spending on education, health care reform, and the development of alternative energy sources, even if that means the federal budget deficit will increase even more. Reducing the federal budget deficit by cutting spending, even if that means the government could not enact new programs on education, health care reform, and the development of alternative energy sources." Options rotated

		Increasing spending	Cutting spending	Unsure	Refused
		%	%	%	%
	11/18-22/10	46	47	6	1
	10/13-18/10	45	50	5	1
	9/3-8/09	46	50	4	1
	7/16-20/09	47	47	5	1
	4/16-20/09	49	43	7	-

"The tax cuts that were passed in 2001 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 for people earning more than $250,000 to expire, but continue them for other people. Continue the tax cuts for everyone."

		Expire for everyone	Expire if earning over $250,000	Continue for everyone	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	11/18-22/10	14	50	34	2
	11/3-8/10	12	32	53	3
	9/8-13/10	15	39	44	2
	8/11-16/10	14	38	45	3

"If you had to choose, which would you prefer: pay a lower tax rate but have no mortgage interest deduction, or pay a higher tax rate but be able to deduct the interest on your mortgage?"

		Lower rate/ No mortgage deduction	Higher rate/ Mortgage deduction	Unsure	Refused
		%	%	%	%
	11/18-22/10	51	38	9	1

"Do you think any spending cuts or tax increases needed to close the federal budget deficit should mainly impact higher-income Americans, who may have more money to spend, mainly impact lower-income Americans, who may pay a smaller share of their income in taxes, or be spread out so that all Americans share evenly in the costs?"

		Mainly higher-income	Mainly lower-income	Shared evenly	Unsure	Refused
		%	%	%	%	%
	11/18-22/10	38	6	54	2	1

USA Today/Gallup Poll. Nov. 19-21, 2010. N=1,037 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"If you had to choose, which of these do you think would be the best approach for Congress and the president to take in dealing with the U.S. economy: increasing government stimulus spending, cutting taxes, reducing the federal budget deficit and national debt, or increasing taxes on the wealthy?" Options rotated

		Reducing the deficit and debt	Increasing taxes on the wealthy	Cutting taxes	Increasing stimulus spending	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	11/19-21/10	39	31	23	5	2

"As you may know, Congress is considering several issues during its lame duck session between now and the end of the year. The lame duck session includes many current members of Congress who will leave when the new Congress takes over in January. How important is it to you that the current lame duck Congress complete action on each of the following this year: very important, somewhat important, not too important, or not important at all? How about [see below]?"

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

	"Extending some form of the federal income tax cuts passed under George W. Bush that are set to expire at the end of this year"
	11/19-21/10	50	31	8	8	2

	"Extending unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed"
	11/19-21/10	48	28	13	11	1

	"Passing legislation that would keep the Estate Tax from increasing significantly next year"
	11/19-21/10	56	26	9	8	1

"What do you think Congress should do about the income tax cuts passed under George W. Bush that are set to expire at the end of this year: allow the tax cuts to expire, keep the tax cuts but set new limits on how much of wealthy Americans' income is eligible for the lower rates, or keep the tax cuts for all Americans regardless of income?" Options rotated

		Allow tax cuts to expire	New limits for wealthy	Keep tax cuts for all	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	11/19-21/10	13	44	40	3

"What do you think Congress should do about the income tax cuts passed under George W. Bush that are set to expire at the end of this year: allow the tax cuts to expire, keep the tax cuts but set new limits on how much of wealthy Americans' income is eligible for the lower rates, or keep the tax cuts for all Americans regardless of income?" If think tax cuts should be kept: "Do you think the tax cuts should be kept temporarily, until the economy improves, or should the tax cuts be kept permanently?" Options rotated. Combined responses.

		Allow tax cuts to expire	Keep temporarily	Keep permanently	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	11/19-21/10	13	45	37	5

"Now I'd like to ask you about the major entitlement programs the government is committed to, including Social Security and Medicare. Do you think the cost of these programs will create major economic problems for the U.S. in the next 25 years if no changes are made to them, or not?"

		Will create problems	Will not	Unsure
		%	%	%
	11/19-21/10	75	22	3
	9/13-16/10	77	18	4

	Asked of those who think entitlement programs will create economic problems: "Which of the following would you favor as a way to address economic problems created by major entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare: cutting back on benefits the government provides future retirees and not increasing taxes, increasing taxes and not cutting back on benefits the government provides future retirees, or a combination of both benefit cuts and tax increases?" Options rotated

		Cut benefits	Increase taxes	Combination of both	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	11/19-21/10	19	30	46	6

McClatchy-Marist Poll. Nov. 15-18, 2010. N=423 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ą 5.

"The Bush tax cuts expire on December 31st. 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."

		Extend for middle class only	Extend for everyone	Unsure
		%	%	%
	11/15-18/10	51	45	4

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). Nov. 11-15, 2010. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.1. RV = registered voters. Among adults, except where indicated.

"Congress will soon decide whether to keep in place the existing tax cuts enacted during President Bush's time in office, or allow them to expire. Which one of the following options would be your preference for what they should do? Eliminate all the tax cuts permanently. Eliminate the tax cuts for those earning more than $250,000 per year, but keep them for those earning less than that. Keep in place all the tax cuts for everyone for another year to three years. Keep in place the tax cuts for everyone permanently." Options rotated

		Eliminate all permanently	Eliminate if earn more than $250K	Keep for everyone for 1-3 years	Keep for everyone permanently	None of these (vol.)/ Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	11/11-15/10	10	39	23	23	5

"Recently President Obama created a Deficit Commission of Republicans and Democrats to recommend a plan to reduce the federal deficit. The proposal would reduce deficits by about four trillion dollars over the next decade. To get these savings, the commission recommends 75 percent come from spending cuts and 25 percent come from increases in tax revenues. Spending reductions include cuts to Medicare, Social Security, and defense spending. The tax increases include higher gasoline taxes, lowering the corporate tax rate but limiting business tax deductions, and placing a limit on the tax deduction for homeowners with mortgages over five hundred thousand dollars. Now, overall, do you think this proposal is a good idea or a bad idea? If you do not have an opinion either way, please just say so."

		Good idea	Bad idea	Do not have an opinion	Mixed (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	11/11-15/10	25	40	30	3	2

"Talking some more about the Deficit Commission's proposal: How comfortable are you with the idea of spending cuts to reduce the federal deficit? That would include such things as cuts to Medicare, Social Security, and defense spending. Are you very comfortable, somewhat comfortable, somewhat uncomfortable, or not comfortable at all?"

		Very comfortable	Somewhat comfortable	Somewhat uncomfortable	Not comfortable at all	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	11/11-15/10	6	21	27	43	3

"And, how comfortable are you with the idea of increasing tax revenues to reduce the federal deficit? That would include such things as increasing taxes on gasoline, limiting deductions on home mortgages over five hundred thousand dollars, and changes to corporate taxes. Are you very comfortable, somewhat comfortable, somewhat uncomfortable, or not comfortable at all?"

		Very comfortable	Somewhat comfortable	Somewhat uncomfortable	Not comfortable at all	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	11/11-15/10	10	29	23	36	2

"Now, specifically: How comfortable are you with a proposal to gradually increase the Social Security retirement age over the next sixty years to age 69 in order to reduce the federal deficit? Are you very comfortable, somewhat comfortable, somewhat uncomfortable, or not comfortable at all?"

		Very comfortable	Somewhat comfortable	Somewhat uncomfortable	Not comfortable at all	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	11/11-15/10	16	25	18	39	2

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Nov. 11-14, 2010. N=1,014 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"As you may know, the tax cuts passed into law when George W. Bush was president are set to expire this year. Unless a new bill is passed, federal income tax rates will rise to the level they were at when those cuts were enacted. Which of the following statements comes closest to your view? Those tax cuts should continue for all Americans regardless of how much money they make. Those tax cuts should continue for families that make less than 250 thousand dollars a year, but taxes should rise to the previous level for families who make more than that amount. Taxes should rise to the previous level for all Americans regardless of how much money they make." N=506 (Form A), MoE ą 4.5

		Continue cuts for all	Continue cuts if make under $250,000	Rise to previous level for all	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	11/11-14/10	35	49	15	2
	8/6-10/10	31	51	18	-

"As you may know, the tax cuts passed into law when George W. Bush was president are set to expire this year. Unless a new bill is passed, federal income tax rates will rise to the level they were at when those cuts were enacted. Which of the following statements comes closest to your view? Congress should extend those tax cuts and treat all Americans the same regardless of how much money they make. Congress should extend those tax cuts but give better treatment to lower-income Americans than higher-income Americans. Congress should not extend those tax cuts at all." N=508 (Form B), MoE ą 4.5

		Treat all the same	Treat lower- income people better	Should not extend tax cuts at all	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	11/11-14/10	35	49	15	1

"Do you think that tax cuts and deficit reduction can be accomplished at the same time, or do you think they cannot be accomplished at the same time?"

		Can be	Cannot be	Unsure
		%	%	%
	11/11-14/10	56	41	2

CBS News Poll. Nov. 7-10, 2010. N=1,137 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"The Obama administration has proposed letting the tax cuts passed in 2001 expire for households earning about $250,000 a year or more. This would increase federal income taxes for those people. Do you think this proposal is a good idea or a bad idea?"

		Good idea	Bad idea	Unsure
		%	%	%
	ALL	49	44	7
	Republicans	23	70	7
	Democrats	69	25	6
	Independents	49	43	8

	10/21-26/10	48	43	9
	9/10-14/10	53	38	9
	2/5-10/10	62	31	7

Newsweek Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Oct. 20-21, 2010. N=848 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.2.

"Now thinking about the federal government's actions in response to issues facing the U.S. today. Please tell me if you think each of the following was good for the country or bad for the country in general. First/Next, what about the economic stimulus legislation passed in 2009?"

		Good	Bad	Mixed opinion (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	ALL	42	45	8	5
	Republicans	10	78	9	3
	Democrats	69	18	7	6
	Independents	40	49	7	4

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Sept. 30-Oct. 3, 2010. N=1,002 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.5.

"Do you think the money the federal government has spent on the economic stimulus has been mostly well spent or mostly wasted?" Options rotated

		Well spent	Wasted	Unsure
		%	%	%
	9/30 - 10/3/10	29	68	4

Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation/Harvard University. Sept. 22-Oct. 3, 2010. N=2,054 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 2.5.

"In general, would you rather have the federal government provide more services, even if it costs more in taxes, OR, the federal government cost less in taxes, but provide fewer services?" Options rotated

		More services, more in taxes	Fewer services, less in taxes	Unsure
		%	%	%
	9/22 - 10/3/10	49	47	4

"Do you think the federal government can balance its budget just by cutting wasteful spending, or do you think it would also have to cut some useful government programs?"

		Just by cutting waste	Have to cut useful services	Unsure
		%	%	%
	9/22 - 10/3/10	50	47	4

"Do you want your representative in Congress to fight for more government spending in your congressional district, in order to create jobs; or do you want your representative to fight to cut government spending, even if it means fewer jobs in your district?"

		Fight for more spending	Fight to cut spending	Unsure
		%	%	%
	9/22 - 10/3/10	57	39	4

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). Sept. 22-26, 2010. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.1.

"In 2001, most Americans received a 'temporary' tax cut that is scheduled to end in 2010. Congress will soon decide whether or not to end the tax cut for those households with the highest incomes. When it comes to the current tax rate for households with incomes over two hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year, would you like to see the tax cut end or not?"

		End	Not end	Unsure
		%	%	%
	9/22-26/10	49	45	6

"Thinking some more about this, please tell me which ONE statement you agree with more. Is it that the tax cuts for households making over two hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year should end as planned because it is unfair to borrow seven hundred billion dollars over the next ten years to give a tax cut of about one hundred thousand dollars to people who are already millionaires? Or, should the tax cuts be kept in place because in this difficult economy we should not be increasing taxes on any Americans, especially small businesses, as higher taxes will kill jobs and slow down the economy?" Options rotated

		Should end as planned	Should be kept in place	A little of both (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	9/22-26/10	47	47	2	4

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Sept. 21-23, 2010. N=1,010 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"Who do you think is more responsible for the country's current economic problems: the Democrats in Congress or the Republicans in Congress?" N=507 (Form A), MoE ą 4.5

		Democrats in Congress	Republicans in Congress	Both equally (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	9/21-23/10	35	41	19	4	1

"Whose economic policies are more likely to improve economic conditions: the Democrats in Congress or the Republicans in Congress?" N=503 (Form B), MoE ą 4.5

		Democrats in Congress	Republicans in Congress	Both equally (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	9/21-23/10	41	47	5	5	2

"Do you think Barack Obama's policies have made the economy better, or don't you think so?"

		Have made better	Don't thinks so	Unsure
		%	%	%
	9/21-23/10	36	61	3
	10/16-18/09	43	56	2
	7/31 - 8/3/09	44	51	5

"Do you think Barack Obama's policies have made the economy better, or don't you think so?" If "Don't think so": "Do you think Barack Obama's policies will eventually make the economy better, or don't you think so?" Combined responses.

		Have made better	Will make better	Don't thinks so	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	9/21-23/10	36	11	48	5
	10/16-18/09	43	13	42	3
	7/31 - 8/3/09	44	11	40	5

"As you may know, the tax cuts passed into law when George W. Bush was president are set to expire this year. Unless a new bill is passed, federal income tax rates will rise to the level they were at when those cuts were enacted. Please tell me whether you would favor or oppose each of the following. . . ."

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%

	"Making those tax cuts permanent for families that make less than $250,000 a year"
	9/21-23/10	79	19	2

	"Making those tax cuts permanent for families that make more than $250,000 a year as well"
	9/21-23/10	44	53	3

	"Continuing those tax cuts for a few years for all families, regardless of how much money they make, but not making them permanent"
	9/21-23/10	52	45	3

Pew Research/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll, sponsored by the Society for Human Resource Management. Sept. 16-19, 2010. N=1,005 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"Please tell me if you think the REPUBLICAN Party or the DEMOCRATIC Party could do a better job in each of the following areas. First, which party could do a better job of . . . ?"

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

	"Dealing with the economy"
	9/16-19/10	38	37	8	10	8
	5/20-23/10	33	34	9	14	10
	2/3-9/10	38	41	7	6	7
	8/27-30/09	32	42	6	12	9

	"Dealing with taxes"
	9/16-19/10	40	34	8	8	9
	8/27-30/09	38	37	4	11	11

"As you may know, the federal income tax cuts passed under George W. Bush are set to expire at the end of the year and Congress is debating the issue of whether to end the tax cuts on annual income above $250,000. In your opinion, if the tax cuts on income above $250,000 were allowed to expire, would this help the economy, hurt the economy, or not have much of an effect on the economy?"

		Help	Hurt	Not have much effect	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	9/16-19/10	26	39	26	9

FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll. Sept. 14-16, 2010. N=900 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"The tax cuts that were passed at the beginning of former President George W. Bush's term are set to expire this year. Do you think those tax cuts should be allowed to expire and those taxes increased back to the previous level, or should these tax cuts be continued going forward?"

		Allowed to expire	Continued going forward	Unsure
		%	%	%
	9/14-16/10	26	63	11
	7/13-14/10	27	64	10

"Some people support continuing the Bush tax cuts for families of all income levels. Other people support continuing the tax cuts only on incomes below two hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year. What do you think Congress should do: continue the tax cuts for everyone, continue the tax cuts only on incomes below $250,000 dollars, or allow the tax cuts to expire for everyone and let taxes go back up to their previous levels?"

		Continue for everyone	Continue if below $250K	Expire for everyone	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	9/14-16/10	40	44	10	6

"Some people support a tax increase on high-income earners because they believe high earners can afford it. Others oppose tax increases on high-income earners because they believe high earners are the people who own small businesses, create jobs and spend a bigger share of the money to keep the economy going. Which do you agree with more? Do you support or oppose tax increases on high-income earners?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	9/14-16/10	48	47	5

USA Today/Gallup Poll. Sept. 13-16, 2010. N=1,019 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"Now I'd like to ask you about the major entitlement programs the government is committed to, including Social Security and Medicare. Do you think the cost of these programs will create major economic problems for the U.S. in the next 25 years if no changes are made to them, or not?"

		Will create major problems	Will not create major problems	Unsure
		%	%	%
	9/13-16/10	77	18	4

"If the cost of major entitlement programs does create major economic problems for the U.S., do you think the government should or should not do each of the following to deal with the situation? How about [see below]?"

		Should	Should not	Unsure
		%	%	%
	"Raise taxes"
	9/13-16/10	42	56	2

	"Cut benefits"
	9/13-16/10	31	66	2

Pew Research/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll, sponsored by the Society for Human Resource Management. Sept. 9-12, 2010. N=1,001 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"Which comes closer to your view about the tax cuts passed when George W. Bush was president? All of the tax cuts should remain in place. Tax cuts for the wealthy should be repealed, while others stay in place. All of the tax cuts should be repealed."

		Keep all the tax cuts	Repeal the tax cuts for the wealthy	Repeal all the tax cuts	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	9/9-12/10	29	29	28	14
	Republicans	47	22	17
	Democrats	16	40	32
	Independents	30	28	31

	7/22-25/10	30	27	31	12
	Republicans	52	19	21
	Democrats	11	36	42
	Independents	27	27	32

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Sept. 1-2, 2010. Adults nationwide.

"Do you think the Democrats or the Republicans are more responsible for the country's current economic problems?" N=518 (Form A), MoE ą 4.5

		Democrats	Republicans	Both equally (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	9/1-2/10	35	44	16	3	2
	6/16/10	28	41	26	5	-
	1/8-10/10	32	39	25	2	2
	11/13-15/09	27	38	27	6	2
	8/28-31/09	27	41	26	4	1
	7/31 - 8/3/09	23	44	24	7	3
	5/14-17/09	21	53	22	4	1
	1/12-15/09	22	50	20	6	1

Allstate/National Journal Heartland Monitor Poll conducted by FD. Aug. 27-30, 2010. N=1,201 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 2.8.

"And, in your opinion, is the economic agenda being offered by Republicans in Congress similar to or different from the economic agenda of George W. Bush's administration?"

		Similar	Different	Unsure
		%	%	%
	8/27-30/10	45	33	21

"As you may know, Congress will soon decide whether to keep in place the existing tax cuts enacted during President Bush's time in office, or allow them to expire. Which comes closest to your view about the tax cuts passed when George W. Bush was president? Keep all the tax cuts in place. Allow only the tax cuts for families making OVER $250,000 to expire, and keep the others in place. Allow all of the tax cuts to expire."

		Keep all in place	Expire for those making over $250K	Allow all to expire	Unsure	Refused
		%	%	%	%	%
	8/27-30/10	35	36	20	9	1

"And, in your opinion, did President Obama's economic policies over the last 12 months run up a record federal deficit while failing to end the recession or slow the record pace of job losses, OR help avoid an even worse economic crisis and are laying the foundation for our eventual economic recovery?"

		Failed to end recession or slow job loss	Helped avoid even worse crisis	Unsure
		%	%	%
	8/27-30/10	48	39	12
	4/22-26/10	46	42	11
	1/3-7/10	46	43	11

USA Today/Gallup Poll. Aug. 27-30, 2010. N=1,021 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"Now, thinking back on some of the major pieces of legislation Congress has passed in the last two years, would you say you approve or disapprove of the economic stimulus package?"

		Approve	Disapprove	Unsure
		%	%	%
	8/27-30/10	43	52	5

"As you may know, the federal income tax cuts enacted under President George W. Bush will expire at the end of this year unless Congress votes to keep them in place. Should Congress vote to keep the tax cuts in place for all taxpayers, vote to keep the tax cuts in place for those making less than $250,000 but end the tax cuts for those making $250,000 or more, or should Congress do nothing and allow the tax cuts to expire for all taxpayers?" Options rotated

		Keep for all taxpayers	Keep for those making less than $250K	Allow to expire for all taxpayers	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	8/27-30/10	37	44	15	4

Newsweek Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Aug. 25-26, 2010. N=1,029 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.7.

"Do you think Barack Obama and his administration are focused as much as they should be on working to improve the economy and jobs situation, or not?"

		As much as they should be	Not as much as they should be	Unsure
		%	%	%
	8/25-26/10	42	55	3

"Which of the following do you think bears more responsibility for the country's economic problems today: the economic policies of President Obama, the economic policies of former President George W. Bush, OR both equally?"

		Obama	Bush	Both equally	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	8/25-26/10	19	38	36	4	3

"Which ONE of the following do you think should have the higher priority for policymakers in Washington RIGHT NOW: reducing the federal budget deficit, or federal spending to create jobs?" Options rotated

		Reducing the deficit	Spending to create jobs	Unsure
		%	%	%
	8/25-26/10	37	57	6

"Do you think Congress should allow the Bush tax cuts for persons in the top two percent income category to EXPIRE in 2011, or should Congress pass legislation to EXTEND the Bush tax cuts for the top two percent?"

		Allow to expire	Extend	Unsure
		%	%	%
	8/25-26/10	52	38	10

CBS News Poll. Aug. 20-24, 2010. N=1,082 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"The tax cuts passed in 2001 are set to expire this year for households earning about $250,000 a year or more. This would increase federal income taxes for those people. Should those tax cuts be made permanent or should they be allowed to expire?"

		Made permanent	Allowed to expire	Depends (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	ALL	36	56	1	7
	Republicans	46	48	1	5
	Democrats	23	69	1	7
	Independents	40	51	2	7

Ipsos/Reuters Poll conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs. Aug. 19-22, 2010. N=1,063 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"As you may know, the tax cuts passed during George W. Bush's administration lowered taxes by reducing maximum income tax rates for all Americans. These tax cuts are set to expire at the end of 2010, meaning tax rates would go back to what they were before the Bush tax laws. Congress is currently considering whether to let these tax cuts expire or extend them. Which of the following comes closest to your own view on what action Congress should take? Let the tax cuts expire for all Americans. Let tax cuts expire only for people who earn more than $200,000 a year. Extend the tax cuts for all Americans."

		Expire for all Americans	Expire if earn over $200K	Extend for all Americans	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	ALL	15	31	49	5
	Democrats	21	42	34	3
	Republicans	8	18	72	3
	Independents	18	29	37	16

"And if you had to choose, which of the following two things do you think is more important? Lower taxes for all Americans. Reducing the budget deficit."

		Lower taxes	Reducing the deficit	Unsure
		%	%	%
	ALL	43	54	3
	Democrats	43	55	2
	Republicans	44	54	3
	Independents	38	52	10

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Aug. 6-10, 2010. N=1,009 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"Do you favor or oppose a bill in which the federal government would provide 26 billion dollars to state governments to pay for Medicaid benefits and the salaries of public school teachers or other government workers?"

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	ALL	60	38	2
	Democrats	78	19	3
	Independents	57	40	2
	Republicans	41	57	3

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). Aug. 5-9, 2010. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.1.

"Congress will soon decide whether to keep in place the existing tax cuts enacted during President Bush's time in office, or allow them to expire. Which of the following options would be acceptable to you or not acceptable to you? . . ."

		Acceptable	Not acceptable	Unsure
		%	%	%

	"Keep in place all the tax cuts for all Americans for one more year until the economy recovers."
	8/5-9/10	71	25	4

	"Keep in place the tax cuts only for families earning less than $250,000 per year." Half sample (Form A)
	8/5-9/10	66	31	3

	"Eliminate the tax cuts for families earning more than $250,000 per year."
	8/5-9/10	46	51	3

	"Keep in place all the tax cuts permanently."
	8/5-9/10	45	50	5

	"Eliminate all the tax cuts permanently."
	8/5-9/10	24	72	4

FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll. July 27-28, 2010. N=900 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"As you may know, a series of tax cuts that were passed at the beginning of former President George W. Bush's term are set to expire this year. If you were president, would you continue the tax cuts for everyone, continue the tax cuts for everyone except families earning more than $250,000 dollars a year, or allow the tax cuts to expire and let taxes go back up to their previous level?"

		Continue for everyone	Continue for those under $250,000	Allow to expire	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	7/27-28/10	44	36	14	6

Pew Research/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll, sponsored by the Society for Human Resource Management. July 22-25, 2010. N=1,004 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"What do you think would do more to improve economic conditions in the country over the next few years: following the economic policies of Barack Obama's administration, or following the economic policies of George W. Bush's administration." Options rotated

		Obama's policies	Bush's policies	Neither would help (vol.)	Same/No difference (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	ALL	46	29	17	2	6
	Republicans	13	63	18
	Democrats	84	7	3
	Independents	43	20	27

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. July 16-21, 2010. N=1,018 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"Which do you think should be more important for the Obama administration? Reducing the deficit, even if it might slow down economic recovery. Stimulating economic recovery, even if it might mean less deficit reduction." Options rotated. N=501 (Form A), MoE ą 4.5.

		Reducing the deficit	Stimulating recovery	Unsure
		%	%	%
	7/16-21/10	42	57	2
	12/16-20/09	40	57	3

"Which do you think should be more important for the Obama administration? Reduce the deficit even if unemployment remains high. Create more jobs even if it means less deficit reduction." Options rotated. N=517 (Form B), MoE ą 4.5.

		Reduce the deficit	Create more jobs	Unsure
		%	%	%
	7/16-21/10	25	74	1
	12/16-20/09	25	74	1

Quinnipiac University Poll. July 13-19, 2010. N=2,181 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ą 2.1.

"Some people say that President Obama is being fiscally irresponsible by spending too much government money. Others say President Obama is being fiscally responsible by only spending money where it is needed. Which comes closer to your view?"

		Being irresponsible	Being responsible	Unsure
		%	%	%
	7/13-19/10	49	45	6
	1/5-11/10	53	43	4

Pew Research/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll, sponsored by the Society for Human Resource Management. July 15-18, 2010. N=1,003 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

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

		Reducing deficit	Spending more	Unsure
		%	%	%
	7/15-18/10	51	40	9
	2/3-9/10	47	47	6
	6/18-21/09	46	48	6

"If you were setting priorities for the government these days, would you place a higher priority on reducing the budget deficit, or cutting taxes?" Options rotated

		Reducing deficit	Cutting taxes	Unsure
		%	%	%
	7/15-18/10	51	41	8

"Thinking specifically about how the federal government could best stimulate the economy and create jobs, which would be more effective right now: cutting taxes to individuals and businesses, or spending more on such things as education, public works, and unemployment benefits?" Options rotated

		Cutting taxes	Spending more	Both equally (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	ALL	42	47	3	3	5
	Republicans	61	31
	Democrats	23	67
	Independents	51	38

"Thinking about the federal government's economic policies since the recession began in 2008. Do you think they have helped [see below] a great deal, a fair amount, not too much, or not at all?"

		A great deal	A fair amount	Not too much	Not at all	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%

	"Large banks and financial institutions"
	7/15-18/10	53	21	12	6	8

	"Large corporations"
	7/15-18/10	44	26	12	8	10

	"Wealthy people"
	7/15-18/10	31	26	18	12	12

	"Poor people"
	7/15-18/10	7	24	37	27	5

	"Middle class people"
	7/15-18/10	2	25	43	25	4

	"Small businesses"
	7/15-18/10	2	21	39	29	8

"Thinking about the economic stimulus passed by Congress last year. Do you think the stimulus has [see below] or not?"

		Yes	No	Unsure
		%	%	%

	"Increased the federal budget deficit"
	7/15-18/10	66	23	11

	"Led to improvements in roads, bridges, and other infrastructure in your area"
	7/15-18/10	43	49	8

	"Helped state and local governments avoid layoffs and budget cuts"
	7/15-18/10	29	60	11

	"Helped keep unemployment from getting even worse"
	7/15-18/10	35	57	8

Time Poll conducted by Abt SRBI. July 12-13, 2010. N=1,003 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"Which administration do you think is more to blame for the economic problems the country faces today: the Bush administration or the Obama administration?" Options rotated

		Bush administration	Obama administration	Someone else (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	7/12-13/10	61	27	5	8

"Have the policies of the Obama administration helped the economic recovery, hurt it, or have they not had much impact?"

		Helped	Hurt	Not much impact	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	7/12-13/10	31	26	39	4

"In general, which political party do you trust more to handle the economic recovery: the Democrats or the Republicans?" Options rotated

		Democrats	Republicans	Neither (vol.)	Both (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	7/12-13/10	43	39	13	1	4

"Last year Congress passed a stimulus program of additional federal spending to help the economy recover. Would you say that the stimulus program helped the economy a lot, helped it some, hurt the economy some, or hurt it a lot or didn't it have much impact?"

		Helped a lot	Helped some	Hurt some	Hurt a lot	Not much impact
		%	%	%	%	%
	7/12-13/10	5	38	11	11	32

"The additional federal spending for the stimulus program increased the federal budget deficit. Is the economy better off today because of the stimulus package or would we have been better off if the government had not spent the additional money on the stimulus program?"

		Better off because of stimulus	Better off if hadn't spent the money	Unsure
		%	%	%
	7/12-13/10	38	53	9

"Would you favor or oppose additional government spending for a second stimulus package?"

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	7/12-13/10	24	67	9

Bloomberg Poll conducted by Selzer & Co. July 9-12, 2010. N=1,004 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.1.

"The U.S. currently has a huge budget deficit and a high unemployment rate. Which should take priority: reducing the budget deficit or reducing the unemployment rate?"

		Budget deficit	Unemploy- ment	Unsure
		%	%	%
	7/9-12/10	28	70	2

"Long-term unemployment is near a record high. The government is considering again extending unemployment benefits so that people could continue to receive payments for as long as 99 weeks, instead of the normal 26-week cut-off. That would add $34 billion to the deficit. Do you favor or oppose extending unemployment benefits?"

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	7/9-12/10	47	49	4

"Which of the following best describes your attitude toward the federal budget deficit? It is dangerously out of control and threatens our economic future. It is a manageable burden that will require some sacrifice down the road. It will cause no lasting harm."

		Out of control	Manageable	Will cause no lasting harm	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	7/9-12/10	52	43	4	1

"Is it your sense that the amount you pay in federal income taxes is higher or lower than it was under the Bush administration, or is it about the same?"

		Higher	Lower	About the same	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	7/9-12/10	20	7	65	8

"I'm going to mention some issues that have been in the news recently. For each, please tell me if you have become more supportive in the past few months, less supportive, or if your opinion on the issue has not changed. The stimulus bill passed in 2009 designed to create new jobs."

		More	Less	Unchanged	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	7/9-12/10	35	31	33	1

CBS News Poll. July 9-12, 2010. N=966 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"So far, have Barack Obama's economic programs helped you personally, hurt you personally, or have they not had much of an effect on you personally so far?"

		Helped	Hurt	Not much effect	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	7/9-12/10	13	23	63	1

"Do you think Barack Obama has been spending too much time, too little time, or the right amount of time trying to fix the nation's economy and create jobs?"

		Too much	Too little	Right amount	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	7/9-12/10	8	52	33	7

"Which comes closer to your own view? The federal government should spend money to create jobs, even if it means increasing the budget deficit. OR, The federal government should NOT spend money to create jobs and should instead focus on reducing the budget deficit."

		Spend to create jobs	Focus on reducing the deficit	Unsure
		%	%	%
	7/9-12/10	46	47	7
	4/5-12/10	50	42	8
	2/5-10/10	47	45	8

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

		Should	Shouldn't	Depends (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	7/9-12/10	52	39	4	5

Pew Research/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll, sponsored by the Society for Human Resource Management. June 24-27, 2010. N=1,001 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"As you may know, by law most states must balance their budgets, but many states are now unable to do so. In your opinion, which is the better way to address this problem? Should the federal government give more money to the states to help them meet their budgets, even if it means higher federal deficits; or should the states take care of this themselves, either by raising state taxes or cutting state services?"

		Federal aid	States themselves	Unsure
		%	%	%
	6/24-27/10	26	58	16

"If your state government needs to take steps to balance its budget this year, would you favor or oppose [see below]?"

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%

	"Cuts in funding for maintaining roads and public transportation systems"
	6/24-27/10	43	50	7

	"Raising taxes"
	6/24-27/10	39	58	3

	"Cuts in health care services provided by the state or local government"
	6/24-27/10	27	65	8

	"Cuts in funding for police and fire and other public safety departments"
	6/24-27/10	25	71	4

	"Cuts in funding for K through 12 public schools"
	6/24-27/10	22	73	4

Pew Research/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll, sponsored by the Society for Human Resource Management. June 17-20, 2010. N=1,009 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"Thinking about the economic stimulus passed by Congress last year, do you think the stimulus has helped the job situation, or has it NOT helped the job situation?"

		Has helped	Has not helped	Unsure
		%	%	%
	6/17-20/10	33	60	7
	4/21-26/10	33	62	5

"And, thinking about the loans the federal government provided to troubled banks and financial institutions, which statement comes closer to your view? The loans HELPED prevent a more severe economic crisis. OR, The loans did NOT help prevent a more severe economic crisis."

		Helped	Did not help	Unsure
		%	%	%
	6/17-20/10	38	54	8
	4/21-26/10	42	49	8

"Thinking specifically about the job situation in the country, please tell me how much each of the following would do to help improve it. First, do you think providing money to state and local governments to help them avoid layoffs of public employees would help improve the job situation a lot, a little, or would it not help at all?"

		A lot	A little	Not at all	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	6/17-20/10	33	41	23	3

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. June 16, 2010. N=534 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"Do you think the Democrats or the Republicans are more responsible for the country's current economic problems?"

		Democrats	Republicans	Both equally (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	6/16/10	28	41	26	5	-
	11/13-15/09	27	38	27	6	2
	8/28-31/09	27	41	26	4	1
	7/31 - 8/3/09	23	44	24	7	3
	5/14-17/09	21	53	22	4	1
	1/12-15/09	22	50	20	6	1

USA Today/Gallup Poll. June 11-13, 2010. N=1,014 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"Would you favor or oppose Congress passing new legislation this year that would do the following? How about approve additional government spending to create jobs and stimulate the economy?"

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	6/11-13/10	60	38	2

Pew Research/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll, sponsored by the Society for Human Resource Management. June 3-6, 2010. N=1,002 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"Thinking about the economy: Since taking office, have Barack Obama's economic policies made economic conditions better, worse, or not had an effect so far?"

		Better	Worse	No effect so far	Too soon to tell (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	6/3-6/10	23	29	35	3	9
	2/3-9/10	24	27	42	3	5
	12/9-13/09	30	24	39	3	4

Earlier polling on budget, taxes, economic policy

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