PollingReport.com

Home ] Up ]


     Budget, Taxes, Economic Policy  (p. 10)


 
 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. April 5-12, 2010. N=1,580 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"If you had to choose, would you prefer reducing the federal budget deficit or cutting taxes?"

 
    Reducing
the deficit
Cutting
taxes
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/5-12/10

45 47 8    
 

7/03

50 46 4    
             

"Do you think providing government money to banks and other financial institutions was necessary to get the economy out of recession, or would the economy probably have improved without doing that?"

 
    Necessary Probably
improved
without that
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/5-12/10

39 51 10    
             

"Do you regard the income tax which you will have to pay this year as fair, or not?"

 
    Fair Not fair Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/5-12/10

62 30 8    

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. April 9-11, 2010. N=1,008 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"As you may know, the federal income tax cuts passed into law in 2001 are set to expire next year. Would you favor or oppose making those tax cuts permanent?"
3/08 & earlier: "As you may know, the federal income tax cuts passed into law since George W. Bush became president are set to expire within the next several years. Would you favor or oppose making those tax cuts permanent?"

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/9-11/10

60 33 8    
 

3/14-16/08

54 40 6    
 

5/4-6/07

57 37 6    
             

"How fair do you think our present federal tax system is? Overall, would you say that our tax system is very fair, moderately fair, not too fair or not fair at all?"

 
    Very fair Moderately
fair
Not too
fair
Not fair
at all
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

4/9-11/10

4 45 30 20 1
             

"Do you think the Internal Revenue Service should be abolished, or don't you feel that way?"

 
    Should Should not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/9-11/10

26 70 4    

 

FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll. April 6-7, 2010. N=900 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"I'm going to read you the names of several individuals. Please tell me whether you have a generally favorable or unfavorable opinion of each one. If you've never heard of someone, please just say so. The Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS."

 
    Favorable Unfavorable Unsure Never
heard of
 
    % % % %  
 

4/6-7/10

49 38 13 -  
 

6/9-10/09

49 39 11 1  
 

4/2-3/02

45 34 20 1  

 

CBS News Poll. March 29-April 1, 2010. N=858 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Do you feel you pay more than your fair share in federal income taxes, less than your fair share, or is the amount you pay about right?"

 
    More than
fair share
Less than
fair share
About right Don't file
taxes (vol.)
Unsure/
No answer
    % % % % %
 

3/29 - 4/1/10

43 1 50 4 2
 

4/9-12/07

37 1 55 5 2
 

4/06

34 1 58 4 3

 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. March 26-28, 2010. N=1,033 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

             

"Thinking about the economic problems currently facing the United States, how much do you blame George W. Bush for these: a great deal, a moderate amount, not much, or not at all?"

 
    A great
deal
A moderate
amount
Not much Not at all Unsure
    % % % % %
 

3/26-28/10

42 33 15 9 -
 

7/17-19/09

43 37 13 7 1
             

"Thinking about the economic problems currently facing the United States, how much do you blame Barack Obama for these: a great deal, a moderate amount, not much, or not at all?"

 
    A great
deal
A moderate
amount
Not much Not at all  
    % % % %  
 

3/26-28/10

26 24 21 29  
 

7/17-19/09

14 18 29 38  

 

Bloomberg Poll conducted by Selzer & Co. March 19-22, 2010. N=1,002 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"Do you think the economic stimulus passed by Congress last year is helping the economy, is keeping the economy from getting worse, is having no effect, or is hurting the economy?"
2009: "Do you think the economic stimulus passed by Congress earlier this year is helping the economy, is keeping the economy from getting worse, is having no effect, or is hurting the economy?"

 
    Helping Keeping from
getting worse
Having
no effect
Hurting Unsure
    % % % % %
 

3/19-22/10

20 17 33 27 3
 

12/3-7/09

19 18 32 28 3
 

9/10-14/09

24 23 27 22 4
             

"Do you believe middle-class Americans will or will not have to make financial sacrifices to decrease the deficit?"

 
    Will Will not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

3/19-22/10

90 8 2    
 

12/3-7/09

88 10 2    

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Feb. 12-15, 2010. N=1,023 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Do you think Congress has done enough to help create jobs, or don't you think so?"

 
    Has done
enough
Don't
think so
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

2/12-15/10

14 84 2    

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Jan. 22-24, 2010. N=1,009 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Do you think Barack Obama has paid more attention to the problems faced by middle class Americans or the problems faced by banks and other financial institutions?"

 
    Middle class
Americans
Banks,
financial
institutions
Both equal/
Neither (vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

1/22-24/10

28 60 11 2  
             

"How important is it to you that the President and Congress deal with each of the following issues in the next year? Will it be extremely important, very important, moderately important, or not that important? . . ."

 
    Extremely
important
Very
important
Moderately
important
Not that
important
 
    % % % %  
 

"The economy"

 

1/22-24/10

61 36 3 1  
 
 

"Unemployment" N=508 (Form A), MoE ± 4.5

 

1/22-24/10

58 36 4 1  
 
 

"The federal budget deficit" N=501 (Form B), MoE ± 4.5

 

1/22-24/10

46 37 13 4  
 
 

"Taxes" N=501 (Form B), MoE ± 4.5

 

1/22-24/10

33 36 27 4  

 

Quinnipiac University Poll. Jan. 5-11, 2010. N=1,767 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.3.

             

"Do you think President Obama has been spending too much time on the economy, not enough time on the economy, or about the right amount of time on the economy?"

 
    Too much Not enough About right Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

1/5-11/10

5 47 42 6  

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Jan. 8-10, 2010. N=1,021 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"As you may know, last year Congress passed and President Obama signed a bill that attempted to stimulate the economy by increasing federal government spending and cutting taxes at a total cost to the government of about eight hundred billion dollars. Based on what you have read or heard about this, do you favor or oppose that bill?"
2009: "As you may know, Congress passed and President Obama has signed a bill that will attempt to stimulate the economy by increasing federal government spending and cutting taxes at a total cost to the government of about eight hundred billion dollars. Based on what you have read or heard about this, do you favor or oppose that bill?"

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

1/8-10/10

42 56 3    
 

3/12-15/09

54 44 2    
 

2/18-19/09

60 39 1    
             

"Now here are some other questions about that bill, which is officially known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, although many people refer to it as the economic stimulus package. Which of the following statements comes closest to your view of the effect that bill has had on economic conditions around the country? It has improved economic conditions. Economic conditions have not improved, but it prevented conditions from becoming even worse. It had no effect on economic conditions. It has made economic conditions worse."

 
    Improved
conditions
Prevented
from
becoming
even worse
Had no
effect
Made
conditions
worse
 
    % % % %  
 

1/8-10/10

12 46 22 19  
             

"Which of the following statements comes closest to your view of the effect that bill has had on your personal financial situation? It has improved your situation. Your situation has not improved, but it prevented conditions from becoming even worse. It had no effect on your situation. It has made your situation worse."

 
    Improved
situation
Prevented
from
becoming
even worse
Had no
effect
Made
situation
worse
 
    % % % %  
 

1/8-10/10

7 25 48 20  
             

"And do you think that bill has helped, hurt, or had no effect on each of the following groups? . . ."

 
    Helped Hurt No effect Unsure  
    % % % %  
 
 

"Bankers and investors"

 

1/8-10/10

54 23 22 1  
 
 

"Business executives"

 

1/8-10/10

41 24 34 2  
 
 

"Low-income Americans"

 

1/8-10/10

33 31 35 -  
 
 

"People who have lost a job in the last few years"

 

1/8-10/10

31 36 33 -  
 
 

"High-income Americans"

 

1/8-10/10

29 22 48 1  
 
 

"People in your community"

 

1/8-10/10

25 30 45 1  
 
 

"Middle class Americans"

 

1/8-10/10

25 38 36 1  
             

"Do you think that the projects that the government has spent money on under that bill have mostly been useful projects that will benefit the economy, or have mostly been projects that were included in the bill for purely political reasons and will have no economic impact?" N=509 (Form A), MoE ± 4.5

 
    Will benefit
the economy
Will have no
economic
impact
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

1/8-10/10

36 63 1    
             

"How much of the money spent under that bill so far do you think has been wasted: nearly all of it, most of it, about half of it, only a little of it, or none of it?" N=512 (Form B), MoE ± 4.5

 
    Nearly all Most of it About half Only a little None
    % % % % %
 

1/8-10/10

21 24 29 21 4
             

"Now I am going to read you a few provisions in that bill. For each one, please tell me whether you approve or disapprove of the use of federal funds for each one. . . ."

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"Providing unemployment insurance and health insurance to people who have lost their jobs"

 

1/8-10/10

83 17 -    
 
 

"Increased spending on construction on federal roads and bridges"

 

1/8-10/10

80 20 1    
 
 

"Tax cuts for many Americans"

 

1/8-10/10

70 29 1    
 
 

"Increased spending on trains, buses and other forms of mass transit"

 

1/8-10/10

62 38 -    

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Dec. 4-8, 2009. N=1,031 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Regardless of how you usually vote, do you think the Republican Party or the Democratic Party is more likely to create new jobs?"

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

12/4-8/09

31 42 3 11 13
             

"From what you know so far, which comes closest to your own view? The economic stimulus package has already created a substantial number of new jobs in the U.S. OR, It will create a substantial number of new jobs but hasn't done that yet. OR, It will not create a substantial number of new jobs."

 
    It has
created jobs
It will
create jobs
It will not
create jobs
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

12/4-8/09

6 44 45 5  
 

11/13-16/09

7 46 42 5  
 

9/19-23/09

7 52 38 3  
 

7/24-28/09

4 53 41 2  
             

"Over the next year, do you think the job market in your area will get better, get worse, or stay about the same?"

 
    Better Worse About the
same
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

12/4-8/09

39 18 41 2  
             

"In your own community, just from what you've seen or heard, do you think the jobs that your community has lost in this recession will probably come back when the economy improves, or do you think they were jobs that will probably never come back?"

 
    Will
come back
Will never
come back
Some will/
Some won't
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

12/4-8/09

52 35 10 3  

 

Bloomberg Poll conducted by Selzer & Co. Dec. 3-7, 2009. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"For each of the following, please indicate how much threat the situation poses to economic performance in the U.S. over the next two years. . . ."

 
    High threat Medium
threat
Low threat Unsure  
    % % % %  
 
 

"Persistently high unemployment"

 

12/3-7/09

81 16 3 -  
             
 

"Chronically high budget deficits"

 

12/3-7/09

70 23 5 2  
             
 

"Expansion of the government's role in the economy"

 

12/3-7/09

55 25 17 3  
             
 

"Trade barriers or tariffs"

 

12/3-7/09

34 40 19 7  
             
 

"Higher taxes"

 

12/3-7/09

58 25 16 1  
             
 

"Limits on carbon emissions to combat global warming"

 

12/3-7/09

22 30 43 5  
             

"For each of the following, please tell me if you are mostly optimistic or mostly pessimistic. . . ."

 
    Mostly
optimistic
Mostly
pessimistic
Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"That the U.S. government will help reduce unemployment"

 

12/3-7/09

47 51 2    
             
 

"That the government will reduce the deficit in the years ahead"

 

12/3-7/09

37 61 2    
             

"When you think about the current economic situation, do you believe it is mostly the result of decisions which President Obama inherited, or mostly the result of his policies?"

 
    Mostly
inherited
Mostly his
policies
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/3-7/09

59 32 9    
             

"Please tell me if you favor or oppose each of the following ways the federal government could address the unemployment rate. . . ."

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"Give businesses a tax credit for each new person they hire"

 

12/3-7/09

68 28 4    
             
 

"Increase spending on alternative energy"

 

12/3-7/09

60 37 3    
             
 

"Send federal money to the states to prevent layoffs in state and local governments"

 

12/3-7/09

48 49 3    
             
 

"Spend more money on education for unemployed workers to improve their skills to qualify for better jobs"

 

12/3-7/09

70 27 3    
             
 

"Cut income taxes across the board to spur economic growth"

 

12/3-7/09

63 33 4    
             
 

"Spend money on public works such as roads and bridges"

 

12/3-7/09

66 32 2    
             

"I'm going to mention some specific government programs that add significantly to the federal deficit. For each, please tell me if the spending is justified and should be continued, was justified but should be cut dramatically, or is not justified at all. . . ."

 
    Justified,
continued
Justified, cut
dramatically
Not justified
at all
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 
 

"The Medicare drug program"

 

12/3-7/09

71 11 12 6  
             
 

"Tax cuts for the very wealthy"

 

12/3-7/09

27 12 60 1  
             
 

"The war in Afghanistan"

 

12/3-7/09

45 26 26 3  
             
 

"The war in Iraq"

 

12/3-7/09

32 30 36 2  
             
 

"The stimulus package passed earlier this year"

 

12/3-7/09

33 23 39 5  
             
 

"Government assistance to the auto industry"

 

12/3-7/09

17 27 55 1  
             
 

"Government assistance to the banking industry"

 

12/3-7/09

11 28 58 3  
             

"Now, I'm going to mention some major economic and political figures and groups. For each, please tell me how you feel about them in their current roles -- are you very favorable, mostly favorable, mostly unfavorable, or very unfavorable? If you don't know enough to give your feelings, just say so. . . ."

 
    Very
favorable
Mostly
favorable
Mostly
unfavorable
Very
unfavorable
Unsure
    % % % % %
 
 

"Ben Bernanke, Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board of the United States"

 

12/3-7/09

7 26 17 9 41
             
 

"Timothy Geithner, Secretary of the U.S. Treasury"

 

12/3-7/09

6 20 17 16 41
             
 

"The Federal Reserve"

 

12/3-7/09

10 40 18 8 24
             

"[Do you approve or disapprove of the job Barack Obama is doing as president?] ... Do you approve or disapprove of the job he is doing with [see below]?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

"The economy"

 

12/3-7/09

45 50 5    
 

9/10-14/09

50 45 5    
             
 

"The budget deficit"

 

12/3-7/09

35 57 8    
 

9/10-14/09

38 55 7    

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Nov. 13-15, 2009. N=1,014 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Which of the following comes closer to your view of the budget deficit? The government should run a deficit if necessary when the country is in a recession and is at war. OR, The government should balance the budget even when the country is in a recession and is at war."

 
    Run a
deficit
Balance
the budget
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

11/13-15/09

30 67 4    
 

1/12-15/09

33 65 1    
             

"Do you think Barack Obama's policies have improved economic conditions, worsened economic conditions, or had no effect on economic conditions in the country?" N=513 (Form B), MoE ± 4.5

 
    Improved Worsened No effect Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

11/13-15/09

36 28 35 2  
 

8/28-31/09

39 34 27 1  
 

5/14-17/09

37 23 40 -  

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). Oct. 22-25, 2009. N=1,009 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"Over the past nine months, the government has taken a series of measures that were intended to help improve economic conditions. Do you think the government has done about the right amount, has done too much, or has not done enough?" Half sample (Form B), MoE ± 4.4

 
    Right amount Too much Not enough Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

10/22-25/09

27 30 36 7  
             

"Which of the following two statements comes closer to your point of view? Statement A: The President and the Congress should worry more about boosting the economy even though it may mean larger budget deficits now and in the future. Statement B: The President and the Congress should worry more about keeping the budget deficit down, even though it may mean it will take longer for the economy to recover." Half sample (Form A), MoE ± 4.4

 
    Boosting
economy
Keeping
deficit down
Depends
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

10/22-25/09

31 62 3 4  
 

9/17-20/09

30 62 4 4  
 

6/12-15/09

35 58 2 5  

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Oct. 15-18, 2009. N=1,004 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"Which of these do you think is more important right now: increasing federal spending to try to improve the economy, even if it sharply increases the federal budget deficit; or avoiding a big increase in the federal budget deficit, even if it means not increasing federal spending to try to improve the economy?" Options rotated

 
    Increase
spending
Avoid big
deficit
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

10/15-18/09

38 57 5    
 

7/15-18/09

40 55 5    
 

3/26-29/09

49 47 5    
 

1/13-16/09

51 44 4    

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Sept. 19-23, 2009. N=1,042 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Regardless of how you usually vote, who do you think is more likely to make the right decisions about the nation's economy: Barack Obama or the Republicans in Congress?"

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

9/19-23/09

53 27 1 9 10
 

7/24-28/09

56 25 3 9 7
 

4/1-5/09

63 20 2 8 7
             

"In the long run, do you think the federal government's stimulus package will make the economy better, will make the economy worse, or will it have no impact on the economy in the long run?"

 
    Better Worse No impact Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

9/19-23/09

47 21 24 8  
 

7/24-28/09

44 22 28 6  
 

7/9-12/09

42 21 29 8  
             

"As you may know, one of Barack Obama's campaign promises last year was that he would not raise taxes on households earning less than $250,000 a year. Do you think he will be able to keep that campaign promise, or not?"

 
    Will Will not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

9/19-23/09

35 56 9    

 

Bloomberg Poll conducted by Selzer & Co. Sept. 10-14, 2009. N=1,004 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"For each of the following, please tell me if you are mostly optimistic or mostly pessimistic. . . ."

 
    Mostly
optimistic
Mostly
pessimistic
Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"The U.S. government's economic plan"

 

9/10-14/09

46 48 6    
             
 

"The ability of the government to help the economy recover and grow"

 

9/10-14/09

54 44 2    
             
 

"The ability of the government's stimulus program to create jobs"

 

9/10-14/09

49 48 3    
             

"Which president has provided better economic leadership for the U.S.: President Barack Obama, or former president George W. Bush?"

 
    Obama Bush Unsure    
    % % %    
 

9/10-14/09

55 28 17    
             

"How confident are you that Barack Obama's economic team will be able to fix the problems that caused the nation's financial crisis? Are you very confident, fairly confident, just somewhat confident, or not confident?"

 
    Very
confident
Fairly
confident
Just
somewhat
confident
Not
confident
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

9/10-14/09

16 22 28 33 1
             

"Which do you think would do the most good to help the economy: more government spending even if it means a bigger budget deficit, or cutting spending even at the risk of a longer-lasting recession?"

 
    More
spending
Cutting
spending
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

9/10-14/09

28 62 10    

 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. Sept. 11-13, 2009. N=1,030 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

             

"All in all, would you say that what Barack Obama's economic policies have made the economy better, made it worse, or made no difference?"

 
    Better Worse No difference Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

9/11-13/09

43 25 30 1  

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Sept. 10-12, 2009. N=1,007 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"How confident are you that the federal government is putting measures into place that will make another financial crisis less likely in the future? Are you very confident of that, somewhat confident, not so confident or not confident at all?" Half sample

 
    Very
Confident
Somewhat
Confident
Not So
Confident
Not at All
Confident
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

9/10-12/09

10 39 23 27 1
             

"How confident are you that financial institutions will change their business practices in a way that makes another financial crisis less likely in the future? Are you very confident of that, somewhat confident, not so confident or not confident at all?" Half sample

 
    Very
Confident
Somewhat
Confident
Not So
Confident
Not at All
Confident
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

9/10-12/09

8 33 27 30 2
             

"How much blame do you think the Bush administration, for inadequate regulation of the financial industry, deserves for the country's economic situation: a great deal, a good amount, only some or hardly any?"

 
    A Great
Deal
A Good
Amount
Only Some Hardly Any None (vol.)
    % % % % %
 

9/10-12/09

40 25 23 10 1
 

7/15-18/09

42 20 23 11 1
 

3/26-29/09

47 23 21 7 1
             

"How much blame do you think the Obama administration, for not doing enough to turn the economy around, deserves for the country's economic situation: a great deal, a good amount, only some or hardly any?"

 
    A Great
Deal
A Good
Amount
Only Some Hardly Any None (vol.)
    % % % % %
 

9/10-12/09

13 15 33 34 4
 

7/15-18/09

14 17 28 34 4
 

3/26-29/09

13 13 27 39 6

 

AP-GfK Poll conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media. Sept. 3-8, 2009. N=1,001 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"Thinking about the stimulus package that was approved by Congress in February to help improve the economy, do you think that the stimulus package has helped bring about improvements to the economy, did even more damage to the economy than would have happened otherwise, had no real effect on the condition of the economy, or it's too early to tell?"

 
    Helped Did More
Damage
Had No
Real Effect
Too Early
To Tell
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

9/3-8/09

17 21 21 40 1
 

7/16-20/09

7 22 24 47 1
 

4/16-20/09

10 18 14 57 1
             

"How confident are you that the stimulus package will work to bring about significant improvements in the U.S. economy: very confident, somewhat confident, not too confident, or not at all confident?"

 
    Very
Confident
Somewhat
Confident
Not Too
Confident
Not at All
Confident
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

9/3-8/09

10 30 27 32 1
 

7/16-20/09

9 33 30 28 -
             

"How much do you blame each of the following for the recession? How much would you blame [see below] for the current financial crisis: a lot, quite a bit, some, only a little, or none at all?"

 
    A Lot Quite a Bit Some Only a Little None at All
    % % % % %
 
 

"The banks and lenders that made risky loans"

 

9/3-8/09

63 16 14 3 4
 
 

"The federal government for failing to regulate banks closely enough"

 

9/3-8/09

52 16 17 7 7
 
 

"The people who borrowed money that they could not afford to repay"

 

9/3-8/09

48 17 20 9 6
 
 

"President George W. Bush"

 

9/3-8/09

40 14 26 11 9
 
 

"President Barack Obama"

 

9/3-8/09

13 7 19 14 47
 
 

"President Bill Clinton"

 

9/3-8/09

12 7 26 17 37
             

"How confident are you that the federal government has taken enough steps to ensure that a meltdown of the financial industry could not happen again in this country: very confident, somewhat confident, not too confident, or not at all confident?"

 
    Very
Confident
Somewhat
Confident
Not Too
Confident
Not at All
Confident
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

9/3-8/09

3 27 38 32 1

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Aug. 28-31, 2009. N=1,010 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"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? . . ." N=508 (Form B), MoE ± 4.5

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

"The economy"

 

8/28-31/09

39 52 8 1  
 

10/20-22/06

41 53 5 2  
 
 

"Taxes"

 

8/28-31/09

47 47 6 -  
 
 

"The federal budget deficit"

 

8/28-31/09

46 46 6 2  
             

"Do you generally support or oppose President Obama's overall economic plan?"

 
    Support Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

8/28-31/09

52 46 2    
 

6/26-28/09

58 39 2    
 

3/12-15/09

65 34 1    
             

"What is your view of the Cash for Clunkers program, which allowed people to trade in cars with low gas mileage and get about four thousand dollars off the purchase of a new car? Would you describe that program as a success or a failure?"

 
    Success Failure Mixed (vol.) Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

8/28-31/09

55 40 3 2  

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. July 24-28, 2009. N=1,050 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Do you think the federal government's stimulus package has made the economy in your local community better, made the economy in your local community worse, or has it had no impact on the economy in your local community so far?"

 
    Better Worse No Impact Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

7/24-28/09

19 12 65 4  
             

"In the long run, do you think the federal government's stimulus package will make the economy in your local community better, will make the economy in your local community worse, or will it have no impact on the economy in your local community in the long run?"

 
    Better Worse No Impact Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

7/24-28/09

44 13 37 6  
             

"Earlier this year, Congress passed a nearly 800 billion dollar stimulus package in order to get the economy back on track. Some people say the stimulus package was not large enough, others say it was too large. In the months ahead, if things continue the way they are now, would you favor or oppose the government spending additional money on another stimulus package?"

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

7/24-28/09

27 65 8    
             

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

 
    Stimulate
Economy
Reduce
Deficit
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

7/24-28/09

35 58 7    
 

7/9-12/09

33 61 6    
 

6/12-16/09

41 52 7    
             

"In order to reduce the federal budget deficit, would you be willing or not willing for the government to provide fewer services, in areas such as health care, education and defense spending?"

 
    Willing Not Willing Some Areas,
Not Others
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

7/24-28/09

31 53 11 5  
             

"In order to reduce the federal budget deficit, would you be willing or not willing to pay more in taxes?"

 
    Willing Not Willing Unsure    
    % % %    
 

7/24-28/09

41 56 3    

 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. July 17-19, 2009. N=1,006 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

             

"Next, we'd like you to think about Barack Obama's economic stimulus plan passed earlier this year and its effect on the U.S. economy, both in the short term and in the long term. First, up until now, do you think Obama's economic stimulus plan has made the economy better, not had an effect, or made the economy worse?" Options rotated

 
    Better No Effect Worse Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

7/17-19/09

28 49 21 2  
             

"In the long term, do you think Obama's economic stimulus plan will make the economy better, not have an effect, or make the economy worse?" Options rotated

 
    Better No Effect Worse Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

7/17-19/09

48 19 31 2  
             

"Next, please think about the effect Barack Obama's economic stimulus plan will have on your family's financial situation in the short term and in the long term. First, up until now, do you think Obama's economic stimulus plan has made your financial situation better, not had an effect, or made your financial situation worse?" Options rotated

 
    Better No Effect Worse Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

7/17-19/09

14 64 22 1  
             

"In the long term, do you think Obama's economic stimulus plan will make your financial situation better, not have an effect, or make your financial situation worse?" Options rotated

 
    Better No Effect Worse Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

7/17-19/09

35 28 34 3  

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. July 15-18, 2009. N=1,001 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"Do you think Obama is placing too much of a priority on the economy, too little, or about the right amount?"

 
    Too Much Too Little About Right Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

7/15-18/09

9 29 58 3  
             

"Do you think Obama is placing too much of a priority on the federal budget deficit, too little, or about the right amount?"

 
    Too Much Too Little About Right Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

7/15-18/09

13 39 44 4  
             

"How confident are you that Obama's economic program will improve the economy: very confident, fairly confident, not very confident or not confident at all?"

 
    Very
Confident
Fairly
Confident
Not Very
Confident
Not at All
Confident
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

7/15-18/09

22 34 17 26 1
 

3/26-29/09

23 41 18 17 1
 

1/13-16/09

23 48 17 11 -
             

"Would you support or oppose additional federal spending above the 787 billion dollars already set aside to try to stimulate the economy? ... Do you feel that way strongly or somewhat?"

 
    Strongly
Support
Somewhat
Support
Somewhat
Oppose
Strongly
Oppose
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

7/15-18/09

18 17 18 43 3
             

"Would you support or oppose new federal spending of about 800 billion dollars on tax cuts, construction projects, energy, education, and health care to try to stimulate the economy? ... Do you feel that way strongly or somewhat?"

 
    Strongly
Support
Somewhat
Support
Somewhat
Oppose
Strongly
Oppose
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

7/15-18/09

43 27 9 17 3
             

"Which of these statements comes closer to your view? Beneath it all, Obama is an old-style, tax-and-spend Democrat. OR, Obama is a new-style Democrat who will be careful with the public's money." Options rotated

 
    Old-Style New-Style Neither (vol.) Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

7/15-18/09

43 52 3 2  
 

6/18-21/09

36 58 4 3  
 

3/26-29/09

32 62 3 3  

 

Diageo/Hotline Poll conducted by FD. July 9-13, 2009. N=800 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"And, when thinking about the economic stimulus package passed by Congress and signed into law by the President, how confident are you that it will be successful in turning around the economy: very confident, somewhat confident, not too confident, or not at all confident?" N=395 (Form A), MoE ± 4.9

 
    Very
Confident
Somewhat
Confident
Not Too
Confident
Not at All
Confident
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

7/9-13/09

8 31 24 35 2
 

6/4-7/09

14 38 23 24 2
 

4/23-26/09

12 45 15 26 2
 

3/26-29/09

14 43 21 20 3
             

"First, when thinking about the economic stimulus package passed by Congress and signed into law by the President, how confident are you that it will be successful in creating jobs: very confident, somewhat confident, not too confident, or not at all confident?" N=405 (Form B), MoE ± 4.9

 
    Very
Confident
Somewhat
Confident
Not Too
Confident
Not at All
Confident
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

7/9-13/09

11 37 22 30 2
             

"As you may know, there's been some discussion about the potential for another stimulus package that would be designed to provide more economic stimulus to the economy. If there was a proposal for another stimulus package, would you support it or oppose it?"

 
    Support Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

7/9-13/09

36 52 12    
             

"And, if you had to choose between a quicker economic recovery with a higher federal deficit, or a slower economic recovery and a lower deficit, which would you prefer?" Options rotated

 
    Quicker
Recovery/
Higher
Deficit
Slower
Recovery/
Lower
Deficit
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

7/9-13/09

23 71 6    

 

CBS News Poll. July 9-12, 2009. N=944 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Would you find it acceptable or not acceptable to raise the deficit in the short term to try to create jobs and stimulate growth?"

 
    Acceptable Not
acceptable
Not
necessary
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

7/9-12/09

63 31 1 5  
             

"In your opinion, does the federal budget deficit affect your own family's financial situation, or not?"

 
    Does Does not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

7/9-12/09

67 31 2    

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. June 12-16, 2009. N=895 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"So far, do you think Barack Obama's policies have made the economy better, made the economy worse, or haven't his policies had any effect on the economy yet?"

 
    Better Worse No effect Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

6/12-16/09

32 15 48 5  
             

"As you may know, the budget deficit is the shortfall when the amount of money the government spends is more than the amount of money it takes in. How much have you heard or read about the federal government's current budget deficit: a lot, some, not much, or nothing at all?"

 
    A lot Some Not much Nothing  
    % % % %  
 

6/12-16/09

38 36 20 6  
             

"So far, do you think the Obama Administration has developed a clear plan for dealing with the current budget deficit, or hasn't it developed one yet?"

 
    Has a plan Doesn't have
a plan yet
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

6/12-16/09

30 60 10    

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). June 12-15, 2009. N=1,008 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"And how confident are you that Barack Obama has the right set of goals and policies to improve the economy: extremely confident, quite confident, only somewhat confident, or not at all confident?"

 
    Extremely
Confident
Quite
Confident
Only
Somewhat
Confident
Not at All
Confident
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

6/12-15/09

20 26 24 29 1
             

"Do you think that the recently passed economic stimulus legislation 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 Opinion
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

6/12-15/09

37 39 20 4  
 

4/23-26/09

38 39 18 5  
 

2/26 - 3/1/09

44 36 15 5  
             

"Which ONE of the following groups do you feel is most responsible for the federal budget deficit: the Bush administration, the Democrats in Congress, the Republicans in Congress, or the Obama administration?" If more than one: "Well, if you had to choose just ONE, who would you say is MOST responsible?" Half sample (Form B), MoE ± 4.4

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

6/12-15/09

46 21 7 6 20

 

Pew Research Center for the People & the Press survey. May 21-24, 2009. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"All in all, do you think the government is on the right track or the wrong track in the way it is handling economic problems facing the nation?"

 
    Right track Wrong track Unsure    
    % % %    
 

5/21-24/09

53 39 8    
 

3/27-30/09

50 39 11    
 

2/20-23/09

47 34 19    
 

1/16-19/09

31 48 21    

 

AP-GfK Poll conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media. April 16-20, 2009. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"Overall, please tell me whether you approve, disapprove, or neither approve nor disapprove of the way the Democrats in Congress are handling the economy?" 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 economy?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Neither Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/16-20/09

50 45 4 1  
 

2/12-17/09

49 45 4 2  
             

"Overall, please tell me whether you approve, disapprove, or neither approve nor disapprove of the way the Republicans in Congress are handling the economy?" 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 economy?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Neither Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/16-20/09

29 65 4 1  
 

2/12-17/09

33 59 5 4  
             

"When it comes to solving the country's economic problems, how much do you think Barack Obama is doing to cooperate with the Republicans in Congress? Is he doing too much, not enough, or about the right amount?"

 
    Too much Not enough About right Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/16-20/09

8 36 53 2  
 

2/12-17/09

6 30 62 2  
             

"When it comes to solving the country's economic problems, how much do you think Republicans in Congress are doing to cooperate with Barack Obama? Are they doing too much, not enough, or about the right amount?"

 
    Too much Not enough About right Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/16-20/09

7 65 25 3  
 

2/12-17/09

5 64 27 4  
             

"When it comes to improving the economy, do you think it is realistic to expect at least some noticeable results in the first year of the Obama administration, or do you think it will take longer than that to see any noticeable results?"

 
    Some in
first year
Longer
than that
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/16-20/09

27 72 1    
 

1/9-14/09

27 72 1    

 

Allstate/National Journal Heartland Monitor National Survey conducted by FD. April 8-14, 2009. N=1,200 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.8.

             

"As you know, economists generally agree that the U.S. economy is in a recession. I would like to read you two different opinions about the U.S. economy when it recovers from the recession. Which ONE of these statements comes closer to your OWN opinion? When the U.S. economy recovers, the way the economy looks and works will be very different from what it was before the recession. When the U.S. economy recovers, things will be more or less be the same as they were before the recession." Options rotated

 
    Very
different
The same Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/8-14/09

69 27 5    
             

"And, who do you trust more to develop solutions to the country's economic challenges: President Obama OR Republicans in Congress?" Options rotated

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

4/8-14/09

55 26 3 12 5

 

Gallup Poll. April 6-9, 2009. N=1,027 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

 

"As I read some names and groups, please tell me how much confidence you have in each to do or to recommend the right thing for the economy: a great deal, a fair amount, only a little, or almost none. How about [see below]?"

 

Great Deal Fair Amount Only a Little Almost None Unsure
% % % % %

 

"Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke"

4/6-9/09

7 42 19 16 17

4/6-9/08

8 39 20 14 19

 

"Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner"

4/6-9/09

9 38 18 21 14

 

Pew Research Center Poll. March 31-April 6, 2009. N=1,506 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"How much confidence do you have in [see below] to do the right thing when it comes to fixing the economy: a great deal of confidence, a fair amount of confidence, not too much confidence, or no confidence at all?" N=750 (Form 1), MoE ± 4

 
    A Great
Deal
A Fair
Amount
Not Too
Much
None at All Unsure
    % % % % %
 

"Barack Obama"

 

3/31 - 4/6/09

32 38 13 13 4
 
 

"Democratic leaders in Congress"

 

3/31 - 4/6/09

17 38 21 19 5
 
 

"Republican leaders in Congress"

 

3/31 - 4/6/09

7 31 33 24 5
             

"Do you think Barack Obama has explained clearly his policies for improving the economy, or do you think he has not explained his policies clearly enough?" N=756 (Form 2), MoE ± 4

 
    Has Has Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

3/31 - 4/6/09

54 34 12    
             

"Do you think Republicans in Congress have explained clearly why they oppose Obama's economic policies, or have they not explained their position clearly enough?" N=756 (Form 2), MoE ± 4

 
    Have Have Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

3/31 - 4/6/09

25 59 16    
             

"Are you generally optimistic or pessimistic that Barack Obama's policies will improve economic conditions in the country?" N=756 (Form 2), MoE ± 4

 
    Optimistic Pessimistic Unsure    
    % % %    
 

3/31 - 4/6/09

66 26 8    
             

"Are you generally optimistic or pessimistic that Barack Obama's policies will reduce the budget deficit over the long term?" N=756 (Form 2), MoE ± 4

 
    Optimistic Pessimistic Unsure    
    % % %    
 

3/31 - 4/6/09

54 36 10    
             

"If you were setting priorities these days, would you place a higher priority on spending more to make health care more accessible and affordable, or reducing the budget deficit?" Options rotated

 
    Spending
More
Reducing
Deficit
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

3/31 - 4/6/09

59 35 6    
             

"If you were setting priorities these days, would you place a higher priority on spending more to improve the education system, or reducing the budget deficit?" Options rotated

 
    Spending
More
Reducing
Deficit
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

3/31 - 4/6/09

58 38 4    
             

"If you were setting priorities these days, would you place a higher priority on spending more to develop new energy technology, or reducing the budget deficit?" Options rotated

 
    Spending
More
Reducing
Deficit
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

3/31 - 4/6/09

49 45 6    

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. April 3-5, 2009. N=1,023 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Do you think Barack Obama does or does not have a clear plan for solving the country's economic problems?"

 
    Does Does not      
    % %      
 

4/3-5/09

58 42      
             

"Do you think the Republicans in Congress do or do not have a clear plan for solving the country's economic problems?"

 
    Do Do not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/3-5/09

24 74 2    

Earlier polling on budget, taxes, economic policy

 


HOME | TABLE OF CONTENTS | SEARCH THE SITE

Copyright © 2021 POLLING REPORT, INC., and polling/sponsoring organizations