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     Budget, Taxes, Economic Policy (p. 4)


 

 
 

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

             

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

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

12/21-22/12

34 30 20 16 1
 

12/15-16/12

28 34 21 16 1
 

12/8-9/12

28 36 19 16 1
 

12/1-2/12

30 30 21 19 1
             

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

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"President Barack Obama"

 

12/21-22/12

54 38 9    
 

12/15-16/12

48 43 9    
 

12/8-9/12

48 44 8    
 

12/1-2/12

52 43 6    
             
 

"Democratic leaders in Congress" N=526, margin of error ± 5

 

12/21-22/12

45 43 12    
 

12/15-16/12

34 56 10    
 

12/8-9/12

38 50 12    
 

12/1-2/12

39 49 11    
             
 

"Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid" N=550, margin of error ± 5

 

12/21-22/12

34 43 23    
 

12/15-16/12

24 48 29    
             
 

"Speaker of the House John Boehner" N=550, margin of error ± 5

 

12/21-22/12

26 54 19    
 

12/15-16/12

25 49 26    
             
 

"Republican leaders in Congress" N=526, margin of error ± 5

 

12/21-22/12

26 61 13    
 

12/15-16/12

29 61 10    
 

12/8-9/12

26 64 11    
 

12/1-2/12

27 63 10    
             

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

 
    Stick to
principles
Compromise Neither/
Other (vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

12/21-22/12

22 68 3 8  
 

12/15-16/12

24 66 3 7  
 

12/8-9/12

18 70 5 8  
 

12/1-2/12

25 62 4 8  
             

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

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

12/21-22/12

14 36 30 18 2
 

12/15-16/12

18 39 22 18 3
 

12/8-9/12

18 41 21 17 3
 

12/1-2/12

14 44 25 14 3

 

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

             

"As you may know, last year Congress and the President agreed to a program to reduce the federal deficit that some people call the 'fiscal cliff.' Unless Congress and the President reach an agreement within the next few weeks, tax rates will automatically rise in January for almost all Americans and major spending cuts will automatically occur next year in most government spending programs, including military programs.

"If those automatic tax increases and spending cuts occur next year, do you think that would cause a crisis, major problems, minor problems, or no problems at all for the United States?"

 
    A crisis Major
problems
Minor
problems
No
problems
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

12/17-18/12

20 50 24 4 2
 

11/16-18/12

24 44 24 7 1
             

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

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

12/17-18/12

37 48 11 2 1
 

11/16-18/12

34 45 15 1 4

 

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

             

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

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/13-16/12

45 43 11    
 

12/5-9/12

49 42 10    
             

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

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/13-16/12

26 65 9    
             

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

 
    Cutting
spending
Increasing
taxes
Combination Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

12/13-16/12

29 4 65 2  
 

7/14-17/11

32 4 62 3  
 

6/2-5/11

37 4 57 2  
 

4/14-17/11

36 3 59 2  
 

3/10-13/11

31 3 64 3  
 

12/9-12/10

36 2 60 1  
             

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

 
    Cutting
spending
Increasing
taxes
Half
from each
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

12/13-16/12

47 10 41 2  
 

6/2-5/11

52 8 39 2  
             

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

 
    Accept Unacceptable Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/13-16/12

28 68 3    
             

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

 
    Accept Unacceptable Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/13-16/12

42 55 3    
             

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

 
    Accept Unacceptable Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/13-16/12

74 24 2    
             

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

 
    Accept Unacceptable Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/13-16/12

36 60 3    
             

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

 
    Accept Unacceptable Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/13-16/12

34 60 7    
             

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

 
    Accept Unacceptable Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/13-16/12

54 36 10    
             

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

 
    Republicans
in Congress
Obama Both (vol.) Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

12/13-16/12

47 31 18 3  
             

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

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

12/13-16/12

58 30 7 3 1
             

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

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

12/13-16/12

46 32 11 10 1
             

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

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

12/13-16/12

48 30 11 9 2
             

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

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

12/13-16/12

44 31 14 9 2
             

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

 
    Too willing Not willing
enough
About
right (vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

12/13-16/12

14 76 2 8  
 

7/14-17/11

14 77 3 6  
 

3/10-13/11

16 71 5 8  
             

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

 
    Too willing Not willing
enough
About
right (vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

12/13-16/12

28 57 5 10  
 

7/14-17/11

29 58 8 6  
 

3/10-13/11

30 52 10 8  

 

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

             

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

 
    Very
closely
Somewhat
closely
Not too
closely
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

12/12-16/12

30 39 30 1  
             

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

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/12-16/12

38 50 12    
             

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

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/12-16/12

17 69 14    
             

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

 
    Major
problems
Minor
problems
No
problems
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

12/12-16/12

53 38 4 5  
             

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

 
    Will Will not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/12-16/12

50 44 7    
             

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

 
    Continue for
everyone
Continue if
under $250K
Expire
for all
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

12/12-16/12

28 52 13 7  
 

10/25-28/12

35 42 15 8  
 

9/8-12/12

30 47 15 8  
             

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

 
    Raises rates
if over
$250K
Does not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/12-16/12

52 40 8    
             

"I'm going to read you some suggestions that have been made to reduce the size of the federal budget deficit. Please tell me whether you would favor or oppose each of the following.

"In order to reduce the budget deficit, would you favor or oppose reducing Social Security benefits for retirees with higher incomes?"

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/12-16/12

39 57 4    
             

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

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/12-16/12

32 64 4    
             

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

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/12-16/12

30 62 8    
             

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

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/12-16/12

33 62 5    
             

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

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/12-16/12

69 29 2    
 

Republicans

51 46 3    
 

Democrats

84 15 0    
 

Independents

66 30 4    
             

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

 
    Should Should not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/12-16/12

25 68 7    

 

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

             

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

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"Limit the amount that can be deducted for home mortgages"

 

12/7-10/12

38 49 13    
             
 

"Limit the amount that can be deducted for charitable gifts"

 

12/7-10/12

41 51 8    
             
 

"Let tax cuts for all taxpayers expire as scheduled and return rates to previous levels"

 

12/7-10/12

38 50 12    
             
 

"Repeal the tax cuts for households earning more than $250,000 a year"

 

12/7-10/12

52 42 6    
             
 

"Repeal the tax cuts for households earning more than $1 million a year"

 

12/7-10/12

60 32 8    
             
 

"Reduce Social Security benefits for high-income earners"

 

12/7-10/12

52 43 5    
             
 

"Gradually increase the Social Security retirement age to 69"

 

12/7-10/12

36 61 3    
             
 

"Cut Medicaid, which is government help for medical care for low-income people"

 

12/7-10/12

22 74 4    
             
 

"Gradually increase the age of eligibility for Medicare from 65 to 67"

 

12/7-10/12

42 55 3    
             
 

"Reduce Medicare benefits for high-income earners"

 

12/7-10/12

60 35 5    
             

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

 
    Boehner,
Republicans
Obama,
Democrats
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/7-10/12

37 51 12    
             

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

 
    Lower rate
creates jobs
Fairer to tax
at same rate
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/7-10/12

52 36 12    
             

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

 
    Raise
tax rate
Limit
tax breaks
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/7-10/12

39 52 9    
             

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

 
    Right Wrong Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/7-10/12

58 37 5    
             

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

 
    Okay to let
them take
effect
Would
destabilize
the economy
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/7-10/12

22 65 13    
             

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

 
    Wrong to
sign in the
first place
Right to sign,
but should
back away
Right to sign,
should not
break it
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

12/7-10/12

34 34 23 9  
             

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

 
    Too much
emphasis on
protecting
wealthy
Pursuing
interests of
middle-class
families
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/7-10/12

60 34 6    
             

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

 
    Yes No Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"Raise income tax rates on income over $250,000"

 

12/7-10/12

65 33 2    
             
 

"Protect Social Security from substantial budget cuts"

 

12/7-10/12

64 33 3    
             
 

"Protect Medicare from fundamental change"

 

12/7-10/12

62 34 4    
             
 

"Decrease defense spending"

 

12/7-10/12

50 47 3    

 

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

             

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

 
    Would Would not Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"Major cuts in U.S. defense spending"

 

12/8-9/12

64 31 5    
             
 

"Major cuts in U.S. domestic spending"

 

12/8-9/12

69 24 7    
             
 

"Increases in federal income and Social Security payroll taxes for most taxpayers"

 

12/8-9/12

75 19 6    
             

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

 
    Would Would not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/8-9/12

64 33 3    

 

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

             

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

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

"Cutting taxes for working families earning less than two hundred and fifty thousand dollars per year"

 

12/6-9/12

68 28 1 3  
             
 

"Reducing the federal deficit by both increasing taxes on the wealthy and reducing federal spending"

 

12/6-9/12

65 30 1 4  
             
 

"Eliminating the Bush tax cuts for those with higher incomes over two hundred and fifty thousand dollars per year"

 

12/6-9/12

59 36 1 4  
             

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

 
    Needs to
be solved
now
Need to
continue to
address
Can address
in the
future
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

12/6-9/12

58 37 4 1  
             

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

 
    Yes No      
    % %      
 

12/6-9/12

77 22      
             

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

 
    Very
serious
Fairly
serious
Just
somewhat
serious
Not that
serious
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

12/6-9/12

46 22 19 6 7
             

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

"Are you optimistic or pessimistic that Congress will reach a consensus that would avoid the fiscal cliff? ... And are you very/somewhat optimistic/pessimistic?"

 
    Very
optimistic
Somewhat
optimistic
Somewhat
pessimistic
Very
pessimistic
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

12/6-9/12

14 34 27 21 4
             

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

 
    Obama Boehner,
Republicans
Both
equally
Neither Unsure
    % % % % %
 

12/6-9/12

38 19 14 28 1
             

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

 
    Yes No Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/6-9/12

67 24 9    
             

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

 
    Acceptable Unaccept-
able
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/6-9/12

76 22 2    
             

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

 
    Obama,
Democrats
Republicans Equally
to blame
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

12/6-9/12

19 24 56 1  
             

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

 
    A great
deal
Quite
a bit
Just
some
Not much
at all
None (vol.)
    % % % % %
 

12/6-9/12

26 29 30 13 1
             

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

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

12/6-9/12

65 28 1 3 3

 

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

             

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

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/5-9/12

25 49 26    

 

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

             

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

 
    Yes No Unsure/
Refused
   
    % % %    
 

12/5-9/12

44 50 6    
 

7/20-24/11

39 51 10    
 

4/21-22 & 25/11

31 55 14    
 

12/1-5/10

37 52 11    
 

2/89

40 46 14    
             

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

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure/
Refused
   
    % % %    
 
 

"Reduce military defense spending"

 

12/5-9/12

43 55 2    
 

10/4-7/12

40 56 4    
             
 

"Raise the income tax rate on incomes over $250,000 a year"

 

12/5-9/12

69 28 3    
 

10/4-7/12

64 29 6    
             
 

"Limit the amount of deductions a taxpayer can claim" N=753 (Form 1), margin of error ± 4.1

 

12/5-9/12

54 40 6    
             
 

"Gradually raising the age at which people can begin receiving Medicare benefits" N=753 (Form 1), margin of error ± 4.1

 

12/5-9/12

41 56 2    
             
 

"Reduce Medicare benefits for seniors with higher incomes" N=753 (Form 1), margin of error ± 4.1

 

12/5-9/12

51 46 3    
             
 

"Reduce federal funding for programs that help lower-income Americans" N=753 (Form 1), margin of error ± 4.1

 

12/5-9/12

38 58 4    
             
 

"Reduce federal funding for roads and transportation" N=753 (Form 1), margin of error ± 4.1

 

12/5-9/12

30 67 4    
             
 

"Gradually raise the age at which people can begin receiving Social Security benefits" N=750 (Form 2), margin of error ± 4.2

 

12/5-9/12

42 56 2    
             
 

"Reduce Social Security benefits for seniors with higher incomes" N=750 (Form 2), margin of error ± 4.2

 

12/5-9/12

51 46 3    
             
 

"Raise the tax rate on investment income" N=750 (Form 2), margin of error ± 4.2

 

12/5-9/12

52 43 5    
             
 

"Reduce federal funding for education" N=750 (Form 2), margin of error ± 4.2

 

12/5-9/12

21 77 2    
             
 

"Limit tax deductions for interest paid on home mortgages" N=750 (Form 2), margin of error ± 4.2

 

12/5-9/12

41 52 6    
             

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

 
    Only if taxes
go up
Without
raising taxes
Unsure/
Refused
   
    % % %    
 

12/5-9/12

59 32 9    
             

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

 
    Making
serious
effort
Not making
serious
effort
Unsure/
Refused
   
    % % %    
 

12/5-9/12

32 57 11    
             

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

 
    Making
serious
effort
Not making
serious
effort
Unsure/
Refused
   
    % % %    
 

12/5-9/12

55 38 7    

 

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

             

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

 
    Will Will not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/4-6/12

52 42 6    
             

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

 
    Republicans
in Congress
President
Obama
Both Neither/
Unsure
 
    % % % %  
 

12/4-6/12

47 36 11 6  
             

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

 
    Support Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"Let the Bush tax cuts expire and raise taxes on individual income above $200,000 or family income above $250,000"

 

12/4-6/12

57 40 3    
             
 

"Let the Obama payroll tax cut expire"

 

12/4-6/12

33 50 17    
             
 

"Cut spending for Medicare"

 

12/4-6/12

23 74 3    
             
 

"Cut spending for Medicaid"

 

12/4-6/12

26 70 4    
             
 

"Eliminate the tax deduction for home mortgage interest"

 

12/4-6/12

29 67 4    
             
 

"Eliminate the tax deduction for charitable contributions"

 

12/4-6/12

28 69 3    
             
 

"Let the Bush tax cuts expire and raise taxes for everyone"

 

12/4-6/12

24 74 2    
             
 

"Raise the age to receive Medicare from 65 to 67"

 

12/4-6/12

40 59 1    

 

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

             

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

 
    Favor Oppose Neither Unsure Refused
    % % % % %
 
 

"Eliminating the tax deduction for mortgage interest, in exchange for a lower overall income tax rate"

 

11/29 - 12/3/12

42 33 19 6 1
 

11/18-22/10

48 31 15 5 -
             
 

"Limiting the dollar amount of deductions taxpayers can take"

 

11/29 - 12/3/12

39 37 18 6 -
             

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

 
    Expire for
everyone
Expire on
income above
$250,000
Continue for
everyone
Unsure Refused
    % % % % %
 

11/29 - 12/3/12

13 48 32 5 2

 

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

             

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

 
    Very
closely
Fairly
closely
Not too
closely
Not at all
closely
Unsure/
Refused
    % % % % %
 

11/29 - 12/2/12

40 26 14 20 1
             

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

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

11/29 - 12/2/12

28 29 22 19 1
             

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

 
    Major
effect
Minor
effect
No
effect
Unsure/
Refused
 
    % % % %  
 

11/29 - 12/2/12

64 20 7 9  
             
 

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

 
    Mostly
positive
Mostly
negative
Unsure/
Refused
   
    % % %    
 

11/29 - 12/2/12

23 71 6    
             

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

 
    Major
effect
Minor
effect
No
effect
Unsure/
Refused
 
    % % % %  
 

11/29 - 12/2/12

43 35 14 7  
             
 

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

 
    Mostly
positive
Mostly
negative
Unsure/
Refused
   
    % % %    
 

11/29 - 12/2/12

17 77 6    
             

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

 
    Will Will not Unsure/
Refused
   
    % % %    
 

11/29 - 12/2/12

40 49 11    
             

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

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

11/29 - 12/2/12

53 27 12 2 6

 

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

             

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

 
    2/3 spending
cuts & 1/3
tax increases
1/3 spending
cuts & 2/3
tax increases
1/2 spending
cuts & 1/2
tax increases
None of
these/
Other (vol.)
Unsure/
Refused
    % % % % %
 

11/29 - 12/2/12

38 16 38 4 4
             

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

 
    Reduce
deductions
only
Increase
tax rates
only
Reduce
deductions
and increase
tax rates
Unsure/
Refused
 
    % % % %  
 

11/29 - 12/2/12

21 29 39 11  
             

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

 
    Not hurt
at all
Hurt
somewhat
Hurt a lot Actually
help
Unsure/
Refused
    % % % % %
 

11/29 - 12/2/12

8 27 22 38 6
             

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

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

"Social Security"

 

11/29 - 12/2/12

3 19 77 2  
 

2/9-12/12

3 19 76 2  
             
 

"Medicare, the medical program for the elderly"

 

11/29 - 12/2/12

3 17 79 1  
 

2/9-12/12

2 16 80 2  
             
 

"Food stamps and housing vouchers that go to low income families"

 

11/29 - 12/2/12

13 37 49 2  
 

2/9-12/12

9 37 51 2  
             
 

"Medicaid for low income families"

 

11/29 - 12/2/12

7 28 63 3  
 

2/9-12/12

5 28 65 2  
             
 

"Defense spending"

 

11/29 - 12/2/12

17 47 33 3  
 

2/9-12/12

18 42 35 5  

 

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

             

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

 
    Support Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

ALL

60 37 3    
 

Democrats

73 26 1    
 

Republicans

39 59 2    
 

Independents

63 33 4    
             

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

 
    Support Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

11/21-25/12

44 49 8    
             

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

 
    Support Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

11/21-25/12

30 67 3    

 

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

             

"As you may know, last year Congress and the President agreed to a program to reduce the federal deficit that some people call the 'fiscal cliff.' Unless Congress and the President reach an agreement within the next few weeks, tax rates will automatically rise in January for almost all Americans and major spending cuts will automatically occur next year in most government spending programs, including military programs.

"If those automatic tax increases and spending cuts occur next year, do you think that would cause a crisis, major problems, minor problems, or no problems at all for the United States?"

 
    A crisis Major
problems
Minor
problems
No
problems
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

11/16-18/12

24 44 24 7 1
             

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

 
    A great
deal
Some Not much Not at all  
    % % % %  
 

11/16-18/12

38 39 16 6  
             

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

 
    Spending
cuts only
Spending
cuts and tax
increases
Other (vol.) Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

11/16-18/12

29 67 1 3  
 

7/18-20/11

34 64 1 1  
             

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

 
    Responsible
adults
Spoiled
children
Mixed/
Both (vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

11/16-18/12

28 67 2 3  
             

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

 
    Kept low Kept high Unsure    
    % % %    
 

11/16-18/12

36 56 8    
 

8/5-7/11

34 62 5    

 

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

             

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

 
      11/9-12/12 7/7-10/11 4/20-23/11  
      % % %  
 

Only spending cuts 

10 20 20  
 

Mostly spending cuts 

30 30 28  
 

Spending cuts, tax increases equally 

45 32 37  
 

Mostly tax increases 

8 7 9  
 

Only tax increases 

3 4 2  
 

Other (vol.) 

1 1 1  
 

Unsure

  3 5 3  

 

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

             

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

 
    Good idea Bad idea Unsure/
Refused
   
    % % %    
 

10/12-14/12

17 64 19    
             

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

 
    Can get a
deal in time
remaining
Should
defer deal
Unsure/
Refused
   
    % % %    
 

10/12-14/12

45 40 15    
             

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

 
    Stand by
principles
Compromise Unsure/
Refused
   
    % % %    
 

10/12-14/12

26 63 12    
             

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

 
    Republicans
in Congress
President
Obama
Democrats
in Congress
All parties
equally
Unsure/
Refused
    % % % % %
 

10/12-14/12

18 10 6 61 5
             

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

 
    Cut too much
from gov't
programs
Raise taxes
on people
like you
Allow too
much federal
spending
Not meet
its target
Unsure/
Refused
    % % % % %
 

10/12-14/12

36 24 15 15 11
 

11/17-20/11

38 23 12 17 10
             

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

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

"Letting the Bush tax cuts expire for families earning at least $250,000 a year"

 

10/12-14/12

55 36 8    
 

11/17-20/11

53 36 11    
             
 

"Reducing the value of itemized deductions for families earning at least $250,000 a year"

 

10/12-14/12

58 33 9    
 

11/17-20/11

55 32 14    
             
 

"Raising the eligibility age for Medicare from 65 to 67"

 

10/12-14/12

39 57 5    
 

11/17-20/11

35 62 3    
             
 

"Placing strict limits on how much Washington will spend on Medicaid and Medicare"

 

10/12-14/12

43 49 8    
 

11/17-20/11

45 47 8    
             
 

"Freezing spending through the year 2019 on non-defense domestic programs such as education, parks and housing"

 

10/12-14/12

35 57 8    
 

11/17-20/11

32 62 6    

 

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

             

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

 
    Reduce
deficit
Keep benefits
as they are
Both
equally (vol.)
Unsure/
Refused
 
    % % % %  
 

9/7-9/12

34 51 10 5  
             

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

 
    A lot A little Nothing Unsure/
Refused
 
    % % % %  
 

9/7-9/12

48 37 14 1  
             
 

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

 
    Right
thing
Wrong
thing
Unsure/
Refused
   
    % % %    
 

9/7-9/12

55 36 9    

 

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

             

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

 
    Obama Bush Both (vol.) Neither
(vol.)
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

8/22-25/12

32 54 8 5 1
 

5/17-20/12

34 49 8 7 3
 

1/12-15/12

29 54 9 6 2
             

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

 
    Cutting
taxes
Spending on
projects
Both (vol.) Neither
(vol.)
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

8/22-25/12

33 52 7 3 5
             

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

 
    Unfairness Over-
regulation
Both (vol.) Neither
(vol.)
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

8/22-25/12

56 34 5 1 3
 

5/17-20/12

56 34 5 2 3
 

4/5-8/12

52 37 4 2 5
 

1/12-15/12

55 35 5 2 4
             

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

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

8/22-25/12

20 27 17 28 9

 

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

             

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

 
    Spending to
improve the
economy
Avoiding
increasing
the deficit
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

7/25 - 8/5/12

48 48 4    
             

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

 
    Help Hurt Not much
difference
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 
 

"Cutting personal income taxes"

 

7/25 - 8/5/12

51 23 23 3  
             
 

"Cutting taxes on businesses"

 

7/25 - 8/5/12

54 21 21 4  
             
 

"Budget cuts to reduce the federal deficit"

 

7/25 - 8/5/12

53 22 20 5  
             
 

"Additional spending on roads, bridges, and other public works projects"

 

7/25 - 8/5/12

63 13 22 1  
             
 

"Raising taxes on businesses that move manufacturing jobs overseas"

 

7/25 - 8/5/12

54 32 12 2  
             

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

 
    Support Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"Raising taxes on households with incomes of 250 thousand dollars per year and higher"

 

7/25 - 8/5/12

65 33 2    
             
 

"Raising taxes on the middle class"

 

7/25 - 8/5/12

11 88 1    
             
 

"Reducing Social Security benefits" Half sample

 

7/25 - 8/5/12

17 82 1    
             
 

"Reducing Social Security benefits for those with high incomes" Half sample

 

7/25 - 8/5/12

57 39 3    
             
 

"Reducing Medicare benefits"

 

7/25 - 8/5/12

21 77 2    
             
 

"Reducing Medicare benefits for those with high incomes" Half sample

 

7/25 - 8/5/12

63 35 3    
             
 

"Reducing military spending"

 

7/25 - 8/5/12

46 51 3    

 

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

             

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

 
    No good
ideas so far
Fighting has
blocked action
Not much
Washington
can do
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

7/19-22/12

17 52 24 8  
 

10/13-16/11

16 54 21 9  

 

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

             

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

 
    Willing Not willing Depends
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

7/11-16/12

45 46 4 5  
             

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

 
    Willing Not willing Unsure    
    % % %    
 

7/11-16/12

21 74 5    
             

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

 
    Willing Not willing Unsure    
    % % %    
 

7/11-16/12

12 83 5    
             

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

 
    Willing Not willing Unsure    
    % % %    
 

7/11-16/12

15 82 3    
             

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

 
    Willing Not willing Unsure    
    % % %    
 

7/11-16/12

30 66 4    

 

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

             

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

 
    A lot A little Nothing Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

7/12-15/12

35 39 26 1  
             

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

 
    Help Hurt No
difference
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

7/12-15/12

44 22 24 11  
             

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

 
    More fair Less fair No
difference
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

7/12-15/12

44 21 25 10  
             

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

 
    Obama Romney Both Neither Unsure
    % % % % %
 

7/12-15/12

58 7 7 8 20

 

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

             

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

 
    Middle class Everyone Unsure    
    % % %    
 

7/9-11/12

43 52 5    

 

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

             

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

 
    Helped Hurt Not much
difference
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

6/20-24/12

32 33 32 2  
 

4/13-17/12

36 33 30 1  
 

11/2-5/11

22 30 47 1  
 

8/27-31/11

23 37 39 1  

 

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

             

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

 
    Spending on
recovery
Reducing
the deficit
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

6/7-11/12

48 47 5    
 

Republicans

30 66 4    
 

Democrats

62 33 5    
 

Independents

48 48 5    
 
 

9/22 - 10/4/11

47 48 5    
 

8/17-21/11

47 46 7    
 

6/15-19/11

42 52 6    
 

2/2-7/11

46 49 5    

 

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

             

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

 
    Helped More harm
than good
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

6/7-11/12

21 70 8    
             

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

 
    Helped More harm
than good
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

6/7-11/12

50 44 6    

 

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

             

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

 
    Lower taxes/
Cut spending
Spend more/
Raise taxes
Depends/
Both (vol.)
Neither
(vol.)
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

ALL

37 56 2 1 4
 

Republicans

71 24 1 3 1
 

Democrats

13 82 3 1 1
 

Independents

34 57 3 1 5

 

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

             

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

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

ALL

72 27 1    
 

Democrats

90 8 2    
 

Independents

69 30 -    
 

Republicans

53 46 1    
             

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

 
    Describes Does not
describe
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

ALL

68 29 4    
 

Democrats

84 15 1    
 

Independents

67 28 5    
 

Republicans

47 48 5    
             

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

 
    Too high About right Too low Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

ALL

45 50 3 2  
 

Democrats

41 54 3 2  
 

Independents

44 51 3 2  
 

Republicans

53 44 2 -  

 

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

             

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

 
    Reduce
deficit, debt
Create
more jobs
None/Other
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/12-15/12

31 64 2 4  

 

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

             

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

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

ALL

60 37 3    
 

Republicans

43 54 2    
 

Independents

63 33 4    
 

Democrats

74 24 2    

 

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

             

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

 
    Too high About right Too low Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/9-11/12

54 43 3 1  
 

4/6-7/10

53 42 2 2  
 

4/6-7/04

51 44 1 4  
             

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

 
    Yes No Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/9-11/12

37 60 4    
             

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

 
    More Less About
the same
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/9-11/12

15 53 29 2  

 

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

             

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

 
    Cut taxes/
Reduce
regulation/
Help start-ups
Invest in
education,
infrastructure,
research
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

ALL

44 50 6    
 

Non-Hispanic whites

44 48 7    
 

Non-Hispanic blacks

37 60 3    
 

Hispanics

46 51 3    

 

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

             

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

 
    Strongly
favor
Somewhat
favor
Somewhat
oppose
Strongly
oppose
Unsure/
Refused
    % % % % %
 

3/22-25/12

16 39 17 15 12

 

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

             

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

 
    Inherited His own
policies
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

3/20-22/12

58 37 5    
 

11/8-10/11

60 32 8    
 

9/13-14/11

60 34 6    
 

8/2-4/11

59 33 8    
 

6/15-23/11

61 31 9    
 

4/10-14/11

63 30 7    
 

1/6-10/11

63 25 12    
 

11/15-18/10

65 28 8    
 

6/17-24/10

62 28 10    
 

3/25-26 & 29/10

64 27 9    
 

2/1-3/10

62 29 9    
 

6/1-3/09

74 18 8    
 

4/21-23/09

80 14 6    
 

4/1-3/09

76 13 11    

 

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

             

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

 
    Better Worse No
difference
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

3/10-12/12

44 42 10 3  
 

7/17-19/11

34 49 12 5  

 

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

             

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

 
    Spending cuts,
tax cuts
Government
investments
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

3/8-11/12

41 51 8    
             

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

 
    Reasonable Unreasonable Unsure    
    % % %    
 

3/8-11/12

17 68 15    

 

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

             

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

 
    Support Oppose Neither
(vol.)
Both (vol.)/
Unsure
 
    % % % %  
 

3/8-11/12

64 30 2 4  
             

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

 
    Support Oppose Neither
(vol.)
Both (vol.)/
Unsure
 
    % % % %  
 

3/8-11/12

57 30 4 9  

 

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

             

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

 
    Better Worse No real
effect
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

3/7-10/12

31 30 37 2  
 

8/29 - 9/1/11

17 34 47 2  
 

1/27 - 2/9/11

27 28 38 7  
 

1/13-16/11

35 24 39 2  
 

8/30 - 9/2/10

30 33 36 1  
 

4/22-25/10

39 26 32 2  
 

1/12-15/10

35 23 41 2  
 

10/15-18/09

41 22 35 2  
 

8/13-17/09

43 23 32 2  

Budget, taxes, economic policy continued

 


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