Budget/Taxes (5)

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Budget, Taxes, Economic Policy (p. 5)

Allstate/National Journal Heartland Monitor Poll conducted by FTI Consulting. March 3-6, 2012. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.1.

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

		President Obama	Republicans in Congress	Both (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	3/3-6/12	44	36	1	13	6
	11/30 - 12/4/11	39	38	2	16	5
	9/28 - 10/2/11	40	33	2	20	5
	5/18-22/11	40	37	2	14	8
	3/4-8/11	40	36	2	15	8
	11/29 - 12/1/10	42	36	3	15	4
	8/27-30/10	42	37	3	14	5
	4/22-26/10	39	32	2	19	8
	1/3-7/10	41	33	2	19	5

AP-GfK Poll conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate Communications. Feb. 16-20, 2012. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.1.

"Please tell me if you would favor, oppose, or neither favor nor oppose a law requiring that all Americans with incomes of one million dollars or more pay at least 30 percent of their income in taxes."

		Favor	Oppose	Neither	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	2/16-20/12	65	26	7	1

CNN/ORC Poll. Feb. 10-13, 2012. N=1,026 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"Please tell me whether you favor or oppose cutting the payroll tax for all American workers?"

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	2/10-13/12	54	42	4
	10/14-16/11	59	38	3
	9/9-11/11	65	33	2

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Feb. 8-13, 2012. N=1,197 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"In order to lower the nation's budget deficit, do you think taxes should be increased on households earning one million dollars a year or more, or should the government address the budget deficit without increasing taxes on those households?"

		Should increase	Should not increase	Unsure
		%	%	%
	2/8-13/12	67	29	4
	12/14-18/11	60	35	5
	10/19-24/11	65	30	5
	9/28 - 10/2/11	64	30	6

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Feb. 1-4, 2012. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"Do you support or oppose raising taxes on Americans with incomes over one million dollars a year?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	2/1-4/12	72	24	3
	9/29 - 10/2/11	75	23	2

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Jan. 20-23, 2012. N=1,185 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"What about upper-income Americans? Do you feel upper-income people pay more than their fair share in federal income taxes, less than their fair share, or is the amount they pay about right?"

		More than fair share	Less than fair share	About right	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	1/20-23/12	11	55	24	10

"Federal tax policy now allows capital gains and dividends to be taxed at a lower rate than income from work. Which comes closer to your opinion? You approve of the current policy because you think it encourages investment, which helps the economy and ultimately increases tax revenues. OR, You think capital gains and dividends should be taxed the same as income earned from work because the current policy increases the federal deficit and is unfair to people who don't have money to invest."

		Approve of current policy	Tax cap. gains & dividends the same	Tax cap. gains & dividends more (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	1/20-23/12	36	52	2	10

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Jan. 12-17, 2012. N=1,154 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"Who do you trust more to make the right decisions about the nation's economy: the Republicans in Congress or Barack Obama?"

		Republicans in Congress	Obama	Both (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	1/12-17/12	40	44	1	9	7
	8/2-3/11	33	47	3	14	2

"Who do you trust more to make the right decisions about the federal budget deficit: the Republicans in Congress or Barack Obama?"

		Republicans in Congress	Obama	Both (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	1/12-17/12	42	43	1	9	5

"Who do you trust more to make the right decisions about creating jobs: the Republicans in Congress or Barack Obama?"

		Republicans in Congress	Obama	Both (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	1/12-17/12	38	47	1	9	5
	1/15-19/11	44	44	1	5	5

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

		Republicans in Congress	Obama	Both (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	1/12-17/12	38	47	-	7	8
	4/15-20/11	42	43	2	7	5

"Who do you think is mostly to blame for most of the current federal budget deficit: the Bush administration, the Obama administration, Congress, or someone else?" Options rotated

			1/12-17/12	4/15-20/11	4/5-12/10
			%	%	%
	Bush administration		43	41	39
	Congress		19	18	19
	Obama administration		14	14	8
	Someone else		9	12	13
	All of the above (vol.)		6	7	8
	Combination (vol.)		4	7	9
	Unsure		5	2	3

Gallup Poll. Dec. 27, 2011. N=999 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4. Interviews conducted as part of Gallup Daily tracking.

"As you may know, last week, the President and Congress passed a two-month extension on the payroll tax cuts and unemployment benefits. Looking ahead to the debate on what the government should do as these extensions expire at the end of February, do you have more confidence in President Obama and the Democrats in Congress or the Republicans in Congress?" Options rotated

		Obama/ Democrats	Republicans	Both/Same (vol.)	Neither/ Other (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/27/11	41	34	1	15	10

CBS News Poll. Dec. 14-18, 2011. N=992 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"Which one of these economic issues should be the higher priority for the nation right now: the federal budget deficit, unemployment, or taxes?"

		Unemployment	Deficit	Taxes	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/14-18/11	55	29	12	4

"In order to lower the nation's budget deficit, do you think taxes should be increased on households earning one million dollars a year or more, or should the government address the budget deficit without increasing taxes on those households?"

		Should increase	Should not increase	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/14-18/11	60	35	5
	10/19-24/11	65	30	5
	9/28 - 10/2/11	64	30	6

AP-GfK Poll conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate Communications. Dec. 8-12, 2011. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"In general, how much, if anything, do you think the federal government can do to create jobs in the United States: a great deal, quite a bit, a moderate amount, only a little or nothing at all?"

		A great deal	Quite a bit	A moderate amount	Only a little	Nothing at all
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/8-12/11	27	15	29	20	9
	10/13-17/11	26	16	30	19	9

"As you may know, last year, the federal government passed a law temporarily reducing Social Security payroll taxes. Congress is currently considering renewing this tax reduction. Should Congress vote to continue this payroll tax reduction even though it may increase the federal budget deficit, or allow this payroll tax reduction to expire even though it would cause most workers to take home less money in their paychecks?"

		Continue reduction	Allow to expire	Unsure	Refused
		%	%	%	%
	12/8-12/11	58	35	7	1

"Do you think it is possible for the federal government to balance its budget without increasing taxes, or do you think some taxes will have to be increased?" Options rotated. 11/10: Co-sponsored by CNBC.

		Possible without tax increase	Taxes will have to be increased	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/8-12/11	35	65	1
	8/18-22/11	29	69	1
	11/18-22/10	33	65	3

"Do you think it is possible for the federal government to balance its budget without cutting government services, or do you think some government services will have to be cut?" Options rotated. 11/10: Co-sponsored by CNBC.

		Possible without service cuts	Some services will have to be cut	Unsure	Refused
		%	%	%	%
	12/8-12/11	16	82	2	-
	8/18-22/11	17	82	1	-
	11/18-22/10	19	79	2	1

Pew Research Center. Dec. 7-11, 2011. N=1,521 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.5.

"I'm going to read you some pairs of statements. As I read each pair, tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right. ... Wall Street helps the American economy more than it hurts. Wall Street hurts the American economy more than it helps."

		Helps more than hurts	Hurts more than helps	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/7-11/11	36	51	13
	3/8-14/11	38	47	15

"I'm going to read you some pairs of statements. As I read each pair, tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right. ... The economic system in this country unfairly favors the wealthy. The economic system in this country is generally fair to most Americans."

		Favors the wealthy	Generally fair	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/7-11/11	61	36	3

"Do you think there is too much power in the hands of a few rich people and large corporations in the United States, or don't you think so?"

		Too much power	Don't think so	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/7-11/11	77	19	4

United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Dec. 1-4, 2011. N=1,008 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.7.

"Last year, Congress provided a temporary reduction in the payroll tax paid by workers on their wages. Unless Congress extends this tax cut soon, it will expire. Supporters say this tax cut gives people more money to spend and helps the economy. Opponents say it increases the federal debt without doing much to help the economy. Do you think Congress should or should NOT extend the payroll tax cut?"

		Should	Should not	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%
	12/1-4/11	58	32	10

"As you may know, the federal government now helps pay for up to 99 weeks of unemployment insurance for people who have lost their jobs. Unless Congress acts to extend these benefits by the end of this year, unemployed people will receive only 26 weeks of benefits. In your opinion, should Congress take action to keep unemployment benefits at 99 weeks, limit unemployment benefits to 26 weeks, OR set a new limit for unemployment benefits between 26 and 99 weeks?"

		Keep at 99 weeks	Limit to 26 weeks	Set between 26 & 99	None/ Other (vol.)	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/1-4/11	29	20	46	2	3

Gallup Poll. Nov. 21, 2011. N=1,001 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4. Interviews conducted as part of Gallup Daily tracking.

"How closely are you following the news about the 12-member 'Supercommittee' in Congress, created to draft a bipartisan plan to reduce the federal budget deficit by at least $1trillion: very closely, somewhat closely, not too closely, or not at all?"

		Very closely	Somewhat closely	Not too closely	Not at all	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	11/21/11	20	33	23	23	1

"As you may know, it appears the committee will not reach an agreement on deficit reduction by its November 23rd deadline. In your view, do you think the members of the committee should have compromised their beliefs on taxes, spending, and the debt more in order to get an agreement done, OR, did the right thing in refusing to reach an agreement that did not reflect their beliefs on taxes, spending, and the debt?" Options rotated

		Should have compromised more	Did the right thing	Unsure
		%	%	%
	11/21/11	54	29	17

"Who do you blame more for the inability of the committee to reach an agreement: the Republicans on the committee, the Democrats on the committee, or both equally?"

		The Republicans	The Democrats	Both equally	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	11/21/11	24	15	55	7

"Does the inability of the committee to reach an agreement by the deadline make you extremely worried, very worried, somewhat worried, or not worried about [see below]?"

		Extremely worried	Very worried	Somewhat worried	Not worried	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%

	"The ability of the U.S. Congress to solve the major problems facing the country"
	11/21/11	19	32	34	12	3

	"The prospects for meaningful reductions in the U.S. federal budget deficit"
	11/21/11	15	25	42	14	3

	"The long-term health of the U.S. economy"
	11/21/11	19	30	36	13	2

CNN/ORC Poll. Nov. 18-20, 2011. N=1,019 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"As you may know, a special group of members of Congress that is sometimes referred to as the 'supercommittee' is trying to develop a proposal to significantly reduce the federal budget deficit. Please tell me whether you think each of the following should or should not be included in that deficit reduction proposal. . . ." 8/11: "As you may know, that bill created a bipartisan congressional committee that is expected to produce a proposal to significantly reduce the federal budget deficit. Please tell me whether you think each of the following should or should not be included in that deficit reduction proposal. . . ."

		Should	Should not	Unsure
		%	%	%

	"Increases in taxes on businesses and higher-income Americans"
	11/18-20/11	67	32	1
	8/5-7/11	63	36	1

	"Major cuts in spending on domestic government programs"
	11/18-20/11	60	39	2
	8/5-7/11	57	40	3

	"Major changes to the Social Security and Medicare systems"
	11/18-20/11	41	57	2
	8/5-7/11	35	64	1

	"Major cuts in military spending"
	11/18-20/11	40	60	1
	8/5-7/11	47	53	-

	"Increases in taxes on middle class and lower-income Americans"
	11/18-20/11	12	88	-
	8/5-7/11	12	87	-

United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Nov. 17-20, 2011. N=1,003 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.7.

"As you may know, the congressional 'super committee' is reaching its deadline to produce a plan to reduce the federal deficit by at least $1.2 trillion over the next decade. If the committee 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
		%	%	%	%	%
	11/17-20/11	19	10	8	54	8

"Some people say an agreement to reduce the deficit would help the economy by increasing confidence among businesses and consumers. Others say an agreement would hurt the economy by requiring tax increases and spending cuts that would reduce consumer spending and business investment. In your opinion, do you think an agreement to reduce the deficit would help the economy, hurt the economy, or not have much effect either way?"

		Help the economy	Hurt the economy	Not have much effect	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%
	11/17-20/11	42	16	29	13

"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 not meet its target for reducing the federal deficit and debt. It will allow for too much federal spending in the next few years." Options rotated

		Cut too much from Medicare, Soc. Security	Raise taxes on people like you	Not meet its target	Allow too much federal spending	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%	%
	11/17-20/11	38	23	17	12	10

"The super committee 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?"

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

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

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

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

	"Raising the eligibility age for Medicare from 65 to 67"
	11/17-20/11	35	62	3

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

"As you may know, if the super committee does not meet its deficit reduction target by the deadline, Congress has set rules requiring large automatic cuts on defense and domestic programs. If the committee fails to meet its target, do you think these automatic cuts should go into effect or that Congress should take action to stop them?"

		Automatic cuts should go into effect	Congress should stop them	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%
	11/17-20/11	26	61	13

"Would you like to see your representative in Congress vote in favor of a deficit reduction plan only if it fully reflects your priorities for taxes and spending, or even if it does NOT fully reflect your priorities but that's the only way for Congress to reach agreement on a deficit reduction plan?"

		Only if fully reflects priorities	Even if doesn't fully reflect priorities	Neither is acceptable (vol.)	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%
	11/17-20/11	31	53	3	13

Quinnipiac University Poll. Nov. 14-20, 2011. N=2,552 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ą 1.9.

"The debt ceiling agreement reached by President Obama and Congress in August created a new Congressional committee, sometimes referred to as the 'Super Committee,' to recommend a deficit-reduction proposal. This committee must make its recommendations by late November. From what you know so far, do you think the deficit-reduction proposal should include some increases in tax revenue or should it include only cuts in government spending?"

		Some tax increases	Spending cuts only	Unsure
		%	%	%
	11/14-20/11	39	49	11
	10/25-31/11	39	48	13

"Do you think that the Super Committee and President Obama will be able to agree on a plan to reduce the federal budget deficit or not?"

		Will	Will not	Unsure
		%	%	%
	11/14-20/11	24	69	7
	10/25-31/11	24	67	8

"Who do you think would be mostly to blame if the Committee and the President are not able to agree on a plan to reduce the deficit: President Obama and the Democrats in Congress, or the Republicans in Congress?"

		Obama, Democrats	Republicans	Unsure
		%	%	%
	11/14-20/11	38	44	18
	10/25-31/11	36	46	17

CNN/ORC Poll. Nov. 11-13, 2011. N=1,036 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"As you may know, a special group of members of Congress that is sometimes referred to as the 'supercommittee' is trying to develop a plan to significantly reduce the federal budget deficit. The deadline for their plan is November 23rd. How likely is it is that the supercommittee will agree on a deficit reduction plan by then: very likely, somewhat likely, somewhat unlikely or very unlikely?"

		Very likely	Somewhat likely	Somewhat unlikely	Very unlikely	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	11/11-13/11	3	18	36	42	1

"If the supercommittee does not agree on a deficit reduction plan, do you think that the Democrats in Congress or the Republicans in Congress would be more responsible for that?"

		Democrats	Republicans	Both (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	11/11-13/11	32	42	19	5	3

McClatchy-Marist Poll. Nov. 8-10, 2011. N=872 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.5.

"As part of the debt ceiling agreement last summer a bipartisan congressional committee called the Super Committee was created to propose a way to significantly reduce the federal budget deficit. How confident are you that the Congressional Republicans and the Congressional Democrats on the Super Committee will be able to come to an agreement on how to reduce the federal deficit: very confident, confident, not very confident or not confident at all?"

		Very confident/ Confident	Not very confident/ Not confident at all	Unsure
		%	%	%
	11/8-10/11	13	85	2

"Please tell me whether you think each of the following should or should not be included in the Super Committee's deficit reduction proposal. . . ."

		Should	Should not	Unsure
		%	%	%

	"Increases in taxes on higher-income Americans"
	11/8-10/11	67	30	3

	"Major cuts in defense spending"
	11/8-10/11	45	51	4

	"Increases in taxes on businesses"
	11/8-10/11	35	59	6

	"Major cuts in Social Security and Medicare"
	11/8-10/11	17	81	2

"If the Super Committee fails to come to an agreement on how to reduce the federal deficit, who do you think is more to blame . . . ?"

		Congressional Republicans	Congressional Democrats	Both	Neither	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	11/8-10/11	39	27	23	2	8

"Do you support or oppose a federal surcharge on income of 200 thousand dollars or more for individuals and 250 thousand dollars or more for married couples, referred to as the millionaire's tax?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	11/8-10/11	49	43	8

"How about a federal surcharge on income of one million dollars or more. Do you support or oppose a federal surcharge on income of one million dollars or more, referred to as the millionaire's tax?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	11/8-10/11	61	33	6

"A flat rate tax system applies one tax rate to all income. Under a flat rate tax system, do you think each of the following would pay higher taxes, lower taxes, or about the same amount of taxes as they pay now? . . . ."

		Higher	Lower	Same	Unsure
		%	%	%	%

	"The wealthy"
	11/8-10/11	36	38	21	5

	"The middle class"
	11/8-10/11	37	14	43	6

	"The poor"
	11/8-10/11	52	18	25	5

"Do you think people who are poor, and earn below a certain income, should be required to pay taxes on what they earn or should they be exempt from paying income taxes?"

		Required to pay	Exempt from paying	Unsure
		%	%	%
	11/8-10/11	60	37	3

United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Nov. 3-6, 2011. N=1,005 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.7.

"Now thinking about the U.S. Congress: Please tell me how important you think it is for Congress to reach agreement on each of the following BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR. First, how important is it that Congress agrees on [see below]? Is it very important, somewhat important, not too important, or not at all important for Congress to do this before the end of this year?"

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

	"New federal spending to try to create jobs by rehabilitating public schools, improving roads and mass transit, and preventing layoffs of teachers, police officers, and other first responders"
	11/3-6/11	68	16	7	6	2

	"New legislation to reduce the federal deficit through a combination of spending cuts and tax increases on high-income families"
	11/3-6/11	58	24	5	8	5

	"New legislation to make it easier for homeowners to refinance their mortgages at lower rates"
	11/3-6/11	56	27	8	7	2

	"New legislation to reduce the federal deficit solely by cutting spending on federal programs, including entitlements such as Medicare and Medicaid"
	11/3-6/11	40	20	14	20	6

	"New federal efforts to try to create jobs by cutting the Social Security taxes paid by workers and employers"
	11/3-6/11	35	30	13	17	6

"As you may know, a Congressional 'super committee' is examining two different plans to try to reduce the federal deficit by at least $1.2 trillion over the next 10 years. After I describe the two plans, please tell me which ONE you prefer. One is a Democratic plan that calls for over $4 trillion in deficit reduction through a COMBINATION of federal spending cuts and tax increases on wealthier Americans. The other is a Republican plan that calls for $3 trillion in deficit reduction through spending cuts ALONE, with no tax increases. Which do you prefer?"

		Democratic plan	Republican plan	Neither (vol.)	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%
	11/3-6/11	49	44	3	4

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). Nov. 2-5, 2011. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.1.

"Would you prefer a graduated income tax system, in which people with higher incomes pay a higher tax rate, or a flat tax system, in which everyone pays the same tax rate regardless of income?"

		Graduated income tax	Flat tax system	Both equal (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	11/2-5/11	56	40	1	3
	3/96	54	39	1	6
	1/96	54	41	1	4

"Do you think that your own taxes would be higher, lower, or about the same under a flat tax system?"

		Higher	Lower	About the same	Depends (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	11/2-5/11	29	19	43	1	8
	1/96	22	20	43	3	12

"Now, I'm going to read you two short descriptions of what some people are thinking these days when it comes to government and the economy. Please tell me if you strongly agree, mildly agree, feel neutral about, mildly disagree, or strongly disagree with each set of ideas.

	"The current economic structure of the country is out of balance and favors a very small proportion of the rich over the rest of the country. America needs to reduce the power of major banks and corporations and demand greater accountability and transparency. The government should not provide financial aid to corporations and should not provide tax breaks to the rich."

		%
	Strongly agree	60
	Mildly agree	16
	Feel neutral	9
	Mildly disagree	6
	Strongly disagree	6
	Mixed (vol.)	2
	Unsure	1

	"The national debt must be cut significantly by reducing spending and the size of government, including eliminating some federal agencies and programs. Regulations on business by the federal government should be reduced and instead, the private sector and individuals should have greater control. The government should not raise taxes on anyone."

		%
	Strongly agree	33
	Mildly agree	20
	Feel neutral	13
	Mildly disagree	14
	Strongly disagree	18
	Mixed (vol.)	2

"Who is most to blame for current economic problems: Wall Street bankers, George W. Bush, or Barack Obama?" Options rotated

		Wall Street bankers	George W. Bush	Barack Obama	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	11/2-5/11	36	34	21	9

"If the Republican candidate wins the presidency, would economic conditions be helped, hurt, or would it not make much of a difference one way or the other?" Half sample (Form B)

		Helped	Hurt	Not much difference	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	11/2-5/11	30	25	43	2

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Oct. 31-Nov. 3, 2011. N=1,004 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.5.

"Which of the following statements comes closest to your point of view? President Obama is making a good faith effort to deal with the country's economic problems, but the Republicans in Congress are playing politics by blocking his proposals and programs. OR, President Obama has not provided leadership on the economy, and he is just blaming the Republicans in Congress as an excuse for not doing his job." Options rotated

		GOP blocking Obama's proposals	Obama just blaming the GOP	Both (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	10/31 - 11/3/11	50	44	2	2	1

"What do you think is more important right now: having the federal government spend money to try to encourage job creation, even if that increases the federal budget deficit, OR, having the federal government hold down the federal budget deficit, even if it means not spending money to try to encourage job creation?" Options rotated

		Encourage job creation	Hold down the deficit	Unsure
		%	%	%
	10/31 - 11/3/11	46	49	4

"I'd like to ask you about the distribution of wealth in this country -- that is, the gap between how much money wealthy people have compared with how much money the rest of the population has. Do you think this gap is larger than it's been historically, smaller, or about the same?"

		Larger	Smaller	Same	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	10/31 - 11/3/11	61	5	31	3

Fox News Poll conducted by Anderson Robbins Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R). Oct. 23-25, 2011. N=904 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"If you could choose one plan to collect all federal taxes, which would you prefer: a national sales tax, a flat-rate income tax with no deductions, a graduated income tax with no deductions, or the current graduated income tax with deductions?"

		National sales tax	Flat-rate income tax, no deductions	Graduated income tax, no deductions	Current income tax	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	10/23-25/11	12	35	13	26	14
	1/11-12/05	17	29	12	25	17

"If you were in Congress, how would you have voted on President Obama's recently proposed 450 billion dollar stimulus package aimed at creating jobs? . . ."

		For it	Against it	Unsure
		%	%	%
	ALL	48	44	7
	Democrats	82	10	7
	Republicans	15	80	4
	Independents	37	51	12

"Which of the following best describes why the economy is not doing better under Barack Obama's leadership? His ideas are good, but he hasn't been able to get them implemented. His ideas are bad, and too many of them are being implemented." Options rotated

		Good ideas, haven't been implemented	Bad ideas, are being implemented	Mixed (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	ALL	52	37	6	5
	Democrats	85	7	4	4
	Republicans	15	73	7	5
	Independents	50	35	10	6

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Oct. 19-24, 2011. N=1,650 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"Do you think Barack Obama does or does not have a clear plan for creating jobs?"

		Does	Does not	Unsure
		%	%	%
	10/19-24/11	38	56	6
	9/10-15/11	43	52	5
	1/5-9/11	33	59	8
	11/7-10/10	38	54	8
	10/21-26/10	42	53	5

"Do you think the Republicans in Congress do or do not have a clear plan for creating jobs?"

		Do	Do not	Unsure
		%	%	%
	10/19-24/11	20	71	9
	9/10-15/11	24	67	9
	1/5-9/11	28	61	11

"How confident are you that Congressional Republicans and Democrats will be able to come to an agreement on job creation: very confident, somewhat confident, not too confident or not at all confident?" 9/28 - 10/2/11 & earlier: "How confident are you that congressional Republicans and Democrats will be able to come to an agreement on a job creation package: very confident, somewhat confident, not too confident or not at all confident?"

		Very confident	Somewhat confident	Not too confident	Not at all confident	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	10/19-24/11	3	25	41	32	0
	9/28 - 10/2/11	3	20	43	32	2
	9/10-15/11	3	28	45	22	2

"In order to try to create jobs, do you think it is probably a good idea or a bad idea to significantly cut payroll taxes for working Americans?"

		Good idea	Bad idea	Unsure
		%	%	%
	10/19-24/11	51	37	12
	9/10-15/11	56	30	14

"Do you think it is probably a good idea or a bad idea for the federal government to provide money to state governments so they can avoid layoffs of public employees?" N=828 (Form A)

		Good idea	Bad idea	Unsure
		%	%	%
	10/19-24/11	53	39	8
	9/10-15/11	52	40	8

"Do you think it is probably a good idea or a bad idea for the federal government to provide money to state governments so they can avoid layoffs of workers such as teachers, police, and firefighters?" N=822 (Form B)

		Good idea	Bad idea	Unsure
		%	%	%
	10/19-24/11	65	29	6

"In order to try to create jobs, do you think it is probably a good idea or a bad idea to spend money on the nation's infrastructure, such as bridges, airports, and schools?"

		Good idea	Bad idea	Unsure
		%	%	%
	10/19-24/11	80	15	5
	9/10-15/11	80	16	4

"In order to try to create jobs, do you think it is probably a good idea or a bad idea to significantly cut taxes for small businesses?"

		Good idea	Bad idea	Unsure
		%	%	%
	10/19-24/11	78	18	4
	9/10-15/11	81	14	5

"In order to try to create jobs, do you think it is probably a good idea or a bad idea to repeal or reduce existing regulations on U.S. businesses?"

		Good idea	Bad idea	Unsure
		%	%	%
	10/19-24/11	50	31	19

"In order to try to create jobs, do you think it is probably a good idea or a bad idea to lower taxes for large corporations?"

		Good idea	Bad idea	Unsure
		%	%	%
	10/19-24/11	27	67	6

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Oct. 19-23, 2011. N=1,019 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.5.

"Overall, do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of the idea to set the federal income tax rate at 9 percent, corporate taxes at 9 percent, and create a national sales tax, also of 9 percent?"

		Favorable	Unfavorable	Unsure
		%	%	%
	10/19-23/11	36	56	7

"Overall, do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of a flat tax system that removes most income tax deductions, and charges everyone the same tax rate, instead of charging higher rates on higher incomes?"

		Favorable	Unfavorable	Unsure
		%	%	%
	10/19-23/11	47	48	5

AP-GfK Poll conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate Communications. Oct. 13-17, 2011. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"How confident are you that Barack Obama will be successful in bringing about the changes needed to improve the 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
		%	%	%	%	%
	10/13-17/11	14	29	20	36	1
	11/6-10/08	31	41	15	11	2

"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 the right amount	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	10/13-17/11	15	47	36	1

"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 the right amount	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	10/13-17/11	5	72	22	1

"People have suggested various ways that the government could act to try to create jobs. How much do you think each of the following would do to create jobs: a great deal, quite a bit, a moderate amount, only a little, or nothing at all? . . ."

		A great deal	Quite a bit	A moderate amount	Only a little	Nothing at all
		%	%	%	%	%

	"Increasing government spending on roads, schools and other infrastructure projects"
	10/13-17/11	23	13	30	21	12

	"Reducing Social Security payroll taxes for individual workers"
	10/13-17/11	12	6	28	25	29

	"Reducing Social Security payroll taxes for employers"
	10/13-17/11	9	8	31	27	24

	"Providing tax credits to companies that hire those who have been unemployed for six months or more"
	10/13-17/11	24	12	30	20	13

	"Reducing environmental and other regulations on businesses"
	10/13-17/11	16	11	27	22	22


"In order to pay for government efforts to promote job creation, would you favor, oppose or neither favor nor oppose limiting income tax deductions for individuals making more than $200,000 and families earning over $250,000 each year?" N=488 (Form A)

		Favor	Oppose	Neither	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	10/13-17/11	47	39	11	3

"In order to pay for government efforts to promote job creation, would you favor, oppose or neither favor nor oppose a 5.6% tax surcharge on income over $1 million?" N=512 (Form B)

		Favor	Oppose	Neither	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	10/13-17/11	62	26	10	2

CNN/ORC Poll. Oct. 14-16, 2011. N=1,007 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"Please tell me whether you favor or oppose the following . . . ."

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%

	"Providing federal money to state governments to allow them to hire teachers and first responders"
	10/14-16/11	75	24	1
	9/9-11/11	74	25	1

	"Increasing federal spending to build and repair roads, bridges, and schools"
	10/14-16/11	72	28	1
	9/9-11/11	64	36	-

	"Increasing federal aid to unemployed workers"
	10/14-16/11	60	38	2
	9/9-11/11	52	47	1

	"Increasing the taxes paid by people who make more than 250 thousand dollars a year"
	10/14-16/11	63	37	1
	7/18-20/11	73	26	-

	"Increasing the taxes paid by people who make more than one million dollars a year"
	10/14-16/11	76	24	1

"Which is more important: reducing the federal budget deficit, even if the unemployment rate remains high, or reducing the unemployment rate, even if the federal budget deficit remains high?"

		Reducing the deficit	Reducing unemployment	Both equal (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	10/14-16/11	35	61	1	2

United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Oct. 13-16, 2011. N=1,007 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.7.

"President Obama and Senate Democrats have proposed a five percent surtax on millionaires to pay for the cost of their jobs plan. In general, would you support or oppose such a surtax on millionaires as a way to pay for federal efforts to create jobs?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	10/13-16/11	68	27	5

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). Oct. 6-10, 2011. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.1.

"From what you know about President Barack Obama's jobs bill, do you think the U.S. Congress should pass or should not pass the President's jobs bill? If you do not know enough about this to have an opinion, please just say so."

		Should pass	Should not pass	Don't know enough	Pass with modifications (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	10/6-10/11	30	22	44	1	3

"Now I am going to tell you more about President Obama's proposed jobs bill and please tell me whether you would favor or oppose it. The jobs bill would cut the payroll tax rate, fund new road construction, continue to extend unemployment benefits, and give tax credits to companies who hire and train long-term unemployed workers. The plan would be paid for by increasing taxes on the wealthy and increasing taxes on businesses by closing some corporate tax loopholes. Do you favor or oppose this plan?"

		Favor	Oppose	Depends (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	10/6-10/11	63	32	1	4

"Now, thinking about a proposal to raise taxes on the wealthy and on corporations, which of the following statements comes closest to what you think? This is a good idea because the wealthy and corporations should pay their fair share and can afford to pay more to help pay for programs and government operations. OR, This is a bad idea because higher taxes will end up taking money from the wealthy and corporations that they could otherwise invest to help grow the economy." Options rotated

		Good idea	Bad idea	Mixed (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	10/6-10/11	64	31	3	2

"Which of the following comes closer to your point of view? Would it be that the President and the Congress should worry more now about boosting the economy or reducing the federal deficit?" Options rotated. Half sample (Form A).

		Boosting economy	Reducing deficit	Both (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	10/6-10/11	61	32	5	2

"Which of the following comes closer to your point of view? Would it be that the President and the Congress should worry more now about creating jobs or reducing the federal deficit?" Options rotated. Half sample (Form B).

		Creating jobs	Reducing deficit	Both (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	10/6-10/11	66	30	3	1

Washington Post/Bloomberg News Poll. Oct. 6-9, 2011. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.5.

"If a Republican were president right now, do you think the economy would be better, worse, or about the same as it is now?"

		Better	Worse	The same	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	10/6-9/11	23	25	45	7

"Thinking beyond the 2012 presidential election, do you think your own family's financial situation would be better if President Obama wins a second term OR if a Republican wins the election, or wouldn't it make much difference either way?"

		If Obama wins	If Republican wins	Not much difference	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	10/6-9/11	24	24	44	7

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

		Will	Will not	Unsure
		%	%	%
	10/6-9/11	81	11	8

"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"
	10/6-9/11	68	27	5

	"Reducing military spending"
	10/6-9/11	51	42	7

	"Raising taxes on the middle class"
	10/6-9/11	18	79	4

	"Reducing Medicare benefits"
	10/6-9/11	14	82	4

	"Reducing Social Security benefits"
	10/6-9/11	13	83	4

"Thinking about the next couple of years, how likely do you think it is that there will be another financial crisis similar to the one that caused a near meltdown of the banking industry in the U.S. in 2008: very likely, fairly likely, just somewhat likely, or not likely?"

		Very likely	Fairly likely	Somewhat likely	Not likely	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	10/6-9/11	28	24	29	13	6

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Sept. 29-Oct. 2, 2011. N=1,002 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

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

		Approve	Disapprove	Unsure
		%	%	%
	9/29 - 10/2/11	20	76	4
	7/14-17/11	28	67	5
	4/14-17/11	34	62	3

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

		Obama	Republicans in Congress	Both (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	9/29 - 10/2/11	52	32	1	12	3
	7/14-17/11	53	35	1	9	2

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

		Obama	Republicans in Congress	Both (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	9/29 - 10/2/11	17	70	5	6	2

"A committee of Democrats and Republicans in Congress has until late November to propose ways to cut the federal deficit by 1.2 trillion dollars over the next 10 years. Do you think this should be done by cutting federal spending, by increasing taxes, or by a combination of both?" Options rotated

		Cutting spending	Increasing taxes	Combination	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	9/29 - 10/2/11	31	3	64	2

"How likely do you think it is that Democrats and Republicans in Congress will agree on a deficit-reduction plan: very likely, somewhat likely, somewhat unlikely, or very unlikely?"

		Very likely	Somewhat likely	Somewhat unlikely	Very unlikely	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	9/29 - 10/2/11	3	22	37	37	1

"If a deficit-reduction plan is not agreed on, automatic cuts of 1.2 trillion dollars in federal spending will take effect in January 2013, half from military programs and half from domestic programs. Would you support or oppose these automatic cuts if there is no agreement?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	9/29 - 10/2/11	36	57	7

"Would you support or oppose changing federal tax law to make it harder for businesses to reduce their taxes by taking tax deductions?" Half sample

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	9/29 - 10/2/11	42	46	11

"Would you support or oppose changing federal tax law to make it harder for individuals to reduce their taxes by taking tax deductions?" Half sample

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	9/29 - 10/2/11	43	47	11

"Obama recently proposed a 450 billion dollar package aimed at creating jobs. Given what you know about it, do you support or oppose the plan?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	9/29 - 10/2/11	52	36	13

"Just your best guess: If Obama's jobs package passes Congress, do you think it would improve the jobs situation in the country a great deal, somewhat, not much or not at all?"

		A great deal	Somewhat	Not much	Not at all	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	9/29 - 10/2/11	11	47	20	20	3

CBS News Poll. Sept. 28-Oct. 2, 2011. N=1,012 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"Since he took office, has Barack Obama made real progress in fixing the economy or hasn't he made real progress in fixing the economy?"

		Has	Hasn't	Unsure
		%	%	%
	9/28 - 10/2/11	25	69	6
	9/10-15/11	25	68	7
	9/10-14/10	35	60	5

"Which would be a more effective way for the government to get the economy moving again: cutting taxes to encourage spending and investment, or spending more money to create new jobs?"

		Cutting taxes	Spending	Both (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	9/28 - 10/2/11	47	37	3	6	7
	7/9-12/10	53	37	3	2	5

"If taxes are increased on households earning one million dollars a year or more, do think this will help job creation in the U.S., hurt job creation in the U.S., or won't it make much difference on job creation?"

		Help	Hurt	No difference	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	9/28 - 10/2/11	25	18	51	6

Pew Research Center/Washington Post. Sept. 22-25, 2011. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"On the whole, do you think the Obama administration is doing more to help the haves, doing more to help the have-nots, or it is treating both groups about the same?"

		Helping the haves	Helping the have-nots	Treating the same	Neither (vol.)	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%	%
	9/22-25/11	15	29	45	4	7

"On the whole, do you think the Republicans in Congress are doing more to help the haves, doing more to help the have-nots, or it is treating both groups about the same?"

		Helping the haves	Helping the have-nots	Treating the same	Neither (vol.)	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%	%
	9/22-25/11	47	7	32	4	9

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Sept. 10-15, 2011. N=1,452 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"Is the condition of the national economy something a president can do a lot about, or is that beyond any president's control?"

		Can do a lot about	Beyond any president's control	Unsure
		%	%	%
	9/10-15/11	41	53	6
	7/9-12/10	48	45	7
	7/31 - 8/5/08	67	26	7

"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
		%	%	%	%	%
	9/10-15/11	32	40	3	14	11
	6/24-28/11	36	43	2	8	11
	10/21-26/10	39	37	2	8	15
	2/5-10/10	36	42	5	8	9
	12/4-8/09	31	42	3	11	12

"In trying to solve the economic problems facing the country, do you think Barack Obama has expanded the role of government too much, not enough, or about the right amount?"

		Too much	Not enough	About right	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	9/10-15/11	37	23	32	8

"On Thursday night, Barack Obama proposed the American Jobs Act, which includes extending the payroll tax cut, cutting taxes on small businesses, extending unemployment benefits, creating new jobs to rebuild the nation's infrastructure and providing aid to states to avoid layoffs of public employees. How much have you heard or read about the President's proposals to create jobs: a lot, some, not much or nothing at all?"

		A lot	Some	Not much	Nothing at all
		%	%	%	%
	9/10-15/11	24	40	24	13

"How confident are you that Barack Obama's proposals will create jobs and improve the economy: very confident, somewhat confident, not very confident, or not at all confident?"

		Very confident	Somewhat confident	Not very confident	Not at all confident	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	9/10-15/11	12	36	23	24	5

"Which of these should be the higher priority for the nation right now: cutting government spending or creating jobs?"

		Cutting spending	Creating jobs	Both (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	9/10-15/11	29	56	14	1
	3/18-21/11	26	63	11	-

"Do you think any plan to reduce the federal budget deficit should include only tax increases, or only spending cuts, or a combination of both tax increases and spending cuts?"

		Only tax increases	Only spending cuts	Combination	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	9/10-15/11	3	21	71	5
	Republicans	1	39	57	3
	Democrats	7	9	82	2
	Independents	1	19	70	10

"In order to lower the nation's budget deficit, do you think taxes should be increased on households earning $250,000 a year or more, or should the government address the budget deficit without increasing taxes on those households?"

		Increase taxes	Don't increase taxes	Unsure
		%	%	%
	9/10-15/11	56	37	7
	Republicans	39	56	5
	Democrats	70	24	6
	Independents	55	36	10

McClatchy-Marist Poll. Sept. 13-14, 2011. N=1,042 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"Do you think President Obama's proposal to create jobs goes too far or does not go far enough?"

		Too far	Not far enough	Unsure
		%	%	%
	9/13-14/11	18	63	19

"From what you have read or heard, about President Obama's proposal to create jobs, do you think it is more likely to do more harm than good, more good than harm, or will not make a difference?"

		More harm than good	More good than harm	Won't make a difference	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	9/13-14/11	38	51	1	11

"Do you think the Republicans in Congress should pass President Obama's proposal to create jobs, pass it but with revisions, not pass President Obama's proposal to create jobs?"

		Pass it	Pass it with revisions	Not pass it	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	9/13-14/11	38	33	20	9

"Who do you trust more to create jobs: President Obama or the Republicans in Congress?"

		President Obama	Republicans in Congress	Unsure
		%	%	%
	9/13-14/11	45	41	14

Budget, taxes, economic policy continued

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