While many Americans may be resigned to seeing automatic spending cuts in the budget sequester go into effect, the public is concerned about the potential impact of the reductions. A new national survey by the Pew Research Center and The Washington Post, conducted Feb. 21-24 among 1,000 adults, finds that […] Read more »
Inaction on the Budget: The American People Are Partly to Blame
At a time when beating up on “Washington politicians” is so much in vogue, it may be time for the American people to look in the mirror. Two recent surveys from the respected, non-partisan Pew Research Center shine a spotlight on the public attitudes that contribute to political gridlock. [cont.] […] Read more »
Dire Consequences and Denial
It’s crunch time. The sequester’s automatic, across-the-board spending cuts are set to go into effect on Friday, and there is no plan as yet to stop it. … The White House favors a balanced plan that would include spending cuts and some tax increases for the wealthy. Republicans reject any […] Read more »
After Obama Victory: Rifts Deepens, Confidence Drops
Since the 2012 election, polls have been telling a tale of two cities. In one tale, the Republican brand is destroyed beyond all recognition and destined to spend several long political cycles in some Luddite-inspired state of suspended animation. The other tale is one of sinking confidence in the economy, […] Read more »
As Sequester Deadline Looms, Little Support for Cutting Most Programs
As the March 1 deadline for a possible budget sequester approaches, a new national survey finds limited public support for reducing spending for a range of specific programs, including defense, entitlements, education and health care. For 18 of 19 programs tested, majorities want either to increase spending or maintain it […] Read more »
Americans Back Spending-Cut Delay Amid Budget-Deal Push
Americans want Congress to delay steep spending cuts to give the economic recovery more time to take hold, according to a Bloomberg News poll. When Washington does confront the deficit issue, Americans back a compromise that includes more tax revenue and fundamental changes to Social Security and Medicare, a deal […] Read more »