The Peter G. Peterson Foundation today released the first edition of the Fiscal Confidence Index, a new, monthly measure of public attitudes about the nation’s long-term debt and the efforts elected leaders are making to address the debt. The benchmark December 2012 Fiscal Confidence Index, modeled after the Consumer Confidence […] Read more »
A Bipartisan Nation of Beneficiaries
As President Barack Obama negotiates with Republicans in Congress over federal entitlement spending, a new national survey by the Pew Research Center finds that a majority of Americans (55%) have received government benefits from at least one of the six best-known federal entitlement programs. [cont.] Pew Read more »
Most predict ‘major problems’ if ‘fiscal cliff’ isn’t averted
For months, lawmakers in Washington have warned of the dire consequences of going over the so-called “fiscal cliff” – and the public has been listening. More than nine in 10 Americans expect economic problems if Washington doesn’t avert the “cliff,” according to a new CBS News poll, conducted Dec. 12-16. […] Read more »
Most want ‘fiscal cliff’ compromise but oppose cuts that may be part of deal
Most Americans want President Obama and congressional Republicans to compromise on a budget agreement, though they, too, are unhappy about the options that would avert the “fiscal cliff,” according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll. The strong support for compromise belies widespread public opposition to big spending cuts that […] Read more »
Obama Holds Most Cards in Cliff Talks, But With No Mandate – and Risks Aplenty
President Obama holds most of the cards in fiscal cliff negotiations with the Republican leaders of Congress, with more Americans approving of his handling of the talks and more prepared to blame the GOP if the brinksmanship fails. But another factor constrains the president: His lack of a mandate in […] Read more »
More Than Six in 10 Paying Attention to Fiscal Cliff
Americans’ level of interest in the news surrounding the fiscal cliff negotiations remains about the same as it has been since the beginning of the month, despite continuing news coverage of the pending tax increases and spending cuts that would take place on Jan. 1 if no agreement is reached […] Read more »