April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 1
It’s jobs, stupid
January 18, 2011
Campaign for America’s Future
Democracy Corps
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 2
Methodology and Overview
This presentation is based on a national survey conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research for Democracy Corps and Campaign for America’s Future. The survey was of 1,480 2008 voters (1001 weighted) conducted January 9-12, 2011. Margin of error: +/-2.5 percentage points unless otherwise noted.
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 3
17 15 16 1410
16
27
39 40 39 39 36 33
6875 78 78 80
8578
65
50 51 52
3328 26 26
3135
23
43
34
5358
57
79
63
62
5056
7368
72 70
8085
72
61 5562
66 6564
58 58
4846
81
6259
7076
Jan-08 Aug-08 Mar-09 Oct-09 May-10 Dec-10
Right direction Wrong track
Direction of the country: slight improvement in outlook for 2011Generally speaking, do you think things in the country are going in the right direction, or do you feel things have gotten pretty seriously off on the wrong track?
201020102008 2008 ElectionElection
*Note: From full sample of 2008 voters, based on research for Citizen Opinion.
Health Care Health Care Reform PassesReform Passes
2010 Election2010 Election
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13 13
2320 21
16 16 181813
18
63 63
70 71
64666963
181921171616151513
2098912
61
7073
6464616566666567
71
7879797977
Nov-08 Jan-09 Mar-09 May-09 Jul-09 Sep-09 Nov-09 Jan-10 Mar-10 May-10 Jul-10 Sep-10 Nov-10 Jan-11
Warm Cool
*Note: Data from Democracy Corps research from 2010 onwards.
Thermometer: ‘state of the economy’ remains very cold
Now, I'd like to rate your feelings toward some people and organizations, with one hundred meaning a VERY WARM, FAVORABLE feeling; zero meaning a VERY COLD, UNFAVORABLE feeling; and fifty meaning not particularly warm or cold. The state of the economy…
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Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 5 |
Political Climate
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2825
41 4044
4039
57
464748
5153
5857 575855
58
53
46 46 45
48
47
43
55
45
46
5055
19
52
47464342
3335 35323427
19
48 49 5148 49
48
36
5254
45
2025
33
3738383941
37
42423939
32 33
37
28 27 2827 26
3230
27
3434
282727262728
21
151314
36
34
37 36
3739 40
45
Nov-08 Jan-09 Mar-09 May-09 Jul-09 Sep-09 Nov-09 Jan-10 Mar-10 May-10 Jul-10 Sep-10 Nov-10 Jan-11
Total Approve Total Disapprove Strongly Approve Strongly Disapprove
Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling his job as president?
Obama approval: sharp drop in disapproval
InaugurationInauguration
*Note: From Democracy Corps surveys since the 2008 election. Before inauguration, question read: “Do you approve or disapprove of the job being done by Barack Obama as president-elect?”
2010 Election2010 Election
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33
48
29
38
25
43
14
22
19
36
12
20
18
38
29
44
13
39
25
40
15
35
29
46
1035
25
38
75
50
25
0
25
50
Barack Obama DemocraticHouse
Incumbent
RepublicanHouse
Incumbent
DemocraticParty
RepublicanParty
Democrats inCongress
Republicans inCongress
% very warm (75-100 degrees) % very cool (0-25 degrees)
Mean: 46.3
Net: -3Net: -1Net: -6Net: +16Net: +11Net: +10
Mean: 46.3
Mean: 46.3
Mean: 46.3
Mean: 46.3
Mean: 46.3
Net: -9
Mean: 46.3
Barack Obama
Incumbent House
Democrat
Incumbent House
Republican
Democratic Party
Republican Party
Democrats in
Congress
Republicans in
Congress
Now, I'd like to rate your feelings toward some people and organizations, with one hundred meaning a VERY WARM, FAVORABLE feeling; zero meaning a VERY COLD, UNFAVORABLE feeling; and fifty meaning not particularly warm or cold. You can use any number from zero to one hundred, the higher the number the more favorable your feelings are toward that person or organization. If you have no opinion or never heard of that person or organization, please say so.
Political thermometers: Obama more popular than parties, congress
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484848
51
50
515151
53
4949
53
47
4443
4344
44
44
44
45
43
4445
45
4242
414140
414241
4041
41
44
4645
4645
46
42
44
42
44
474846
44
43
44
43
41
4343
44
41
44
Jan-10 Feb-10 Mar-10 Apr-10 May-10 Jun-10 Jul-10 Aug-10 Sep-10 Oct-10 Nov-10 Dec-10 Jan-11
Barack ObamaDemocratic PartyDemocratic CongressRepublican PartyRepublicans in Congress
Now, I'd like to rate your feelings toward some people and organizations, with 100 meaning a VERY WARM, FAVORABLE feeling; zero meaning a VERY COLD, UNFAVORABLE feeling; and 50 meaning not particularly warm or cold.
Thermometers: Obama markedly up and party parity
*Note: From Democracy Corps surveys conducted in the past year. Data represents MEAN ratings, likely voters
2010 Election2010 Election
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 9
4847
49
46 46
5049
46
43
44
37
3634
38
39
35
41 4138
34
37
40
3739
34
32
36
Apr-10 May-10 Jun-10 Jul-10 Aug-10 Sep-10 Oct-10 Nov-10 Dec-10
Mean Cool Warm
Now, I'd like to rate your feelings toward some people and organizations, with 100 meaning a VERY WARM, FAVORABLE feeling; zero meaning a VERY COLD, UNFAVORABLE feeling; and 50 meaning not particularly warm or cold.
Thermometers: Tea Party at lowest popularity in tracking
*Note: From Democracy Corps surveys conducted in the past year. Data represents MEAN ratings, likely voters
2010 Election2010 Election
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 10
25
20
21
17
19
20
17
18
18
46
45
43
43
40
40
31
26
17
18
19
13
19
26
18
18
22
32
36
40
41
42
42
43
37
45
78 53 28 3 22 47 72
The federal budget deficit
Taxes
The economy
Health care
J obs and employment
Social Security and Medicare
Having clear ideas aboutreviving America's middle class
Working with the opposing partyto get things done
Challenging entrenchedcorporate interests
Republicans much better Democrats much better
Better job on issues: Democrats no better than parity on major issuesNow I am going to ask you something different. I am going to read a list of issues and I want you to tell me whether, overall, you think the Democrats or the Republicans would do a better job with this issue. If you do not know, just tell me and we will move on to the next item.
Challenging entrenched corporate interests that dominate Washington
Working with the opposing party to get things done
Dem-Rep
+19+19
+6+6
+3+3
+2+2
-1-1
-2-2
-4-4
-10-10
-14-14
46
Having clear ideas about reviving America’s middle class
Social Security and Medicare
Jobs and employment
Health care
The economy
Taxes
The federal budget deficit
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Now I’m going to read you some pairs of statements. After each pair, please tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SEOCND statement comes closer to your own view, even if neither is exactly right.
First statement: I hope the new Republicans in Congress will work together with the President to find compromise solutions to the country's problems.
Second statement: I hope the new Republicans in Congress will work to stop the Obama agenda because that agenda is hurting the country.
10
7
7
15
73
89
71
58
4
2
5
525
9
27
41
Work together Stop Obama Work together Stop Obama Work together Stop Obama Work together Stop Obama
First statement strongly Second statement strongly
Total Independents Republicans
+48 +44 +17
Democrats
+80
Voters seek a new tone in Washington: cooperation
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Do you approve or disapprove of the way Republicans in Congress are handling their job in charge of the House of Representatives?
21
13
19
3234
15
27
58
19
24
20
12
48
74
49
20
Approve Disapprove Approve Disapprove Approve Disapprove Approve Disapprove
Strongly approve Strongly disapprove
Total Independents Republicans
+14 +22 -48
Democrats
+59
Republicans in Congress job approval: Independents disapprove
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2012
Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 13 |
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 14
Obama has slight lead over Romney; Independents even
Democrats Independents RepublicansTotal
I know it's a long way off, but thinking about the presidential election in 2012, if the election for president were held today and the candidates were -- Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney, for whom would you vote?
78
44
88
48
89
4446
Obama Romney Obama Romney Obama Romney Obama Romney
Democrat Barack Obama Republican Mitt Romney
+2 +81 Tied +81
48 46
89
8
44 44
7
88
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 15
48
37
48 4753
46
Obama Romney Obama Romney Obama Romney
Democrat Barack Obama Republican Mitt Romney
Presidential year voters against Romney – compared to 2010 voters
2010 voters only 2008 voters onlyTotal
+2 +1 +16
I know it's a long way off, but thinking about the presidential election in 2012, if the election for president were held today and the candidates were -- Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney, for whom would you vote?
* Sample represents 2010 voters and 2008 voters
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50
36
23
45
5356
72
42
Obama Romney Obama Romney Obama Romney Obama Romney
Democrat Barack Obama Republican Mitt Romney
Obama v. Romney: among Democratic base voters
* In the landline sample, the incumbent names were inserted preceded by party identification. Generic “the Democratic candidate” or “the Republican candidate” were inserted for the opposition. For the cell phone sample and open seat districts, both candidates were given as generic.
Unmarried women Minority Union HouseholdYouth (under 30)
+11 +20 +49 +5
I know it's a long way off, but thinking about the presidential election in 2012, if the election for president were held today and the candidates were -- Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney, for whom would you vote?
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 17
30
60
37
57
3633
5657
Obama Romney Obama Romney Obama Romney Obama Romney
Democrat Barack Obama Republican Mitt Romney
Obama v. Romney: among swing voters
* In the landline sample, the incumbent names were inserted preceded by party identification. Generic “the Democratic candidate” or “the Republican candidate” were inserted for the opposition. For the cell phone sample and open seat districts, both candidates were given as generic.
Suburban White rural non-South
White non-college men
White non-college
+21 +27 +19 +27
I know it's a long way off, but thinking about the presidential election in 2012, if the election for president were held today and the candidates were -- Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney, for whom would you vote?
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 18
Democrats Independents RepublicansTotal
Obama well ahead of PalinI know it's a long way off, but thinking about the presidential election in 2012, if the election for president were held today and the candidates were -- Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Sarah Palin, for whom would you vote?
98
35
74
49
90
48
39
Obama Palin Obama Palin Obama Palin Obama Palin
Democrat Barack Obama Republican Sarah Palin
+10 +82 +13 +65
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41
32
49 47
61
46
Obama Palin Obama Palin Obama Palin
Democrat Barack Obama Republican Sarah Palin
Presidential year voters against Palin – compared to 2010 voters
* Sample represents 2010 voters and 2008 voters
2010 voters 2008 votersTotal
+3 +6 +31
I know it's a long way off, but thinking about the presidential election in 2012, if the election for president were held today and the candidates were -- Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Sarah Palin, for whom would you vote?
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 20
59
30
15
30
64 66
78
29
Obama Palin Obama Palin Obama Palin Obama Palin
Democrat Barack Obama Republican Sarah Palin
Obama v. Palin: among Democratic base voters
* In the landline sample, the incumbent names were inserted preceded by party identification. Generic “the Democratic candidate” or “the Republican candidate” were inserted for the opposition. For the cell phone sample and open seat districts, both candidates were given as generic.
Unmarried women Minority Union HouseholdYouth (under 30)
+35 +36 +63 +29
I know it's a long way off, but thinking about the presidential election in 2012, if the election for president were held today and the candidates were -- Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Sarah Palin, for whom would you vote?
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 21
42
57
36
48
3429
5155
Obama Palin Obama Palin Obama Palin Obama Palin
Democrat Barack Obama Republican Sarah Palin
Obama v. Palin: among swing voters
* In the landline sample, the incumbent names were inserted preceded by party identification. Generic “the Democratic candidate” or “the Republican candidate” were inserted for the opposition. For the cell phone sample and open seat districts, both candidates were given as generic.
Suburban White rural non-South
White non-college men
White non-college
+20 +28 +15 +6
I know it's a long way off, but thinking about the presidential election in 2012, if the election for president were held today and the candidates were -- Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Sarah Palin, for whom would you vote?
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 22
912
44
86
44
84
4047
Democrat Republican Democrat Republican Democrat Republican Democrat Republican
Democratic House Candidate Republican House Candidate
Congressional vote: after election, Republican lead narrows for 2012
I know it is a long way off, but thinking about the elections for Congress in 2012, if the election for U.S. Congress were held today, would you be voting for (DEMOCRATIC HOUSE CANDIDATE) or (REPUBLICAN HOUSE CANDIDATE)?*
* In the landline sample, the incumbent names were inserted preceded by party identification. Generic “the Democratic candidate” or “the Republican candidate” were inserted for the opposition. For the cell phone sample and open seat districts, both candidates were given as generic.
Democrats Independents RepublicansTotal
+3 +72 +4 +77
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 23
4953
44 44 4547
Democrat Republican Democrat Republican Democrat Republican
Democratic House Candidate Republican House Candidate
Congressional vote: Democrats behind but much closer than 2010
I know it is a long way off, but thinking about the elections for Congress in 2012, if the election for U.S. Congress were held today, would you be voting for (DEMOCRATIC HOUSE CANDIDATE) or (REPUBLICAN HOUSE CANDIDATE)?*
* In the landline sample, the incumbent names were inserted preceded by party identification. Generic “the Democratic candidate” or “the Republican candidate” were inserted for the opposition. For the cell phone sample and open seat districts, both candidates were given as generic.
2010 voters 2010 Actual ResultTotal
+3 +5 +8
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 24
53
36
26
39
5057
66
39
Democrat Republican Democrat Republican Democrat Republican Democrat Republican
Democratic House Candidate Republican House Candidate
Congressional vote: among Democratic base voters
I know it is a long way off, but thinking about the elections for Congress in 2012, if the election for U.S. Congress were held today, would you be voting for (DEMOCRATIC HOUSE CANDIDATE) or (REPUBLICAN HOUSE CANDIDATE)?*
* In the landline sample, the incumbent names were inserted preceded by party identification. Generic “the Democratic candidate” or “the Republican candidate” were inserted for the opposition. For the cell phone sample and open seat districts, both candidates were given as generic.
Unmarried women Minority Union HouseholdYouth (under 30)
+11 +21 +40 +14
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 25
30
60
39
61
3629
47
56
Democrat Republican Democrat Republican Democrat Republican Democrat Republican
Democratic House Candidate Republican House Candidate
Congressional vote: among swing voters
I know it is a long way off, but thinking about the elections for Congress in 2012, if the election for U.S. Congress were held today, would you be voting for (DEMOCRATIC HOUSE CANDIDATE) or (REPUBLICAN HOUSE CANDIDATE)?*
* In the landline sample, the incumbent names were inserted preceded by party identification. Generic “the Democratic candidate” or “the Republican candidate” were inserted for the opposition. For the cell phone sample and open seat districts, both candidates were given as generic.
Suburban White rural non-South
White non-college men
White non-college
+20 +31 +8 +31
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 26
Priorities for the New Congress
Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 26 |
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 27
Now I’m going to read you some pairs of statements. After each pair, please tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SEOCND statement comes closer to your own view, even if neither is exactly right.
First statement: I hope that the country moves in the direction that President Obama and Democrats are trying to go.
Second statement: I hope that the country moves in the direction the Republicans in Congress are trying to go.
10
13
15
3
47
85
46
10
9
4
10
10
47
9
43
89
Obama/Demdirection
GOP direction Obama/Demdirection
GOP direction Obama/Demdirection
GOP direction Obama/Demdirection
GOP direction
First statement somewhat Second statement somewhat
Total Independents RepublicansDemocrats
Tied +3 +79+76
Voters and independents divided on which agenda should prevail
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 28
41
33
23
18
17
15
14
12
11Stimulus is not w orking
America is not keeping up w ith China
The government focused on bank bailouts, not middleclass
Taxes are too high
The economy is not grow ing
Wages have not kept up w ith the cost of living
Budget deficit is big and grow ing
Outsourcing of jobs
High unemployment
Congress’s priorities do not align with voters’ concerns Which TWO of the following do you think are the most important economic problems facing the country right now?
High unemployment
Outsourcing of jobs
Budget deficit is big and growing
Wages have not kept up with cost of living
The economy is not growing
Taxes are too high
Government focused on bailouts, not middle class
America is not keeping up with China
Stimulus is not working
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 29
14
14
15
17
25
27
34
46
Keeping taxes low
Investing in infrastructure and newindustries
Reducing the budget deficit
Repealing the new health care law
Cutting spending and government
Making sure our children receive aneducation for these times
Protecting Social Security and Medicare
Economic recovery and jobs
Economy, not health care or deficit, should be top priority for CongressWhich TWO of the following do you think are the most important economic problems facing the country right now?
Economic recovery and jobs
Protecting Social Security and Medicare
Making sure our children receive an education for these times
Cutting spending and the size of government
Repealing the new health care law
Reducing the size of the budget deficit
Investing in new infrastructure and new industries
Keeping taxes low
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 30
Republican Congress plans: disapprove actions that raise deficit
Now, let me read you a few statements about things the Republican leadership has pledged to pursue in the new Congress. I want you to tell me whether, overall, you approve or disapprove of the Republicans' plans for this issue.
The first actions of the new Republican House massively added to the deficit. According to the Congressional budget office, the Republicans’ repeal of health care reform would increase the deficit by two hundred thirty billion dollars in the next decade. Their deal to keep taxes low for those making over two hundred fifty thousand dollars will add seven hundred billion dollars more to the deficit.
16
42
Total Total
Strongly disapprove
Strongly approve
61
29
Total
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 31
36
2421
36
Approve Disapprove Approve Disapprove
Strongly approve Strongly disapprove
Republican Congress plans: disapprove of described cuts
BUDGET 2008 LEVEL (WITHOUT CUTS)
The Republicans will cut the federal government spending back to before Obama was president, which will cut one-hundred billion dollars in spending from the current year’s budget alone
Now, let me read you a few statements about things the Republican leadership has pledged to pursue in the new Congress. I want you to tell me whether, overall, you approve or disapprove of the Republicans' plans for this issue.
BUDGET 2008 LEVEL (WITH CUTS)
The Republicans will cut the federal government spending back to before Obama was president, which will cut one-hundred billion dollars, 20% from spending on domestic programs. That would include everything from education to student loans to energy and the environment.
60
43
33
52
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 32
22 22
3329
Approve Disapprove Approve Disapprove
Strongly approve Strongly disapprove
Republican Congress plans: disapprove of described cutsNow, let me read you a few statements about things the Republican leadership has pledged to pursue in the new Congress. I want you to tell me whether, overall, you approve or disapprove of the Republicans' plans for this issue.
42 4550 46
DEREGULATION (WITHOUT CONTEXT) Republicans will move to eliminate new government regulations put in place under the Obama Administration, including those affecting the environment, the big banks and consumer protections.
DEREGULATION (WITH CONTEXT) Republicans will move to eliminate new government regulations put in place under the Obama Administration, including those affecting the environment, the big banks and consumer protections.
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 33
Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 33 |
Debate over the budget deficit and growth
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 34
34
57
10
16
36
52
14
20
75
50
25
0
25
50
75
A plan to invest in new industries andrebuild the country over the next five
years
A plan to dramatically reduce thedeficit over the next five years
% w arm (51-74 degrees) % very w arm (75-100 degrees) % cool (26-49 degrees) % very cool (0-25 degrees)
Now, I'd like to rate your feelings toward some people and organizations, with one hundred meaning a VERY WARM, FAVORABLE feeling; zero meaning a VERY COLD, UNFAVORABLE feeling; and fifty meaning not particularly warm or cold. You can use any number from zero to one hundred, the higher the number the more favorable your feelings are toward that person or organization. If you have no opinion or never heard of that person or organization, please say so.
Long-term priorities: Investment more than deficit reduction
Net: +41
Mean: 65.3
Net: +32
Mean: 63.5
A plan to dramatically reduce the deficit over
the next five years
A plan to invest in new industries and rebuild
the country over the next five years
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 35
29
139
33
0
20
40
60
Strongly agree Strongly disagree
Deficit Commission: context dramatically changes debate
56
19
Do you favor or oppose this deficit reduction plan?
34
54
Last month, the co-chairs of the bipartisan Deficit Commission appointed by the President and the leaders of Congress presented an extensive plan to reduce the federal budget deficit by nearly 4 trillion dollars by 2020. From what you know, do you favor or oppose the deficit reduction plan?
Last month, the co-chairs of the bipartisan Deficit Commission appointed by the President and the leaders of Congress presented an extensive plan to reduce the federal budget deficit by nearly 4 trillion dollars by 2020. It lowers corporate and income tax rates, but raises tax revenues by eliminating many deductions, including limiting the home mortgage interest deduction and taxing health insurance benefits. It cuts spending by reducing the federal workforce by ten percent and cutting defense spending. And for future retirees, it cuts Social Security benefits and raises retirement age to 69 over time. Do you favor or oppose this deficit reduction plan?
+35
-22
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 36
Social Security proposals by commission: strongly opposed
31
1320
38
0
20
40
60
Strongly favor Somewhat favor Strongly oppose Somewhat oppose
42
55
Raise the retirement age to 69 by 2075
Now I am going to read you some of the specific proposals recommended by the bi-partisan commission to reduce the budget deficit. After I read each item, please tell me whether you favor or oppose this proposal to reduce the deficit.
Reduce Social Security benefits for those now entering the labor force - by 17 percent for those whose salaries average $43,000 and by one-third for those who average over $100,000
35
56
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 37
20 1622 24
42
3441
48
3845
3833
5662
5255
Raise retirementage
Do not raise Raise retirementage
Do not raise Raise retirementage
Do not raise Raise retirementage
Do not raise
Approve strongly Approve somewhat Disapprove strongly Disapprove somewhat
Now I’m going to read you some pairs of statements. After each pair, please tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SEOCND statement comes closer to your own view, even if neither is exactly right.
Total Independents Republicans
+14 +11 +7
Democrats
+28
Raise retirement age to 69 by 2075
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 38
18 16 20 19
37 3942 42
38 4031
41
59 58 56 56
Raise retirementage
Do not raise Raise retirementage
Do not raise Raise retirementage
Do not raise Raise retirementage
Do not raise
Approve strongly Approve somewhat Disapprove strongly Disapprove somewhat
Now I’m going to read you some pairs of statements. After each pair, please tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SEOCND statement comes closer to your own view, even if neither is exactly right.
Under age 50 Suburban 2010 GOP pick-up seat
+22 +14 +14
Women
+19
Raise retirement age to 69 by 2075
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 39
13 12 15 12
3532
3936
31 33 30 30
5662
5255
Reduce Do not reduce Reduce Do not reduce Reduce Do not reduce Reduce Do not reduce
Approve strongly Approve somewhat Disapprove strongly Disapprove somewhat
Now I’m going to read you some pairs of statements. After each pair, please tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SEOCND statement comes closer to your own view, even if neither is exactly right.
Total Independents Republicans
+21 +13 +19
Democrats
+30
Reduce Social Security Benefits
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 40
12 12 11 15
34 32 34 34
30 31 33 34
59 59 6057
Reduce Do not reduce Reduce Do not reduce Reduce Do not reduce Reduce Do not reduce
Approve strongly Approve somewhat Disapprove strongly Disapprove somewhat
Now I’m going to read you some pairs of statements. After each pair, please tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SEOCND statement comes closer to your own view, even if neither is exactly right.
Under age 50 Suburban 2010 GOP pick-up seat
+25 +26 +23
Women
+27
Reduce Social Security Benefits
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 41
35
21
Total
Deficit much
While reducing the deficit is important, creating jobs and growing the economy should be our first priority. The best way to get our deficits under control is to put our economy back on track. That requires investment in areas vital to our economy like education, modern infrastructure, research and technology, and a clear plan to make things in America once more. Critical investments in our future cannot be sacrificed to austerity and budget cuts.
We need to take serious steps now to cut spending and reduce the nation's crushing debt, or our country will not be able to compete and we will be unable to grow our economy and create jobs. The Deficit Commission's proposal takes reasonable steps to cut red tape, eliminate excess spending, and simplify our tax system. The commission would focus benefits on those who need them and ensure that the benefits will be available in the future.
58
42
Total
Jobs much
Deficit Reduction overriding priorityInvest for jobs and deficit reduction
Focus on economy to get jobs and deficit declineNow I'm going to read you some pairs of statements. After I read each pair, please tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to your own view, even if neither is exactly right.
* Question asked of half the sample, who were informed about the specific proposals to reduce the deficit
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 42
42
55
37 35
58
72
5349
2114
25 25
35
24
3943
Jobs/growth Deficit Jobs/growth Deficit Jobs/growth Deficit Jobs/growth Deficit
Jobs much Jobs somewhat Deficit much Deficit somewhat
Now I’m going to read you some pairs of statements. After each pair, please tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SEOCND statement comes closer to your own view, even if neither is exactly right.
Jobs and employment: “While reducing the deficit is important, creating jobs and growing the economy should be our first priority.”
Deficit: “We need to take serious steps now to cut spending and reduce the nation's crushing debt…”
Total Independents Republicans
+23 +14 +6
Democrats
+48
Jobs and economic growth higher priority than cutting spending
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 43
We have to reduce our deficit, but we cannot do it with a plan that will kill the middle class. The commission recommended cutting taxes for corporations and the wealthiest, but places big costs on the middle class. It taxes employer-provided health insurance benefits, increases the Social Security retirement age to 69, and imposes a new 15 percent gas tax. Turning our backs on the middle class, in order to cut taxes for the very wealthy, is exactly the wrong way to grow our economy and reduce our deficit. Our country will only be weaker if we weaken our middle class.
46
28
Total
Deficit somewhat
We need to take serious steps now to cut spending and reduce the nation's crushing debt, or our country will not be able to compete and we will be unable to grow our economy and create jobs. The Deficit Commission's proposal takes reasonable steps to cut red tape, eliminate excess spending, and simplify our tax system. The commission would focus benefits on those who need them and ensure that the benefits will be available in the future.
45
31
Total
Middle classsomewhat
Deficit Reduction overriding priorityDeficit plan at expense of middle class
Middle class priorities on par with deficit reduction
Now I'm going to read you some pairs of statements. After I read each pair, please tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to your own view, even if neither is exactly right.
* Question asked of half the sample and reflects responses among those who were not informed about the Deficit Commission’s proposals to reduce the deficit
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 44
Now I’m going to read you some pairs of statements. After each pair, please tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SEOCND statement comes closer to your own view, even if neither is exactly right.
Middle Class: “We have to reduce our deficit, but we cannot do it with a plan that will kill the middle class…”
Deficit: “We need to take serious steps now to cut spending and reduce the nation's crushing debt…”
45 46 4550
4643 42 42
37
3035
3127
2421
28
Middle class Deficit Middle class Deficit Middle class Deficit Middle class Deficit
Middle class strongly Middle class somewhat Deficit strongly Deficit somewhat
Total Independents Moderate-Conservative
Democrats
+1 +3 +8
2010 Republican pick-up
+3
Middle class priorities versus cutting spending among key groups
April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 | Page 45
Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 45 |
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