Obama Draws More Confidence than Boehner, McConnell or Cantor on Debt Ceiling
Americans have more confidence in President Obama than other key players to do the right thing on the debt issue, but that amounts to only about half of the public. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor gets the lowest vote of confidence, although that is partly because he is less well-known.
Public Split Evenly on Urgency of Debt Limit Deadline
Most Republicans say that it will not be a major problem if the debt ceiling is not raised by Aug. 2, while the balance of opinion is the reverse among Democrats.
The Debt Ceiling Showdown – Where the Public Stands
The nation is headed toward a possible government default on Aug. 2 if no agreement is reached to raise the debt ceiling.
Public Now Divided on Debt Limit Debate
While a plurality of Americans still believe raising the debt limit is a greater concern than the prospect of a government default, the percentage of those worried more about a default has grown since May.
Public Wants Changes in Entitlements, Not Changes in Benefits
The public sees the need for changes to improve the performance and finances of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid but does not support reductions in benefits. Republicans have divisions in their ranks on entitlement reforms.
U.S. Seen as Among the Greatest Nations, But Not Superior to All Others
Despite the struggling economy and broad dissatisfaction with national conditions, the public has a positive view of the United States’ global standing. But more think that the U.S. is one of the greatest countries in the world than say it stands above all other countries.
More Say GOP Would Be Mainly Responsible If No Increase In Debt Limit
Partisans express strong opinions about which side would be most responsible if no agreement is reached before the debt limit is hit.
More Blame Wars than Domestic Spending or Tax Cuts for Nation’s Debt
Public concern about the budget deficit has increased since the end of last year. Proposals to reduce it by raising taxes on the rich and corporations are popular.
Opposition to Ryan Medicare Plan from Older, Attentive Americans
There is broad, and strong, opposition to the proposal among older Americans and those who are paying a lot of attention to the issue.
More Concern about Raising Debt Limit than Government Default
By a 48%-to-35% margin, Americans say their greater concern is that raising the debt limit would lead to higher government spending and a larger national debt than that not raising the limit would force the government into default and hurt the nation’s economy.
