IBOPE Inteligência National Debt Poll: Majority Prefer Cuts Over Revenue Increases
60% Say Reduce Defense Spending
UTICA, NY - Nine in 10 voters say it is important for Congress and President Barack Obama to reduce the nation’s long-term debt, and a majority prefer spending cuts over increased revenues as the means of accomplishing that goal, a new IBOPE Inteligência Interactive poll finds
The July 8-11 survey finds two-thirds favor means testing for Medicare based on a person’s wealth, but similar percentages oppose reducing cost-of-living increases for Social Security and reducing provider payments in Medicare and Medicaid.
There is strong agreement to reduce defense spending (60%), end some tax loopholes and preferences (85%) and to reduce discretionary spending outside of entitlements and defense (62%).
Two-thirds oppose ending the Bush tax cuts for everyone, yet voters are closely split on ending the Bush tax cuts for those earning more than $250,000 annually and on lowering corporate tax rates.
How important do you believe it is for Congress and President Obama to agree and enact measures which will reduce the nation’s long-term debt?
|
Response |
All voters |
Democrats |
Republicans |
Independents |
|
Very + somewhat important |
91% |
88% |
97% |
89% |
|
Not very + Not at all important |
8% |
11% |
3% |
10% |
|
Not sure |
1% |
<1% |
<1 |
1% |
In order to reduce the deficit, the government must either reduce expenditures and/or increase revenue. Which of these do you believe comes closest to the best possible ratio of reduced expenditures and increased revenue?
|
Response |
All Voters |
Democrats |
Republicans |
Independents |
|
Only reduced expenditures |
36% |
12% |
65% |
37% |
|
More from reduced expenditures, but some increased revenues |
22% |
14% |
28% |
28% |
|
More from increased revenues, but some reduced expenditures |
23% |
42% |
3% |
20% |
|
Only increased revenues |
3% |
7% |
<1% |
2% |
|
An even split between increased revenues and reduced expenditures |
13% |
22% |
4% |
11% |
|
Not sure |
2% |
4% |
1% |
2% |
Please indicate whether you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree with each of these proposals being considered as ways to reduce the nation's debt.
Reduce the cost of living adjustments in Social Security
|
Response |
All voters |
Democrats |
Republicans |
Independents |
|
Strongly + somewhat agree |
27% |
12% |
39% |
35% |
|
Strongly + somewhat disagree |
67% |
85% |
57% |
55% |
|
Not sure |
6% |
3% |
5% |
10% |
Totals may not add up to 100% due to rounding
Reduce provider payments in Medicare and Medicaid
|
Response |
All voters |
Democrats |
Republicans |
Independents |
|
Strongly + somewhat agree |
22% |
15% |
28% |
26% |
|
Strongly + somewhat disagree |
70% |
80% |
67% |
63% |
|
Not sure |
7% |
6% |
5% |
12% |
Reduce defense spending
|
Response |
All voters |
Democrats |
Republicans |
Independents |
|
Strongly + somewhat agree |
60% |
84% |
34% |
58% |
|
Strongly + somewhat disagree |
37% |
13% |
64% |
40% |
|
Not sure |
2% |
3% |
2% |
2% |
Means testing for Medicare that would increase rates or reduce benefits based on an individual's wealth
|
Response |
All voters |
Democrats |
Republicans |
Independents |
|
Strongly + somewhat agree |
65% |
63% |
68% |
66% |
|
Strongly + somewhat disagree |
29% |
34% |
28% |
25% |
|
Not sure |
6% |
4% |
4% |
9% |
Reduce discretionary spending outside of entitlements and defense
|
Response |
All voters |
Democrats |
Republicans |
Independents |
|
Strongly + somewhat agree |
62% |
37% |
88% |
66% |
|
Strongly + somewhat disagree |
35% |
59% |
11% |
30% |
|
Not sure |
3% |
4% |
2% |
5% |
Ending some tax loopholes and preferences
|
Response |
All voters |
Democrats |
Republicans |
Independents |
|
Strongly + somewhat agree |
85% |
98% |
71% |
82% |
|
Strongly + somewhat disagree |
13% |
1% |
26% |
14% |
|
Not sure |
2% |
1% |
3% |
4% |
Lowering corporate tax rates
|
Response |
All voters |
Democrats |
Republicans |
Independents |
|
Strongly + somewhat agree |
48% |
21% |
78% |
52% |
|
Strongly + somewhat disagree |
46% |
71% |
19% |
44% |
|
Not sure |
6% |
9% |
3% |
4% |
Ending the Bush tax cuts for everyone
|
Response |
All voters |
Democrats |
Republicans |
Independents |
|
Strongly + somewhat agree |
30% |
51% |
7% |
28% |
|
Strongly + somewhat disagree |
65% |
45% |
91% |
64% |
|
Not sure |
5% |
4% |
3% |
9% |
Ending the Bush tax cuts only for those earning more than $250,000 a year
|
Response |
All voters |
Democrats |
Republicans |
Independents |
|
Strongly + somewhat agree |
50% |
81% |
16% |
48% |
|
Strongly + somewhat disagree |
48% |
18% |
81% |
49% |
|
Not sure |
2% |
1% |
2% |
3% |
The IBOPE Zogby interactive poll of 2,132 likely voters has a margin of error of +/-2.2%.
A sampling of IBOPE Inteligência's online panel, which is representative of the adult population of the U.S., was invited to participate. Slight weights were added to region, party, age, race, religion, gender and education to more accurately reflect the population.
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IBOPE Inteligência is a non-partisan, premier global public opinion polling and market research firm that offers timely, accurate results and in-depth analysis and insights. IBOPE Inteligência works with issue experts in a vast array of fields including healthcare, technology, finance, insurance, energy, agriculture, public affairs, and media who offer insightful data analysis and exceptional service to clients in countries throughout the world. IBOPE Inteligência experts analyze data and work with clients to develop and implement new strategies, and offer customized and attractive solutions to challenges our clients face. IBOPE Inteligência was formed in January 2010 following the acquisition of Zogby International by IBOPE Inteligencia of Brazil, a subsidiary of IBOPE Group.
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IBOPE Group is a Brazilian multinational company specializing in media, market and opinion research with offices in the United States and 14 Latin American countries. Since its founding 68 years ago, it has been providing a wide range of information and studies on media, public opinion, voting patterns, consumption habits, branding and market behavior.
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