Attitudes Toward the Government Shutdown and the Debt Ceiling, October 2013

7/27/2019 Attitudes Toward the Government Shutdown and the Debt Ceiling, October 2013

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Attitudes Toward the Government Shutdownand the Debt Ceiling

Latest data and historical trends | October 15, 2013 | Karlyn Bowman and Andrew Rugg

2013 Government ShutdownRecent Questions and

Trends

How Serious?

Q: In your view, how serious a problem is this shutdown of the federal government extremely serious,

quite serious, just somewhat serious, or not that serious?

Extremely Quite Just somewhat Not that

serious serious serious serious

Nov. 1995 NBC/WSJ 29% 28% 23% 18%

Oct. 79, 2013 NBC/WSJ 46 27 18 9

Q: Have you or anyone in your family been affected by the federal government shutdown, in terms of

employment, services, or benefits?

Yes, have been No, have not been

affected affected

Nov. 1995 NBC/WSJ 18% 81%

Jan. 1996 NBC/WSJ 18 81

Oct. 79, 2013 NBC/WSJ 31 68

Q: Overall, do you think the federal government shutdown which began Tuesday, October 1, 2013 is . . .

?

A major problem A minor problem Not a problem at

for the country for the country all for the country

Oct. 37, 2013 AP-GfK/Roper 68% 24% 5%

Q: Have you personally or has anyone in your household felt any impact from the federal government

shutdown, or not?


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Yes No

Oct. 37, 2013 AP-GfK/Roper 17% 81%

Q: Have you personally or has anyone in your household felt any impact from the federal government

shutdown, or not?

Oct. 37, 2013 AP-GfK/Roper

Yes No

Tried to visit a government website and found it was

suspended due to the shutdown 12% 85%

Contacted your congressperson directly to express your

feelings about the shutdown 8 89

Tried to visit a government office and found it was closed due

to the shutdown 6 91

Tried to visit a national park or other tourist attraction

managed by the government and found it was closed due to

the shutdown 6 91

Had difficulty using or obtaining government-funded benefits,such as VA benefits, WIC assistance or disability benefits 5 92

Been furloughed or had your work hours cut in connection

with the government shutdown 3 94

Had difficulty buying or selling a home because of the

shutdowns impact on the Federal Housing Administration 2 96

Q: So far, the Republicans in Congress and President Barack Obama have not reached a final agreement

on the federal budget. As a result, the federal government has shut down for the first time in almost 18

years and will remain that way until some agreement is reached. Do you view the shutdown as a crisis, a

major problem, a minor problem or not a problem at all?

A major A minor Not a

A crisis problem problem problem at all

Oct. 36, 2013 CNN/ORC 18% 49% 18% 14%

Demographics Democrats 24% 52% 17% 7%

Republicans 18 46 16 18

Independents 13 48 20 16

Q: How concerned, if at all, are you about the government shutdowns effect on the U.S. economy? Are

you very concerned, somewhat concerned, not too concerned, or not at all concerned?

Very Somewhat Not too Not at all

concerned concerned concerned concerned

Oct. 36, 2013 Pew 48% 29% 14% 9%

Q: Have you or a member of your family been personally inconvenienced by the shutdown of the federal

government? Was it a major inconvenience or a minor inconvenience?

Yes, major Yes, minor No, not


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inconvenience inconvenience inconvenienced

Oct. 36, 2013 Pew 15% 13% 71%

Q: Do you personally view the shutdown was a crisis, a major problem, as a minor problem, or as not a

problem at all?

Crisis Major problem Minor problem Not a problem

Nov. 14, 1995 Gallup 11% 40% 33% 14%

Nov. 1718, 1995 Gallup 12 40 31 14

Dec. 1518, 1995 Gallup 12 44 30 13

Oct. 23, 2013 Gallup 21 49 18 8

Q: As you may know, Republicans in Congress and President Obama have failed to reach an agreement

on a new federal budget, which means there will be a partial shutdown of the federal government until

an agreement is reached. How serious a problem is the shutdown of the federal government?

Serious Not serious

Oct. 12, 2013 Fox News 81% 17%

Demographics Democrats 92% 6%

Republicans 71 27

Independents 83 17

Q: Do you believe you or anyone in your family will be significantly affected by the federal government

shutdown?

Yes No

Oct. 1 2, 2013 Fox News 37% 59%


Republicans 29 68

Independents 38 58

Q: Do you think you will be personally affected by the cutback in government services or programs

caused by a partial government shutdown, or not?

Yes No

Oct. 12, 2013 CBS News 47% 50%


Republicans 37 61

Independents 51 46

Q: How likely do you think it will be that the economy and the stock market will take a severe downturn

due to the partial government shutdown very likely, somewhat likely, or not very likely?

Not very

Very likely Somewhat likely likely


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Oct. 12, 2013 CBS News 34% 41% 23%

Demographics Democrat 38% 45% 15%

Republican 34 37 28

Independent 30 42 25

Q: Do you think that you would be personally affected by a shutdown of the federal government?

Definitely Probably Hard to Probably Definitely

yes yes to say no no

Sep. 2830, 2013 Economist/YouGov 15% 23% 36% 19% 9%

Defunding Obamacare

Q: Thinking again about the new health care law, would you favor or oppose totally eliminating federal

funding for the new health care law? (If favor) Would you favor totally eliminating federal funding for

the health care law, even if this meant continuing a partial shutdown of the federal government?

Oct. 79. 2013 NBC/WSJ

Favor, even if it means continuing the government shutdown 23%

Favor, not if means continuing the government shutdown 11

Favor, not sure 3

Oppose 50

Q: As you may know, the main point of disagreement in the government shutdown is over whether

changes to the 2010 health care law should be included in a budget deal. Obama has said any budget

deal must not include cuts or delays to the health care law because they are separate issues. Republicanleaders have said that any budget deal must include cuts or delays to the health care law because the

law is bad for the country. Who do you think should give ground in this disagreement?

Oct. 36, 2013 Pew

Natl. Dem. Rep. Ind.

Obama should agree to a bill that includes cuts

or delays to the health care law 42% 18% 77% 40%

Republican leaders should agree to a bill without

cuts or delays to the health care law 44 75 14 43

Q: Republicans in the House of Representatives passed legislation that only kept the government

operating if President Obama agreed to delay or stop funding his health reform plan. The president and

the Senate refused to support a bill including such a provision. Do you think . . . ?

National Journal/United Technologies

Oct. 36, 2013 Sep. 1922, 2013

The House is right to fund the continuing operations

of the federal government only if Obama agrees


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to delay or withdraw his health care plan 24% 27%

Congress should provide the funding to keep the

government operating and deal with the health

care issue separately 65 63

Dont know 11 10

Note: Question tense changed between September and October.

Q: Do you approve or disapprove of partially shutting down the government over differences about the

2010 health care law?

Approve Disapprove

Oct. 12, 2013 CBS News 25% 72%


Republicans 48 49

Independents 21 76

Q: Do you support or oppose Congress shutting down major activities of the federal government as away to stop the health care law from being put into place?

Support Oppose

Oct. 1, 2013 Quinnipiac 22% 72%


Independents 19 74

Republicans 49 44

Note: Asked of registered voters.

Q: Which do you think is more important for Congress to do? Approving a budget agreement that wouldavoid a government shutdown or, preventing major provisions in the new health care law from taking

effect by cutting the funds needed to implement them.

Sep. 2729, 2013 CNN/ORC

Approving a budget agreement that would avoid

a government shutdown 60%

Preventing major provisions in the new health care law

from taking effect by cutting the funds needed to

implement them 34

Q: Some Republicans in the House of Representatives say they will not support a bill to keep the

government operating unless it includes a provision to delay or defund President Obamas health reform

plan. The White House says it will not sign a bill including such a provision. Do you think Congress should

. . . ?

National Journal/United Technologies

Sep. 1922, 2013

Only fund the continuing operations of the


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federal government if Obama agrees to

delay or withdraw his health care plan 27%

Provide the funding to keep the government

operating and deal with the health care issue

separately 63

Dont know 10

Politics or Principle

Q: These days, when Barack Obama and Democrats in Congress oppose policies proposed by the

Republicans, is it mostly because of a disagreement about policy or is it mostly because they want to

stop the Republicans from gaining political advantage?

Stop

Disagreement political advantage

Oct. 12, 2013 CBS News 43% 47%

Demographics Democrats 63% 29%Republicans 24 70

Independents 39 48

Q: Which of the following statements comes closer to your view about the budget debate between

Barack Obama and the Republicans in Congress

Gallup Sep. 2728, 2013 Nov. 14, 1995

It is an important battle over principles and

the future direction of government 37% 37%

It is mostly an attempt by both sides to gainpolitical advantage 47 52

No opinion 15 11

Blame for the Shutdown

Q: As you know, President Obama and the Republicans in Congress have not reached a budget

agreement, and this has led to a shutdown of the federal government. Who do you think is more to

blame for this shutdown President Obama or the Republicans in Congress?

President Republicans in Both

Obama Congress equal (vol.)

Oct. 79, 2013 NBC/WSJ 31% 53% 13%

Q: Please indicate how much responsibility each of the following holds for the federal government

shutdown.

Oct. 37, 2013 AP-GfK/Roper

Almost all of the A lot, but Only a None of the


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responsibility not all little responsibility

Republicans in Congress 28% 35% 7% 5%

Barack Obama 23 26 15 14

Democrats in Congress 17 32 15 9

John Boehner 21 27 12 6

The tea party movement 23 21 14 15

Harry Reid 14 26 16 10

Q: Would you say you are very angry, somewhat angry, not very angry or not at all angry at each of the

following over the government shutdown?

Oct. 36, 2013 CNN/ORC

Very Somewhat Not very Not at

angry angry angry all angry

The Democrats 27% 30% 14% 26%

The Republicans 36 27 11 22

President Barack Obama 33 20 14 31

Q: Who do you think is more to blame for the federal government shutdown . . . ?

The Obama Both

Republicans administration equally (vol.)

Sep. 1922, 2013 Pew 39% 36% 17%

Oct. 36, 2013 Pew 38 30 19

Q: If the federal government shuts down because Republicans and the Obama administration cant

agree on a budget, who do you think would be more to blame?

The Obama BothRepublicans administration equally (vol.)

Feb. 2427, 2013 National Journal/United Technologies 36% 35% 17%

Mar.Apr. 2013 National Journal/United Technologies 39 36 16

Sep. 1922, 2013 National Journal/United Technologies 39 36 17

Oct. 36, 2013 National Journal/United Technologies 38 30 19

Q: Who do you think is most responsible for the federal government shutdown?

Fox News

Oct. 12, 2013

Republican leaders, such as John Boehner 25%

Tea Party Republicans, such as Ted Cruz 17%

Democratic leaders, such as Harry Reid 8

President Barack Obama 24

All/Combination (volunteered) 20

Q: Who do you blame more for the partial government shutdown -- the Republicans in Congress or

Barack Obama and the Democrats in Congress?


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Republicans Barack Obama & Both

in Congress Democrats equally (vol.)

Oct. 12, 2013 CBS News 44% 35% 17%

Demographics Democrats 76% 9% 11%

Republicans 10 73 15

Independents 40 30 24

Q: Do you think Barack Obama has acted mostly like a responsible adult or mostly like a spoiled child

during the recent debate over the federal budget?

Responsible adult Spoiled Child

Sep. 30, 2013 CNN/ORC 49% 47%

Q: Do you think the Republicans in Conge have acted mostly like responsible adults or mostly like spoiled

children during the recent debate over the Federal budget?

Responsible adult Spoiled ChildSep. 30, 2013 CNN/ORC 25% 69%

Q: Do you think the Democrats in Congress have acted mostly like responsible adults or mostly like

spoiled children during the recent debate over the federal budget?

Responsible adult Spoiled Child

Sep. 30, 2013 CNN/ORC 35% 58%

Q: If President Obama and Congress do not reach a budget agreement in time to avoid a shutdown of

the federal government, who do you think will be to blame?

President House House Senate Not

Obama Republicans Democrats Democrats sure

Sep. 2830, 2013 Economist/YouGov 44% 49% 25% 37% 18%

Note: Multiple responses allowed.

Q: Overall, do you approve or disapprove of the way the following are handling negotiations over the

federal budget? Do you feel that way strongly, or somewhat?

ABC News/Washington Post

Approve Approve Somewhat Disapprove

strongly somewhat disapprove strongly

Barack Obama

Sep. 29, 2013 21% 19% 15% 35%

Oct. 36, 2013 24 21 12 39

Oct. 913, 2013 25 17 14 39

Republicans in Congress

Sep. 29, 2013 9 17 21 42

Oct. 36, 2013 11 14 19 51

Oct. 913, 2013 10 11 20 54


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Democrats in Congress

Sep. 29, 2013 14 19 20 36

Oct. 36, 2013 15 21 16 45

Oct. 913, 2013 17 16 17 44

Q: If the federal government shuts down, do you think that Barack Obama or the Republicans in

Congress would be more responsible for that?

Republicans

Obama in Congress Both (Vol.)

Mar. 2011 CNN/ORC 37% 46% 14%

Sep. 2011 CNN/ORC 33 47 17

Mar. 2013 CNN/ORC 38 40 19

Sep. 9, 2013 CNN/ORC 33 51 12

Sep. 2729, 2013 CNN/ORC 36 46 13

Q: Now, thinking about the budget debate which has been going on in Washington, who do you think

has acted more responsibly in the negotiations over the budget: President Obama or the Republicanleaders in Congress?

President Republican

Obama leaders

Sep. 28, 2013 Gallup 40% 35%

Approval of the Shutdown

Q: Do you think a partial shutdown of the federal government could be a good thing or is it definitely a

bad thing?

Could be a Definitely agood thing bad thing

Oct. 12, 2013 Fox News 30% 67%


Republicans 48 48

Independents 30 68

Q: As you may know, on a regular basis, Congress must pass bills that authorize the federal government

to spend money for a certain amount of time. When that time expires, the government must shut down

until Congress passes a new spending bill. Suppose the federal government had to shut down for a few

days because congress did not pass a new spending bill. Would you consider that a good thing for the

country or a bad thing for the country?

Good thing Bad thing

Mar. 2011 CNN/ORC 36% 59%

Sep. 2011 CNN/ORC 25 72

Mar. 2013 CNN/ORC 34 64

Sep. 2729, 2013 CNN/ORC 27 68


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Q: Now suppose the federal government had to shut down for a few weeks because Congress did not

pass a new spending bill. Would you consider that a good thing for the country or a bad thing for the

country?

Good thing Bad thing

Mar. 2011 CNN/ORC 24% 73%

Mar. 2013 CNN/ORC 21 78

Sep. 2729, 2013 CNN/ORC 19 79

Gridlock and Compromise

Q: In the current debate over the government shutdown, what would you like lawmakers who share

your views to do? They should they stand by their principles, even if that means the government

shutdown continues. Or, they should they be more willing to compromise, even if that means they reach

a deal you disagree with.

Stand by More willing Dont know/

their principles to compromise Refused (vol.)Aug. 1995 Pew 35% 60% 5%

Feb. 2011 Pew 32 60 8

Mar.Apr., 2013 Pew 36 55 10

Sep. 1922, 2013 Pew 33 57 10

Oct. 36, 2013 Pew 29 61 10

Note: Question wording varies.

Q: In negotiations about the federal budget, which do you think Barack Obama and the Democrats in

Congress should do -- compromise some of their positions in order to come to an agreement, or stick to

their positions even if it means not coming to an agreement?

Stick

Compromise to positions

Oct. 12, 2013 CBS News 76% 21%


Republicans 90 6

Independents 80 18

Q: In negotiations about the federal budget, which do you think the Republicans in Congress should do

compromise some of their positions in order to come to an agreement, or stick to their positions even if

it means not coming to an agreement?

Stick

Compromise to positions

Oct. 12, 2013 CBS News 78% 18%


Republicans 59 38

Independents 78 16


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The Publics Post Mortem

Q: As a consequence of the shutdown, do you feel more negative or positive toward President ______ ?

More More Neither/

negative positive No effect

Dec. 1518, 1995 Gallup 49% 35% 12%

Oct. 23, 2013 Gallup 57 28 13

Note: Neither/No effect was a volunteered response.

Q: As a consequence of the shutdown, do you feel more negative or more positive toward the

Republican leaders in Congress

More More Neither

negative positive no effect

Dec. 1518, 1995 Gallup 62% 23% 10%

Oct. 23, 2013 Gallup 61 24 10

Note: Neither/No effect was a volunteered response.

Q: Next, we'd like to get your overall opinion of some people in the news. As I read each name, please

say if you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of these people or if you have never heard of them.

How about . . . ?

The Republican Party

Favorable Unfavorable No opinion

Feb. 2 5, 2012 Gallup 43% 54% 3%

Feb. 1619, 2012 Gallup 42 49 9

Aug. 2022, 2012 Gallup 42 51 7

Nov. 912, 2012 Gallup 43 50 7Jun. 14, 2013 Gallup 39 53 8

Sep. 58, 2013 Gallup 38 58 4

Oct. 36, 2013 Gallup 28 62 9

The Democratic Party

Feb. 2 5, 2012 Gallup 49% 48% 3%

Feb. 1619, 2012 Gallup 47 46 8

Aug. 2022, 2012 Gallup 45 49 5

Nov. 912, 2012 Gallup 51 43 7

Jun. 14, 2013 Gallup 46 48 6

Sep. 58, 2013 Gallup 47 50 4

Oct. 36, 2013 Gallup 43 49 9

Q: Next, we'd like to get your overall opinion of some people in the news. As I read each name, please

say if you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of these people or if you have never heard of them.

How about . . . ?

Barack Obama

Favorable Unfavorable No opinion


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Apr. 1114, 2013 Gallup 55% 43% 2%

Jun. 14, 2013 Gallup 54 45 1

Jul. 1014, 2013 Gallup 52 45 3

Sep. 1516, 2013 Gallup 53 43 4

Oct. 36, 2013 Gallup 49 49 2

Speaker of the House, John Boehner

Favorable Unfavorable Never heard of

Jul. 912, 2013 Gallup 34% 41% 15%

Nov. 912, 2013 Gallup 36 35 15

Apr. 1114, 2013 Gallup 31 41 14

Oct. 36, 2013 Gallup 27 51 14

Senate Democratic Leader, Harry Reid

Nov. 912, 2013 Gallup 28% 36% 22%

Apr. 1114, 2013 Gallup 27 38 21

Oct. 36, 2013 Gallup 27 43 20

House Democratic Leader, Nancy Pelosi

Apr. 1114, 2013 Gallup 31% 48% 11%

Oct. 36, 2013 Gallup 35 47 10

Senate Republican Leader, Mitch McConnell

Oct. 36, 2013 Gallup 22% 42% 23%

Apr. 1114, 2013 Gallup 26 34 22

Q: Now I'm going to read you the names of several public figures and groups. I'd like you to rate your

feelings toward each one as very positive, somewhat positive, neutral, somewhat negative, or very

negative. If you don't know the name, please just say so.

Barack Obama

Very Somewhat Somewhat Very

positive positive Nuetral negative negative

Jan. 2013 NBC/WSJ 31% 21% 11% 11% 26%

Feb. 2013 NBC/WSJ 31 18 11 14 26

Apr. 2013 NBC/WSJ 30 17 10 15 27

Jun. 2013 NBC/WSJ 28 19 13 12 28

Jul. 2013 NBC/WSJ 28 20 12 14 26

Sep. 2013 NBC/WSJ 25 20 12 16 26

Oct. 79. 2013 NBC/WSJ 26 21 11 11 30

The Republican Party

Jan. 2013 NBC/WSJ 6% 20% 24% 24% 25%

Feb. 2013 NBC/WSJ 8 21 24 20 26

Jun. 2013 NBC/WSJ 8 24 26 18 23

Sep. 2013 NBC/WSJ 7 21 27 23 21

Oct. 79. 2013 NBC/WSJ 7 17 21 24 29


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The Democratic Party

Jan. 2013 NBC/WSJ 17% 27% 17% 19% 19%

Feb. 2013 NBC/WSJ 18 23 22 17 19

Jun. 2013 NBC/WSJ 14 25 22 19 18

Sep. 2013 NBC/WSJ 13 27 22 20 18

Oct. 79. 2013 NBC/WSJ 14 25 18 20 20

1995 Government Shutdown

How Serious? 19951996

Q: Please tell me whether you completely agree, mostly agree, mostly disagree, or completely disagree

with the complaint. The way the government is running, a government shutdown probably does moregood than harm.

Completely Mostly Mostly Completely

agree agree disagree disagree

Jan. 27Apr. 14, 1996 PSRA/UVA 10% 23% 35% 32%



Yes No

Jan. 1316, 1996 NBC/WSJ 18% 81%

Q: Were you or a member of your family personally inconvenienced by the recent partial shutdown of

the federal government or not?

Q: (If inconvenienced) Was it a major inconvenience or a minor inconvenience?

No, hasnt

Yes, major Yes, minor had any impact

Jan. 1114, 1996 Pew Research Center 7% 9% 84%

Q: Have you personally been inconvenienced by the partial shutdown of the federal government or not?

Yes NoNov. 19, 1995 ABC/Wash Post 12% 88%

Jan. 3, 1995 ABC News 12 88

Jan. 67, 1995 ABC/Wash Post 12 88

Q: Considering everything, do you think the partial shutdown of the federal government is a good thing

or a bad thing? Would you say its a crisis or not?


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Bad thing Bad thing

Good thing crisis not a crisis

Nov. 19, 1995 ABC/Wash Post 26% 33% 34%

Jan. 3, 1996 ABC News 19 42 35

Jan. 67, 1996 ABC/Wash Post 23 36 38

Q: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: The federal government shutdown has shown

that many of the services the federal government provides are not essential and should be eliminated.

Agree Disagree

Jan. 67, 1996 ABC/Wash Post 50% 46%

Q: As you may know, President Bill Clinton and the Republican leaders in Congress just reached an

agreement to end the current federal budget shutdown, which will reopen the government through

January 26th 1996. Overall, do you approve or disapprove of that agreement?

Approve Disapprove

Jan. 57, 1996 Gallup/CNN/USA Today 69% 18%

Q: Have you been personally affected by the cutback in government services or programs caused by the

shutdown, or not?

Yes No

Nov. 19, 1995 CBS News 11% 88%

Jan. 23, 1996 CBS News 14 85

Q: Do you think the federal government can operate effectively during a partial shutdown or not?

Yes, can operate No, cannot operateJan. 23, 1996 CBS News 37% 60%

Q: As you may know, the Republicans in Congress and President Bill Clinton have not reached an

agreement on the federal budget. As a result, the federal government has shut down all non-essential

services. Do you personally view this shutdown as a crisis, as a major problem, as a minor problem, or as

not a problem at all?

Major Minor Not a

Crisis problem problem problem

Nov. 14, 1995 Gallup 11% 40% 33% 14%

Nov. 1719, 1995 Gallup/CNN/USA Today 12 40 31 14

Dec. 1518, 1995* Gallup/CNN/USA Today 12 44 30 13

Note: *Question wording read So far, the Republicans in Congress . . .

Q: In your view, how serious a problem is this shutdown of the federal government because President

Bill Clinton and the Republican Congress have not reached a budget agreement extremely serious,

quite serious, just somewhat serious, or not that serious?

Extremely Quite Just somewhat Not that


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serious serious serious serious

Nov. 19, 1995 NBC/WSJ 29% 28% 23% 18%



Yes, affected No, not affected

Nov. 19, 1995 NBC/WSJ 18% 81%

Q: Do you think the federal government can operate effectively during a partial shutdown, or not? How

effectively do you think it can operate during a partial shutdownvery effectively, somewhat effectively,

or not very effectively?

Very Somewhat Not very No, cannot operate

effectively effectively effectively effectively

Nov. 19, 1995 CBS News 7% 28% 7% 51%

Politics or Principle, 19951996

Q: As you may know there was a recent shutdown of the federal government that resulted from a

budget disagreement between President Bill Clinton and the Republicans in Congress. Which of the

following two statements comes closer to your own view of the Congressional Republicans' role in the

shutdown? The Republicans in Congress were trying to gain political advantage by creating a crisis when

he could have reached a reasonable compromise with the President. Or, the Republicans in Congress

were standing up for what they believe are important national priorities.

Republicans trying Republicans standing

to gain political up for what they

advantage believeNov. 28Dec. 4, 1995 Kaiser 52% 38%


Republicans 24 69

Independents 54 36

Note: Asked of a half sample.

Q: As you may know there was a recent shutdown of the federal government that resulted from a

budget disagreement between President Bill Clinton and the Republicans in Congress. Which of the

following two statements comes closer to your own view of President Clinton's role in the shutdown?

President Clinton was trying to gain political advantage by creating a crisis when he could have reached

a reasonable compromise with the Republicans. Or, President Clinton was standing up for what he

believes are important national priorities.

Clinton trying Clinton standing

to gain political up for what he

advantage believes

Nov. 28Dec. 4, 1995 Kaiser 36% 57%


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Republicans 64 29

Independents 35 58


Blame, 19951996

Q: Who do you personally think was most responsible for the government shutdown because of a

budget standoff between congressional Republicans and President Bill Clinton: Newt Gingrich, Bill

Clinton, Bob Dole, or someone else?

Newt Bill Bob Someone All

Gingrich Clinton Dole else equally (vol.)

Jul. 1996 ABC News/Washington Post 25% 32% 6% 22% 12%

Q: As you may know, the Clinton Administration and the Republicans have agreed to temporarily reopen

the government offices that were closed for nearly three weeks while they worked on a new budget.

Whose fault do you think this partial government shutdown mainly was President Bill Clinton's or theRepublicans' in Congress?

Clinton Republicans Both (vol.)

Jan. 67, 1996 ABC/Wash Post 27% 50% 20%

Q: As a consequence of the shutdown of the federal government, do you feel more negative or more

positive toward the Republican leaders in Congress?

More negative More positive Neither/no effect

Dec. 1518, 1995 Gallup/CNN/USA Today 62% 23% 10%

Q: As a consequence of the shutdown of the federal government, do you feel more negative or more

positive toward President Bill Clinton?

More negative More positive Neither/no effect

Dec. 1518, 1995 Gallup/CNN/USA Today 49% 35% 12%

Q: If the president and the Congress fail to agree again on the budget and there is another partial

shutdown of government, who do you think will be more to blame President Bill Clinton or the

Republican leaders in Congress?

President Republican leaders Both

Clinton in Congress equally

Nov. 30Dec. 3, 1995 Harris 34% 51% 12%

Q: If President Bill Clinton and the Republican Congress do not reach a budget agreement in time to

avoid a major shutdown of the federal government, who do you think will be more to blame President

Clinton or the Republican Congress? (October 1995)


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Q: As you know, President Bill Clinton and the Republican Congress have not reached a budget

agreement, and this has led to a shutdown of the federal government. Who do you think is more to

blame for this shutdownPresident Clinton or the Republican Congress? (November 1995)

President Republican Both

Clinton Congress equal (vol.)

Oct. 2731, 1995 NBC/WSJ 32% 43% 18%

Nov. 19, 1995 NBC/WSJ 27 47 20

Q: Monday night, the federal government was partially shut down when President Bill Clinton and the

Republican leaders in Congress could not agree on a resolution to keep the government running while

they debated the federal budget. Who do you blame more for the partial government shutdown

Republicans in Congress or Bill Clinton?

Republicans Bill Clinton Both equally (vol.)

Nov. 19, 1995 CBS News 51% 28% 15%

Q: Now that the shutdown has begun, who do you think is mainly responsible for standing in the way ofan agreement to get the government running again President Bill Clinton or the Republicans in

Congress?

Clinton Republicans Both (vol.)

Nov. 19, 1995 ABC/Wash Post 34% 49% 13%

Q: Overall, who do you blame more for the recent shutdown of the federal government President Bill

Clinton or the Republican leaders in Congress?

President Republican Both

Clinton leaders equally (vol.)Nov. 14, 1995 Gallup 26% 49% 19%

Nov. 1718, 1995 Gallup/CNN/USA Today 25 47 21

Compromise, 19951996

Q: Which of the following reasons better describes why you disapprove of the agreement between

President Bill Clinton and Republican leaders in Congress to reopen the government: Because you wish

the shutdown had continued until a balanced budget agreement was reached, or because the

agreement did not go far enough in reopening the government?

Wish shutdown Agreement

continued until did not go

balanced budget far enough Neither/Other

Jan. 1996 Gallup/CNN/USA Today 44% 42% 11%

The Publics Post Mortem, 19951996

Q: Do you approve or disapprove of the way Bill Clinton is handling his job as president?


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Approve Disapprove

Sep. 14, 1995 Gallup/CNN/USA Today 44% 44%

Sep. 22, 1995 Gallup/CNN/USA Today 48% 44%

Oct. 5, 1995 Gallup/CNN/USA Today 46% 42%



Oct. 27, 1995 Gallup 46% 39%

Nov. 6, 1995 Gallup/CNN/USA Today 52% 41%


Dec. 15, 1995 Gallup/CNN/USA Today 51% 44%


Jan. 12, 1996 Gallup 46% 40%


Q: Do you approve or disapprove of the way Bill Clinton is handling the economy?

Approve DisapproveOct. 19, 1995 Gallup/CNN/USA Today 44% 49%



Q: Do you approve or disapprove of the way Bill Clinton is handling the Federal budget deficit?

Approve Disapprove



Q: Please tell me whether you approve or disapprove of the way each of the following political leadershas handled the budget negotiations in Washington . . . ?

BillClinton Approve Disapprove

Nov. 14, 1995 Gallup 48% 43%




Newt Gingrich

Nov. 14, 1995 Gallup 22% 64%




Bob Dole

Nov. 14, 1995 Gallup 32% 52%





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Debt LimitRecent Questions and Trends

Importance

Q: The president has asked Congress to raise the debt ceiling, and the Congress is currently considering

whether to raise it. If Congress does not vote to raise the debt ceiling, do you believe that this would be

a real and serious problem or not? If you do not know enough to have an opinion, please say so.

A real and Not a real and Dont know enough

serious problem serious problem to have an opinion

Jul. 2011 NBC/WSJ 55% 18% 25%

Oct. 79, 2013 NBC/WSJ 63 15 22


Q: In general, do you support, oppose or neither support nor oppose raising the federal debt limit inorder to avoid defaulting on U.S. government debts?

Neither

Strongly Somewhat support Somewhat Strongly

support support or oppose oppose support

Jun. 2011 AP-GfK/Roper 15% 23% 18% 17% 25%

Jan. 2013 AP-GfK/Roper 13 18 19 16 24

Oct. 37, 2013 AP-GfK/Roper 20 11 46 10 11

Q: As you may know, the deadline to raise the nations debt limit is also approaching, as soon as October

17th. From what youve read and heard, do you think it is absolutely essential that the federal debt limit

be raised to avoid an economic crisis. Or, the country can go past the deadline for raising the debt limit

without major economic problems.

Essential that the Country can go Dont know/

debt limit be raised past the debt limit Refused

Oct. 36, 2013 Pew 47% 39% 15%

Demographics Democrats 62% 28% 10



Q: As you may know, the deadline to raise the nations debt limit is also approaching, as soon as October17th. From what youve read and heard, do you think I t is absolutely essential that the federal debt limit

be raised to avoid an economic crisis, or do you think the country can go past the deadline for raising the

debt limit without major economic problems?

Essential to raise Country can go Dont know/

debt limit past the debt limit refused

Jul. 1517, 2013 National Journal/UT 40% 39% 21%


21/34

Oct. 36, 2013 National Journal/UT 47 39 15

Q: In order for the federal government to borrow enough money to make good on all its commitments,

Congress must soon vote to raise the country's debt limit above the current $16.7 trillion dollar limit.

Which of the following is closer to your opinion on this?

The debt limit must be The debt limit should only be

raised and its reckless to increased after making major

even debate not raising it cuts in the government spending

Oct. 12, 2013 Fox News 27% 62%


Republicans 11 77

Independents 26 65

Q: If you were in Congress and had to cast an up-or-down vote on raising the nations debt limit would

you vote in favor of raising the debt limit or against it?

In favor Against

Jul. 1719, 2011 Fox News 35% 60%

Oct. 12, 2013 Fox News 37 58

Demographics, Oct. 2013

Democrats 57% 38%

Republicans 15 78

Independents 36 57

Q: As you may know, there is a debate in Washington about raising the federal debt ceiling, which is the

amount of money that the federal government can borrow to pay its bills. Which of these comes closestto your feelings about raising the debt ceiling now? It should be raised without conditions, because the

government must pay its existing bills and obligations. It should be raised, but only with the condition

that the government also cuts spending to offset it. It should not be raised under any condition even if

that means the US could default on its loans and obligations.

Raised without Raised with Not

conditions spending cuts raised

Jan. 1115, 2013 CBS News/NYT 17% 60% 18%

Sep. 1923, 2013 CBS News/NYT 17 55 24

Oct. 12, 2013 CBS News 23 55 20

Q: If you had to choose, which would be more acceptable to you: an agreement on the deficit and debt

ceiling that you did not fully support, or not reaching an agreement and having the US go into default on

its debts?

Agreement

dont fully US defaulting

support on its debt Dont know

Jan. 1115, 2013 CBS News/NYT 73% 17% 9%


22/34

Sep. 1923. 2013 CBS News/NYT 69 21 9

Oct. 12, 2013 CBS News 77 17 6

Demographics, Jan. 2013

Democrats 81% 9% 10%

Republicans 67 27 7


Demographics, Sep. 2013


Republicans 64 28 7


Demographics, Oct. 2013


Republicans 74 19 4


Q: From what you know so far, do you think an agreement on the federal budget and the debt ceiling

should also cut off the funding for the 2010 health care law, or any agreement on the federal budgetand the debt ceiling should be kept separate from discussions about funding the 2010 health care law?

Stop funding Debt ceiling

health care separate from

law health care Dont know

Sep. 1923, 2013 CBS/NYT 31% 60% 9%


Republican 54 41 6

Independent 33 56 11

Q: The federal debt ceiling acts as a check and limit on the country's overall liabilities, including the

federal deficit and other debts. When the US Treasury needs to issue debt above the ceiling in order to

avoid going into bankruptcy and defaulting on its obligations, Congress needs to vote to raise the ceiling.

Congress is again currently considering whether and how much to extend the debt ceiling. Do you think

Congress should or should not raise the debt ceiling? If you don't know enough to have an opinion,

please just say so.

Should raise Should not raise Dont know

debt ceiling debt ceiling enough

Mar.Apr. 2011 NBC/WSJ 16% 46% 38%

Jun. 913, 2011 NBC/WSJ 28 39 31

Jul. 1417, 2011 NBC/WSJ 38 31 30

Sep. 58, 2013 NBC/WSJ 22 44 33

Demographics, Mar.Apr. 2011


Republicans 8 62 29


Demographics, Jun. 2011


23/34




Demographics, Jul. 2011




Q: Would you be willing to support raising the debt ceiling if not raising the debt ceiling means the US

defaults on its debt, or not?

Yes, willing No, not willing

to support to support Dont know

Sep. 48, 2013 Reason-Rupe 35% 56% 10%




Q: The federal government is expected to hit its debt limit in the next few months. In general, do you

favor or oppose raising the debt ceiling?

Favor Oppose Dont know (Vol.)

Sep. 48, 2013 Reason-Rupe 24% 70% 6%


Republicans 15 83 2


Obamacare and the Debt Ceiling

Q: Do you support or oppose Congress holding back on increasing the nation's borrowing limit, which

could result in a default, as a way to stop the health care law from being put into place?

Support Oppose

Oct. 1, 2013 Quinnipiac 27% 64%


Independents 30 62

Republicans 52 39

Note: Asked of registered voters.

Q: Which do you think is more important for Congress to do raising the debt ceiling to make sure the

government has enough money to pay its debts, or Delaying the date on which major provisions in the

new health care law will take effect?

Raising the Delay the new Both

bebt ceiling health care law equal

Sep. 2729, 2013 CNN/ORC 51% 43% 2%


24/34


Republicans 31 61 *


Note: *Less than 1 percent gave this response.

Q: Some Republicans in the House of Representatives want to attach a provision to delay or defund

President Obamas health reform plan to any proposed increase in the countrys debt limit. The White

House says it will negotiate over the debt ceiling. Do you think Congress should

Sep. 1922, 2013 National Journal/United Technologies

Only increase the U.S. debt limit if Obama agrees

to delay or withdraw his health care plan 31%

Increase the US debt limit and deal with the

health care issue separately 52%

Dont know 16%

Q: Would you be willing to support raising the debt ceiling if funding for Obamacare is cut off, or not?

Yes, willing No, not wiling Dont know

Sep. 48, 2013 Reason-Rupe 35% 56% 10%


Republicans 35 59 6


Consequences

Q: The federal debt ceiling limits the amount of money the government can borrow. When the U.S.

Treasury needs to issue debt above the ceiling in order to avoid going into bankruptcy and to pay the

governments bills, Congress needs to vote to raise the ceiling. Which of the following causes you more

concern?

Oct. 79, 2013 NBC/WSJ

That Congress will not raise the debt ceiling and the federal government

will not pay its bills, such as defaulting on its loans and not making

payments to Social Security recipients and government workers 37%

That Congress will raise the debt ceiling and that federal spending will

increase and the government will go further into debt as a result 41

You do not know enough about this to have an opinion at this time 19

Q: As you may know, in the next few weeks the U.S. government must raise the federal debt limit in

order to avoid defaulting on its debt. If the federal debt limit is NOT raised and the U.S. defaults on its

debt, how likely is it that the U.S. would face a major economic crisis?

Extremely Very Not too Not likely


25/34

likely likely likely at all

Jun. 2011 AP-GfK/Roper 30% 30% 6% 3%

Jan. 2013 AP-GfK/Roper 26 27 9 8

Oct. 37, 2013 AP-GfK/Roper 30 23 10 6

Q: If the debt ceiling is not raised, do you think that would cause a crisis, major problems, minor

problems, or no problems at all for the United States?

Major Minor No problems

Crisis problems problems at all

Apr.May, 2011 CNN/ORC 17% 41% 33% 7%

Jul. 1820, 2011 CNN/ORC 18 43 31 6

Aug. 2011 CNN/ORC 14 38 31 15 (p)

Sep. 68, 2013* CNN/ORC 17 45 27 9

Note: *Asked of a half sample.

Q: If the debt ceiling is not raised, would you consider that a good thing for the country or a bad thing

for the country?

Good thing Bad thing Neutral/Mixed (Vol.)

Sep. 2729, 2013 CNN/ORC 38% 56% 3%


Republicans 52 40 4

Independent 46 49 3

Q: If Congress decides not to raise the debt ceiling, which of the following do you think is likely to

happen. It will cause a major economic crisis, it will cause a minor economic downturn, it wont cause a

serious economic problem, or it will help the economy?

Major Minor Wont cause

economic economic serious economic Help the

crisis downturn problems economy

Jan. 1721, 2013 Reason-Rupe 25% 30% 10% 22%

Demographics Democrats 32% 26% 7% 22%

Republicans 16 37 12 24

Independents 23 31 13 23

Blame

Q: If the debt ceiling is not raised, do you think that Barack Obama or the Republicans in Congress would

be more responsible for that?

Obama Republicans Both (Vol.) Neither (Vol.)

Jul. 2011 CNN/ORC 30% 51% 15% 3%

Aug. 2011 CNN/ORC 34 43 18 2 (p)


26/34

Sep. 68, 2013 CNN/ORC 25 54 15 3

Sep. 2729, 2013 CNN/ORC 31 53 10 2

Compromise

Q: If you had to choose, which would be more acceptable to you; reaching an agreement on the debt

ceiling that you did not fully support, or not reaching an agreement on the debt ceiling and having the

U.S. go into default on its debts?

Agreement dont US defaulting Dont know/

fully support on its debt No answer

Jul. 1517, 2011 CBS News 74% 14% 10%

Jan. 1115, 2013 CBS/NYT 73 17 9

Sep. 1923, 2013 CBS News 69 21 9

Oct. 12, 2013 CBS News 77 17 6


Democrats 80% 11% 10%Republicans 78 14 8


Demographics, Jan. 2013


Republicans 67 27 7


Demographics, Sep. 2013


Republicans 64 28 7


Demographics, Oct. 2013Democrats 84% 11% 5%

Republicans 74 19 7


Debt Limit2011 Questions

Support

Q: Congress will soon decide whether or not to raise the federal debt ceiling, which is the legal limit on

how much the federal government can borrow to pay for the budget deficit. Some people say the debtceiling should be raised, because otherwise the country could default on its loans, causing severe

problems for the US economy. Other people say the debt ceiling should not be raised because the

country owes too much money already, and raising it will cause long term economic problems. In

general, do you think Congress should or should not raise the federal debt ceiling?

Should Should not

Jun. 2011 CBS News 24% 69%


27/34

Jul. 2011 CBS News 46 49

Dec. 2012 CBS News 25 68

Demographics, Jun. 2011

Democrats 35% 54%

Republicans 16 81

Independents 22 72


Democrats 61% 31%

Republicans 33 64

Independents 42 54

Demographics, Dec. 2012

Democrats 36% 54%

Republicans 13 83

Independents 22 71

Q: As you may know, Congress passed and President Obama signed into law a bill that raises the federal

governments debt ceiling through the year 2013 and makes major cuts in government spending overthe next few years. Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of what was passed? If you do not

have strong feelings about this, please say so.

No strong

Favorable Unfavorable feelings

Aug. 2731, 2011 NBC /WSJ 23% 40% 34%

Q: And, thinking some more about the debt ceiling, do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of

the way the budget negotiation that took place in Washington was handled? If you do not have strong

feelings about his, please say so.

No strongFavorable Unfavorable feelings

Aug. 2731, 2011 NBC /WSJ 6% 71% 22%

Q: Based on everything youve heard or seen, do you think this debt ceiling deal is a good thing or a bad

thing for the United States? Is that very or somewhat?

Very Somewhat Somewhat Very

good good bad bad

Aug. 48, 2011 Ipsos/Reuters 7% 31% 27% 26%

Q: Next, Id like to ask you about the agreement reached by the president and Congress on August 1st,

2011 to raise the federal debt ceiling. Based on what you know or have read about this agreement, do

you approve or disapprove of it?

Approve Disapprove No opinion

Aug. 2, 2011 Gallup/USA Today 39% 46% 15%

Q: As you may know, an agreement between Barack Obama and the Republicans and Democrats in

Congress would raise the federal government's debt ceiling through the year 2013 and make major cuts


28/34

in government spending over the next few years. As you may know, the agreement would raise the debt

ceiling through the year 2013. Regardless of how you feel about the overall agreement, do you approve

or disapprove of raising the debt ceiling at this time?

Approve Disapprove

Aug. 1, 2011 CNN/ORC 48% 51%

Q: Would you be more likely to support a plan to increase the debt ceiling if it is developed by both

Democrats and Republicans rather than by leaders in just one party, or less likely, or would that have no

effect on whether you would support such a proposal?

More Less Would have

likely likely no effect

Jul. 2124, 2011 National Journal/United Technologies 50% 10% 33%

Q: From what you know or have read about the discussion of raising the debt ceiling, would you want

your member of Congress to vote in favor of raising the debt ceiling, or vote against raising the debt

ceiling, or dont you know enough to say?

Vote in favor Vote against

of raising the raising the Dont know

debt ceiling debt ceiling enough to say

May 58, 2011 Gallup 19% 47% 34%

Jul. 710, 2011 Gallup 22 42 35

Q: Do you think Republicans should or should not hold out for more spending cuts in exchange for a

vote to increase the debt ceiling, even if the delay leads to the US government defaulting on its debt

obligations?

Should hold out Should not hold out

Jun. 1720, 2011 Bloomberg 45% 46%

Q: As you may know, there is a limit to the amount of money the government can owe that is

sometimes called the debt ceiling. The government will reach that limit sometime this summer and

unless a bill is passed that would raise the debt ceiling; the government will not have enough money to

pay all of its bills and other financial obligations. Would you favor or oppose a bill that would raise the

debt ceiling?

Favor Oppose

Apr.May, 2011 CNN/ORC 37% 60%

Q: Congress will soon vote on whether or not to raise the debt ceiling. Do you personally favor or

oppose increasing the USdebt limit? As you may now, not raising the debt limit would damage the US

sovereign debt rating, which is like our credit rating: it would seriously damage our credibility abroad,

would make it much more difficult for us to borrow in the future, and would likely push up interest

rates.

Favor Oppose Unsure


29/34

Jan. 710, 2011 Ipsos/Reuters 19% 71% 9%


Q: I am going to tell you about the US' debt situation. At the moment, the US is $13.9 trillion dollars in

debt. The current debt 'ceiling,' or limit set by Congress is $14.3 trillion. It is likely that we will hit this

ceiling this spring. Congress will soon vote on whether or not to raise this debt ceiling. Do you personally

favor or oppose increasing the US' debt limit?

Favor Oppose Unsure

Jan. 710, 2011 Ipsos/Reuters 17% 71% 11%

How Serious?

Q: If the federal debt ceiling is not raised, how likely do you think it will be that the economy and the

stock market take a severe downturn very likely, somewhat likely, or not very likely?

Very Somewhat Not very Dont know/likely likely likely No answer

Jun. 2011 CBS News 25% 47% 18% 10%

Jul. 1517, 2011 CBS News 45 37 13 5

Q: When the Obama administration talks about what could happen if the debt ceiling is not raised, do

you think it is making things sound better than it really would be, making things sound worse than they

really would be, or is it describing the situation accurately?

Making things Making things Describing things Dont

sound better sound worse accurately know

Jul. 1517, 2011 CBS News 14% 36% 40% 10%

Q: As you know, the president and Congress are trying to work out an agreement to increase the debt

ceiling, the amount of money the government can legally borrow. If an agreement is not reached by the

August 2 deadline, do you think an economic crisis will or will not result?

Yes, will No, will not

result result

Jul. 1517, 2011 Gallup/USA Today 56% 41%

Q: The federal debt ceiling acts as a check and limit on the country's overall liabilities, including the

federal deficit and other debts. When the US Treasury needs to issue debt above the ceiling in order to

avoid going into bankruptcy and defaulting on its obligations, Congress needs to vote to raise the ceiling.

Congress is again currently considering whether and how much to extend the debt ceiling. Right now

Congress and the president are negotiating about whether and how much to raise the debt ceiling. If

Congress does not vote to raise the debt ceiling, do you believe that this would be a real and serious

problem or not? If you do not know enough to have an opinion, please say so.

A real and Not a real and Dont know

serious serious enough to have


30/34

problem problem an opinion

Jul. 1417, 2011 NBC/WSJ 55% 18% 25%





Blame

Q: Who do you blame more for the difficulties in reaching an agreement on the debt ceiling the

Republicans in Congress, or Barack Obama and the Democrats in Congress?

Republicans Barack Obama/

in Congress Democrats Both (Vol.)

Aug.23, 2011 CBS News/NYT 47% 29% 20%

Q: Based on what you have read or heard about the discussions between Congress and Barack Obamaon the debt ceiling, do you think the following have or have not acted responsibly?

Yes, have No, have not No

Republicans in Congress acted responsibly acted responsibly opinion

Apr.May 2011 CNN/ORC 34% 60% 6%

Jul. 1820, 2011 CNN/ORC 33 63 3

President Obama

Apr.May 2011 CNN/ORC 46% 49% 6%

Jul. 1820, 2011 CNN/ORC 52 46 2

Q: If Congress and the President cannot approve an agreement to raise the debt ceiling and the federalgovernment defaults on its debts, who do you think would be the most to blame for that? President

Barack Obama, Republicans in Congress, Democrats in Congress?

President Republicans Democrats All

Obama in Congress in Congress equally

Jul. 2124, 2011 National Journal/United Technologies 23% 31% 13% 25%

Q: In the debate over whether to raise the federal debt ceiling, who do you believe has behaved more

responsibly: President Obama or Republicans in Congress?

President Republicans Dont

Obama in Congress Both Neither know

Jul. 2124, 2011 National Journal 48% 31% 1% 9% 11%

Q: Do you approve or disapprove of the way Republicans in Congress are handling the current

negotiations on the debt ceiling?

Approve Disapprove

Jul. 1517, 2011 CBS News 21% 71%


31/34

Q: Do you approve or disapprove of the way Democrats in Congress are handling the current

negotiations on the debt ceiling?

Approve Disapprove

Jul. 1517, 2011 CBS News 31% 58%

Q: Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling the current negotiations on the

debt ceiling?

Approve Disapprove

Jul. 1517, 2011 CBS News 43% 48%

Q: If Congress fails to raise the US debt ceiling and markets fall as a result, whom would you hold

responsible Republicans, for insisting that any debt ceiling vote be tied to comparable budget cuts, or

President Obama for resisting Republican demands on spending cuts?

PresidentRepublicans Obama Not Sure

Jun. 17 20, 2011 Bloomberg 44% 41% 15%

Politics or Principle

Q: Do you think the recent disagreements in Washington about raising the debt ceiling were mostly

about doing what was best for the country or mostly about gaining political advantage?

Best for Political Some of

country advantage eachAug. 23, 2011 CBS News/NYT 14% 82% 2%

Q: Do you think the debate in Washington concerning the federal debt ceiling is mostly about honest

disagreements over economic policy or is it mostly about political gain?

Disagreement

over policy Political gain

Jun. 1517, 2011 CBS News 8% 85%

Compromise

Q: In negotiations about the debt ceiling, did the Republicans in Congress compromise with Barack

Obama and the Democrats in Congress too much, too little, or the right amount?

Too much Too little Right amount

Aug. 23, 2011 CBS News/NYT 15% 52% 26%

Q: In negotiations about the debt ceiling, did Barack Obama and the Democrats in Congress compromise

with the Republicans in Congress too much, too little, or the right amount?


32/34

Too much Too little Right amount

Aug. 23, 2011 CBS News/NYT 26% 34% 32%

Q: As you know, both the Republicans and the Democrats compromised with the other party by giving

up some proposals on issues which were important to them. In your view, did Barack Obama and the

Democrats in Congress give up too much in the debt ceiling agreement, or dont you think so?

No, did not Should have

Yes, gave up give up given up

too much too much more

Aug. 1, 2011 CNN/ORC 31% 61% 2%

Q: As you know, both the Republicans and the Democrats compromised with the other party by giving

up some proposals on issues which were important to them. In your view, did the Republicans in

Congress give up too much in the debt ceiling agreement, or dont you think so?

No, did not Should haveYes, gave up give up given up

too much too much more

Aug. 1, 2011 CNN/ORC 21% 70% 2%

Q: What would you like lawmakers who share your views on raising the debt ceiling to do? Should they

stand by their principles, even if that means the government goes into default, or should they be willing

to compromise, even if that means they strike a deal you disagree with?

Stand by Willing to Dont

principles compromise know

Jul. 2024, 2011 Pew 23% 68% 8%

Q: In the current negotiations about the debt ceiling, which do you think the Republicans in Congress

should do compromise some of their positions in order to come to an agreement, or stick to their

positions even if it means not coming to an agreement?

Compromise Stick to positions

Jul. 1517, 2011 CBS News 85% 11%

Q: In the current negotiations about the debt ceiling, which do you think the Democrats in Congress

should do compromise some of their positions in order to come to an agreement, or stick to their

positions even if it means not coming to an agreement?


Jul. 1517, 2011 CBS News 78% 16%

Q: In the current negotiations about the debt ceiling, which do you think Barack Obama should do

compromise some of his positions in order to come to an agreement, or stick to his positions even if it

means not coming to an agreement?


33/34


Jul. 1517, 2011 CBS News 69% 23%

Q: Do you think the Republicans in Congress are really trying to find a solution to the standoff about the

debt ceiling with Barack Obama, or not?

Really trying Not really trying

Jul. 1517, 2011 CBS News 32% 62%

Q: Do you think the Barack Obama is really trying to find a solution to the standoff about the debt ceiling

with Republicans in Congress, or not?

Really trying Not really trying

Jul. 1517, 2011 CBS News 60% 34%

Q: What would you like the people in government who represent your views on the debt and budget

deficit to do in this situation? Should they hold out for the basic plan they want, even if the debt ceiling

is not raised by the deadline, or should they agree to a compromise plan, even if it is a plan you disagreewith?

Hold out Agree to

for basic plan compromise

they want plan

Jul. 1517, 2011 Gallup/USA Today 27% 67%

Q: Republicans in Congress have said they are unwilling to raise any taxes, including on corporations and

the wealthy. If it was the only way to get an agreement in Congress on the debt ceiling and on reducing

the deficit, would you say yes, Republicans should agree to raise taxes, including on corporations and

the wealthy or no, Republicans should not agree to raise taxes, including on corporations and thewealthy? If you do not have an opinion one way or the other, please say so.

Probably no, Definitely no, Dont know

Definitely yes, Probably yes, should not should not enough to

should agree should agree agree agree have opinion

Jul. 1417, 2011 NBC/WSJ 48% 14% 6% 21% 11%

Q: Democrats in Congress have said they are unwilling to make cuts and changes in the Social Security

and Medicare programs. If it was the only way to get an agreement in Congress on the debt ceiling and

on reducing the deficit, would you say yes, Democrats should agree to make cuts and changes in the

Social Security and Medicare programs or no, the Democrats should not agree to make cuts and changes

in the social Security and Medicare programs? If you do not have an opinion one way or the other,

please say so.

Probably no, Definitely no, Dont know

Definitely yes, Probably yes, should not should not enough to

should agree should agree agree agree have opinion

Jul. 1417, 2011 NBC /WSJ 26% 12% 11% 41% 9%


34/34

Q: Right now Congress and the president are negotiating about whether and how much to raise the debt

ceiling. If Congress does not vote to raise the debt ceiling, do you believe that this would be a real and

serious problem or not? If you do not know enough to have an opinion, please say so.

A real and Not a real and Dont know enough

serious problem serious problem to have opinion

Jul. 1417, 2011 NBC/WSJ 55% 18% 25%

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Attitudes Toward the Government Shutdown and the Debt Ceiling, October 2013

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