Poll Watch: Pew Research/Washington Post Survey on the Fiscal Cliff

Pew Research/Washington Post Poll on the Fiscal Cliff 

Do you think President Obama and Republicans in Congress will reach an agreement to prevent automatic spending cuts and tax increases from going into effect before January 1st, or not?

• Yes, will 38%
  
• No, will not 51%

Democrats

• Yes, will 47%
• No, will not 40%

Republicans

• Yes, will 25%
  
• No, will not 66%

Independents 

• Yes, will 37%
  
• No, will not 51%

If an agreement is not reached, who do you think would be more to blame: Republicans in Congress or President Obama?

• Republicans in Congress 53%
• President Obama 29%

Democrats

• Republicans in Congress 85%
• President Obama 7%

Republicans

• Republicans in Congress 12%
• President Obama 68%

Independents 

• Republicans in Congress 53%
• President Obama 23%

Survey of 1,000 adults was conducted November 8-11, 2012. The margin of error is +/- 3.7 percentage points.

Poll Watch: Quinnipiac Survey on the Economy

Quinnipiac Survey on the Economy

Do you think the economy is beginning to recover or not?

• Yes 54%
• No 43%

Among Democrats

• Yes 80%
• No 18%

Among Republicans

• Yes 28%
• No 68%

Among Independents

• Yes 53%
• No 44%

College Degree

• Yes 63%
• No 34%

No College Degree

• Yes 49%
• No 48%

Do you think the nation's economy is getting better, getting worse, or staying about the same?

• Getting better 35%
• Getting worse 26%
• Staying about the same 38%

Among Democrats

• Getting better 62%
• Getting worse 10%
• Staying about the same 26%

Among Republicans

• Getting better 11%
• Getting worse 43%
• Staying about the same 45%

Among Independents

• Getting better 33%
• Getting worse 25%
• Staying about the same 42%

College Degree

• Getting better 46%
• Getting worse 19%
• Staying about the same 34%

No College Degree

• Getting better 30%
• Getting worse 30%
• Staying about the same 40%

Who do you trust to do a better job handling the economy, President Obama or the Republicans in Congress?

• President Obama 46%
• Republicans in Congress 41%

Among Independents

• President Obama 45%
• Republicans in Congress 36%

Who do you blame more for the current condition of the U.S. economy, former President George W. Bush or President Barack Obama?

• George W. Bush 51%
• Barack Obama 35%

Among Independents

• George W. Bush 55%
• Barack Obama 30%

Survey of 2,605 registered voters was conducted February 14-20, 2012. The margin of error is +/- 1.9 percentage points. Party ID: 30% Democrat; 28% Republican; 33% Independent.

Poll Watch: CNN/ORC Survey on a Federal Government Shutdown

CNN/ORC Survey on a Federal Government Shutdown

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 25% (36%)
• Bad thing 72% (59%)

Among Democrats

• Good thing 13% (21%)
• Bad thing 85% (75%)

Among Republicans

• Good thing 34% (53%)
• Bad thing 61% (39%)

Among Tea Party Supporters

• Good thing 48% (62%)
• Bad thing 47% (34%)

Among Independents

• Good thing 28% (35%)
• Bad thing 70% (59%)

If the federal government shuts down, do you think that Barack Obama or the Republicans in Congress would be more responsible for that?

• Republicans 47% (46%)
• Obama 33% (37%)
• Both (vol.) 17% (14%)

Among Democrats

• Republicans 76% (63%)
• Obama 13% (22%)
• Both (vol.) 8% (12%)

Among Republicans

• Obama 65% (60%)
• Republicans 15% (24%)
• Both (vol.) 17% (11%)

Among Independents

• Republicans 45% (48%)
• Obama 28% (34%)
• Both (vol.) 24% (16%)

Among Moderates

• Republicans 55% (51%)
• Obama 24% (31%)
• Both (vol.) 18% (15%)

Survey of 1,010 adults was conducted September 23-25, 2011. The margin of error is +/- 3 percentage points. Results from the poll conducted March 11-13, 2011 are in parentheses.

Poll Watch: Ipsos-Reuters Political Survey

Ipsos-Reuters Political Survey

Overall, do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling his job as President?

• Approve 45%
• Disapprove 52%

Do you feel more positive or more negative towards each of the following as a result of the deal recently reached in Washington to raise the federal government debt ceiling?

Democrats

• Positive 31%
• Negative 40%

Republicans

• Positive 24%
• Negative 49%

Tea Party

• Positive 23%
• Negative 42%

Barack Obama

• Positive 36%
• Negative 42%

John Boehner

• Positive 20%
• Negative 37%

Based on everything you've 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 good 7%
• Somewhat good 31%
• Somewhat bad 27%
• Very bad 26%

Which of the following actions, if any, do you think the government should undertake to stimulate the national economy? [SELECT ALL THAT APPLY]

• Cut government spending 49%
• Raise taxes on wealthy individuals 46%
• Invest in new infrastructure projects 34%
• Cut taxes for everyone 27%
• Extend financial aid to states 25%
• Extend unemployment benefits 25%
• Extend the payroll tax cut 20%

Survey of 1,055 adults, including 885 registered voters, was conducted August 4-8, 2011. The margin of error is +/- 3.0 percentage points. Party ID breakdown: 46% Democrat; 38% Republican.

Poll Watch: CNN/ORC Survey on the Debt Ceiling

CNN/ORC Survey on the Debt Ceiling

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 Secretary of the Treasury says that the government will not have enough money to pay all of its debts and keep all existing government programs running unless Congress raises the debt ceiling by August 2nd. How closely have you been following the discussions between Barack Obama and the Republican and Democratic leaders of Congress on the debt ceiling -- very closely, somewhat closely, not too closely, or not closely at all?

• Very closely 23%
• Somewhat closely 47%
• Not too closely 19%
• Not closely at all 11%

In those discussions, several budget plans have been proposed that would reduce the amount the government owes by trillions of dollars over the next ten years. If you had to choose, would you rather see Congress and President Obama agree to a budget plan that only includes cuts in government spending, or a budget plan that includes a combination of spending cuts and tax increases on higher-income Americans and some businesses?

• Only spending cuts 34%
• Spending cuts and tax increases 64%

And in general, which of the following statements comes closest to your view:

• You FAVOR raising the debt ceiling even if Congress and President Obama do not agree on a plan to reduce the amount the government owes 17%
• You FAVOR raising the debt ceiling only if Congress takes action to reduce by trillions of dollars the amount the government owes 45%
• You OPPOSE raising the debt ceiling even if Congress takes action to reduce the amount the government owes 36%

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?

• Crisis 18% (17%)
• Major problems 43% (41%)
• Minor problems 31% (33%)
• No problems at all 6% (7%)

And if the debt ceiling is not raised, do you think that would affect your personal financial situation a great deal, some, not much or not at all?

• Great deal 27% (25%)
• Some 37% (38%)
• Not much 19% (19%)
• Not at all 15% (16%)

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

• Yes, has acted responsibly 52% (46%)
• No, has not 46% (49%)

Based on what you have read or heard about the discussions between Congress and Barack Obama on the debt ceiling, do you think the Republicans in Congress have or have not acted responsibly?

• Yes, have acted responsibly 33% (34%)
• No, have not 63% (60%)

If the debt ceiling is not raised, do you think that Barack Obama or the Republicans in Congress would be more responsible for that?

• Republicans 51%
• Obama 30%

In some proposals, Congress would raise the debt ceiling while cutting between two trillion and four trillion dollars in government spending over the next ten years and raising taxes on some businesses and higher-income Americans. Would you favor or oppose this proposal?

• Favor 66%
• Oppose 34%

In another proposal, Congress would give President Obama the ability to raise the debt ceiling several times in the next 18 months while cutting a smaller amount in government spending and not raising taxes at all. Would you favor or oppose this proposal?

• Favor 34%
• Oppose 65%

In another proposal, Congress would raise the debt ceiling only if a balanced budget amendment were passed by both houses of Congress and substantial spending cuts and caps on future spending were approved. Would you favor or oppose this proposal?

• Favor 66%
• Oppose 33%

Now I'm going to read you some of the specific proposals for cutting government spending and increasing taxes that have been suggested as part of the discussions on the debt ceiling. For each one, please tell me whether you favor or oppose that proposal as a way to reduce the amount that the government owes.


Cutting federal subsidies to farmers

• Favor 31%
• Oppose 66%

Cutting pensions and benefits for retired government workers

• Favor 30%
• Oppose 68%

Cutting defense spending

• Favor 47%
• Oppose 52%

Cutting the amount the government spends on Medicaid, the federal health program for the poor

• Favor 22%
• Oppose 77%

Cutting the amount the government spends on Medicare, the federal health program for the elderly

• Favor 12%
• Oppose 87%

Cutting the amount the government spends on Social Security

• Favor 16%
• Oppose 84%

Increasing the taxes paid by oil and gas companies by ending federal subsidies for those businesses

• Favor 73%
• Oppose 26%

Increasing the taxes paid by businesses that own private jets

• Favor 76%
• Oppose 23%

Increasing the taxes paid by people who make more than 250 thousand dollars a year

• Favor 73%
• Oppose 26%

Would you favor or oppose a constitutional amendment to require a balanced federal budget?

• Favor 74%
• Oppose 24%

In order to get the federal budget deficit under control, do you think it is necessary or not necessary to pass a Constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget?

• Necessary 60%
• Not necessary 38%

Survey of 1,009 adults was conducted July 18-20, 2011. The margin of error is +/- 3 percentage points. Results from the poll conducted April 29 - May 1, 2011 are in parentheses.

Poll Watch: ABC News/Washington Post Political Survey

ABC News/Washington Post Political Survey

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling his job as president? Do you approve/disapprove strongly or somewhat?

• Strongly approve 25%
• Somewhat approve 22%
• Somewhat disapprove 14%
• Strongly disapprove 35%

Who do you think cares more about protecting the economic interests of you and your family - Obama or the Republicans in Congress?

• Obama 47%
• Republicans 37%

Who do you think cares more about protecting the economic interests of Wall Street financial institutions - Obama or the Republicans in Congress?

• Republicans 59%
• Obama 26%

Who do you think cares more about protecting the economic interests of small businesses - Obama or the Republicans in Congress?

• Obama 48%
• Republicans 39%

Who do you think cares more about protecting the economic interests of middle-class Americans - Obama or the Republicans in Congress?

• Obama 53%
• Republicans 35%

Who do you think cares more about protecting the economic interests of large business corporations - Obama or the Republicans in Congress?

• Republicans 67%
• Obama 24%

Survey of 1,001 adults was conducted July 14-17, 2011. The margin of error is +/- 3.5 percentage points.

Inside the numbers:

The president’s advantage on small businesses is particularly notable, given the GOP’s efforts to portray his policies as damaging to small-business job-creation. While Republicans are fully aboard, independents, the linchpin of national politics, say by 46-39 percent that Obama cares more than GOP leaders about the economic interests of small businesses – a fairly close call, but with a tilt in the president’s direction. 

This poll, conducted for ABC News by Langer Research Associates, finds that Obama also leads among independents by 19 points on aiding the middle class, 52-33 percent, and by 11 points as caring more about the economic interests of and “you and your family.” 

The perception that Obama’s looking out for average folks looks to be a key element of his comparative durability. His approval rating exceeds 75 percent among people who think he cares more about protecting their economic interests, as well as those of the middle class and small businesses alike. Views on who’s better for Wall Street and corporate America, by contrast, don’t interact nearly as strongly with the president’s approval rating. 

It matters in part because of Obama shortfalls in his base. At 77 percent, his approval rating among Democrats is at a career low in numerical terms; it’s been in the 70s just twice previously, 78 and 79 percent last September and December. At 73 percent, his approval from liberals is a point from the low. Across the spectrum he’s got a mere 9 percent approval from Republicans, down 7 points from last month, and just 21 percent among conservatives, another low.

In the middle, though, 55 percent of moderates and 48 percent of independents – the latter 6 points better than the low – approve of the president’s work, enough to keep him steady overall.

Poll Watch: CBS News Survey on the Debate Over the Debt Ceiling

CBS News Survey on the Debate Over the Debt Ceiling

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling the current negotiations on the debt ceiling?

• Approve 43%
• Disapprove 48%

Among Democrats

• Approve 69%
• Disapprove 22%

Among Republicans

• Approve 15%
• Disapprove 81%

Among Independents

• Approve 37%
• Disapprove 52%

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Democrats in Congress are handling the current negotiations on the debt ceiling?

• Approve 31%
• Disapprove 58%

Among Democrats

• Approve 56%
• Disapprove 32%

Among Republicans

• Approve 8%
• Disapprove 84%

Among Independents

• Approve 23%
• Disapprove 66%

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Republicans in Congress are handling the current negotiations on the debt ceiling?

• Approve 21%
• Disapprove 71%

Among Democrats

• Approve 11%
• Disapprove 82%

Among Republicans

• Approve 42%
• Disapprove 51%

Among Independents

• Approve 17%
• Disapprove 73%

Do you think Barack Obama is really trying to find a solution to the standoff about the debt ceiling with the Republicans in Congress, or not?

• Really trying 60%
• Not really trying 34%

Among Democrats

• Really trying 81%
• Not really trying 15%

Among Republicans

• Really trying 36%
• Not really trying 56%

Among Independents

• Really trying 56%
• Not really trying 37%

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 32%
• Not really trying 62%

Among Democrats

• Really trying 13%
• Not really trying 82%

Among Republicans

• Really trying 57%
• Not really trying 37%

Among Independents

• Really trying 33%
• Not really trying 60%

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?

• Compromise 69%
• Stick to positions 23%

Among Democrats

• Compromise 52%
• Stick to positions 40%

Among Republicans

• Compromise 87%
• Stick to positions 7%

Among Independents

• Compromise 73%
• Stick to positions 19%

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 85%
• Stick to positions 11%

Among Democrats

• Compromise 94%
• Stick to positions 3%

Among Republicans

• Compromise 75%
• Stick to positions 22%

Among Independents

• Compromise 82%
• Stick to positions 12%

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?

• Compromise 78%
• Stick to positions 16%

Among Democrats

• Compromise 64%
• Stick to positions 31%

Among Republicans

• Compromise 92%
• Stick to positions 4%

Among Independents

• Compromise 82%
• Stick to positions 10%

Think about the debate over the debt ceiling that has been going on in Washington. In the current debate, who do you think is more concerned about doing what is best for you and your family--the Republicans in Congress or Barack Obama?

• Barack Obama 51%
• Republicans in Congress 32%

Among Democrats

• Barack Obama 85%
• Republicans in Congress 8%

Among Republicans

• Republicans in Congress 71%
• Barack Obama 16%

Among Independents

• Barack Obama 44%
• Republicans in Congress 29%

Who do you blame more for the current budget standoff -- the Republicans in Congress or Barack Obama?

• Republicans in Congress 49%
• Barack Obama 29%

Among Democrats

• Republicans in Congress 76%
• Barack Obama 11%

Among Republicans

• Barack Obama 55%
• Republicans in Congress 18%

Among Independents

• Republicans in Congress 45%
• Barack Obama 30%

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 debt ceiling should be raised, because otherwise the country could default on its loans, causing severe problems for the U.S. 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 shouldor should not raise the federal debt ceiling?

• Should 46%
• Should not 49%

Among Democrats

• Should 61%
• Should not 31%

Among Republicans

• Should 33%
• Should not 64%

Among Independents

• Should 40%
• Should not 55%

Do you think an agreement on the budget and the debt ceiling should include only tax increases, OR only spending cuts, OR a combination of both tax increases and spending cuts?

• Only tax increases 3%
• Only spending cuts 28%
• Both tax increases and cuts 66%

Among Democrats

• Only tax increases 7%
• Only spending cuts 20%
• Both tax increases and cuts 71%

Among Republicans

• Only tax increases 1%
• Only spending cuts 39%
• Both tax increases and cuts 55%

Among Independents

• Only tax increases 1%
• Only spending cuts 28%
• Both tax increases and cuts 68%

If a deal is not reached on raising the debt ceiling, some people say the U.S. would be forced into default on its current debts -- that is, it would be unable to repay money thatit has already borrowed. Other people say the U.S. would still be able to meet its debt payments and a default would not happen. From what you have seen or heard, do you think the U.S. probably would or probably would not default on its debts if a deal is not reached to increase the debt ceiling?

• Probably will default 38%
• Probably will not default 51%

Among Democrats

• Probably will default 45%
• Probably will not default 43%

Among Republicans

• Probably will default 31%
• Probably will not default 58%

Among Independents

• Probably will default 37%
• Probably will not default 54%

If you had to choose, which would be more acceptable to you: 1. An agreement on the deficit and debt ceiling that you did NOT fully support, OR 2. Not reaching an agreement and having the U.S. go into default on its debts?

• Agreement don't fully support 76%
• U.S. defaulting on its debt 14%

Among Democrats

• Agreement don't fully support 80%
• U.S. defaulting on its debt 11%

Among Republicans

• Agreement don't fully support 78%
• U.S. defaulting on its debt 14%

Among Independents

• Agreement don't fully support 72%
• U.S. defaulting on its debt 17%

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 sound better 14%
• Making things sound worse 36%
• Describing things accurately 40%

Among Democrats

• Making things sound better 13%
• Making things sound worse 20%
• Describing things accurately 59%

Among Republicans

• Making things sound better 19%
• Making things sound worse 51%
• Describing things accurately 21%

Among Independents

• Making things sound better 11%
• Making things sound worse 40%
• Describing things accurately 35%

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 likely 45%
• Somewhat likely 37%
• Not very likely 13%

Among Democrats

• Very likely 53%
• Somewhat likely 30%
• Not very likely 13%

Among Republicans

• Very likely 38%
• Somewhat likely 46%
• Not very likely 12%

Among Independents

• Very likely 44%
• Somewhat likely 37%
• Not very likely 14%

If the federal debt ceiling is not raised, how likely do you think it will be that payments made to veterans and Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries will be stopped --very likely, somewhat likely, or not very likely?

• Very likely 27%
• Somewhat likely 27%
• Not very likely 44%

Among Democrats

• Very likely 42%
• Somewhat likely 26%
• Not very likely 30%

Among Republicans

• Very likely 17%
• Somewhat likely 30%
• Not very likely 50%

Among Independents

• Very likely 19%
• Somewhat likely 27%
• Not very likely 52%

Do you think Barack Obama and the Republicans in Congress probably will or probably will not reach an agreement on raising the debt ceiling before the August 2 deadline?

• Probably will 66%
• Probably will not 31%

Among Democrats

• Probably will 70%
• Probably will not 28%

Among Republicans

• Probably will 65%
• Probably will not 30%

Among Independents

• Probably will 63%
• Probably will not 33%

Survey of 810 adults was conducted July 15-17, 2011. The margin of error is +/- 4 percentage points. Party ID breakdown: 35% Democrat; 24% Republican; 41% Independent.

Face the Nation: Sen. Marco Rubio Discusses Debt Crisis

Poll Watch: CNN/Opinion Research Survey on the Federal Budget and Debt Ceiling

CNN/Opinion Research Survey on the Federal Budget and Debt Ceiling

When it comes to dealing with the tough choices involved both in cutting programs to reduce the budget deficit and still maintaining needed federal programs, whose approach do you prefer: the Republicans in Congress or President Obama's?

• Obama 50%
• Republicans in Congress 42%

When it comes to dealing with Medicare, whose approach do you prefer: the Republicans in Congress or President Obama's?

• Obama 49%
• Republicans in Congress 40%

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 37%
• Oppose 60%

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?

• Crisis 17%
• Major problems 41%
• Minor problems 33%
• No problems at all 7%

And if the debt ceiling is not raised, do you think that would affect your personal financial situation a great deal, some, not much or not at all?

• Great deal 25%
• Some 38%
• Not much 19%
• Not at all 16%

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

• Yes, has acted responsibly 46%
• No, has not 49%

Based on what you have read or heard about the discussions between Congress and Barack Obama on the debt ceiling, do you think the Republicans in Congress have or have not acted responsibly?

• Yes, have acted responsibly 34%
• No, have not 60%

Survey of 1,034 adults, including a subsample of 964 registered voters, was conducted April 29 - May 1, 2011. The margin of error is +/- 3 percentage points.

Poll Watch: CNN/Opinion Research Survey on a Federal Government Shutdown

CNN/Opinion Research Survey on a Federal Government Shutdown

When it comes to dealing with the tough choices involved both in cutting programs to reduce the budget deficit and still maintaining needed federal programs, whose approach do you prefer: the Republicans in Congress or President Obama's?

• Republicans in Congress 47% (43%)
• Obama 43% (46%)

Among Democrats

• Obama 77% (80%)
• Republicans in Congress 14% (10%)

Among Republicans

• Republicans in Congress 92% (89%)
• Obama 4% (5%)

Among Independents

• Obama 43% (49%)
• Republicans in Congress 42% (37%)

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 36%
• Bad thing 59%

Among Democrats

• Good thing 21%
• Bad thing 75%

Among Republicans

• Good thing 53%
• Bad thing 39%

Among Tea Party Supporters

• Good thing 62%
• Bad thing 34%

Among Independents

• Good thing 35%
• Bad thing 59%

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 24%
• Bad thing 73%

Among Democrats

• Good thing 9%
• Bad thing 89%

Among Republicans

• Good thing 39%
• Bad thing 57%

Among Tea Party Supporters

• Good thing 52%
• Bad thing 46%

Among Independents

• Good thing 26%
• Bad thing 71%

If the federal government shuts down, do you think that Barack Obama or the Republicans in Congress would be more responsible for that?

• Republicans 46%
• Obama 37%
• Both (vol.) 14%

Among Democrats

• Republicans 63%
• Obama 22%
• Both (vol.) 12%

Among Republicans

• Obama 60%
• Republicans 24%
• Both (vol.) 11%

Among Independents

• Republicans 48%
• Obama 34%
• Both (vol.) 16%

Survey of 1,023 adults was conducted March 11-13, 2011. The margin of error is +/- 3 percentage points. Results from the poll conducted January 14-16, 2011 are in parentheses.

Poll Watch: CNN/Opinion Research Midterm Congressional Elections Survey

CNN/Opinion Research Midterm Congressional Elections Survey

If the Republicans win control of Congress in this November's election, do you think that their policies would move the country in the right direction or the wrong direction in each of the following areas:

Economy

• Right direction 52%
• Wrong direction 45%

Terrorism

• Right direction 62%
• Wrong direction 33%

Afghanistan

• Right direction 47%
• Wrong direction 44%

Ethics in government

• Right direction 49%
• Wrong direction 44%

Illegal immigration

• Right direction 53%
• Wrong direction 42%

Taxes

• Right direction 52%
• Wrong direction 45%

The amount of money the government spends

• Right direction 49%
• Wrong direction 46%

Health care

• Right direction 52%
• Wrong direction 45%

If the Democrats retain control of Congress in this November's election, do you think that their policies would move the country in the right direction or the wrong direction in each of the following areas:

Economy

• Right direction 41%
• Wrong direction 57%

Terrorism

• Right direction 43%
• Wrong direction 52%

Afghanistan

• Right direction 40%
• Wrong direction 55%

Ethics in government

• Right direction 38%
• Wrong direction 58%

Illegal immigration

• Right direction 33%
• Wrong direction 61%

Taxes

• Right direction 38%
• Wrong direction 60%

The amount of money the government spends

• Right direction 31%
• Wrong direction 68%

Health care

• Right direction 43%
• Wrong direction 56%

Survey of 504 likely voters was conducted October 5-7, 2010. The margin of error is +/- 4.5 percentage points.