In a new poll released today, Rasmussen reports 62% of voters want the stimulus bill to include more tax cuts and less spending. These results are consistent with a CBS poll released last week. Rasmussen writes:
With the Senate poised to vote Tuesday on an $827-billion version of the economic recovery plan, 62% of U.S. voters want the plan to include more tax cuts and less government spending.
Views among Republicans and independents are even stronger, suggesting the GOP faces little political risk (and maybe even renewed opportunities) in opposing the legislation:
Republicans and unaffiliated voters overwhelmingly want to see more tax cuts and less government spending. Democrats are more evenly divided: 42% agree with the Republicans, 32% want to pass the plan as is, and 22% would like to see more government spending and fewer tax cuts.
It’s not clear playing the “catastrophe card” is working for Mr. Obama either.
The president has said that inaction on the rescue plan will lead to catastrophe. Voters are evenly divided on that point: 44% agree with him and 41% do not. However, he is holding a prime-time press conference tonight and going on a campaign-style trip this week to build support for the stimulus package. While he continues to enjoy solid job approval ratings, Obama’s numbers have slipped in recent days.
