Poll: Most want ‘fiscal cliff’ compromise but oppose cuts that may be part of deal

[Bill USA]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/poll-most-want-fiscal-cliff-compromise-but-oppose-cuts-that-may-be-part-of-deal/2012/12/18/4876b79a-4877-11e2-b6f0-e851e741d196_story.html

Most Americans want President Obama and congressional Republicans to compromise on a budget agreement, though they, too, are unhappy about the options that would avert the “fiscal cliff,” according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

The strong support for compromise belies widespread public opposition to big spending cuts that are likely to be part of any deal.

Most Americans oppose slashing spending on Medicaid and the military, as well as raising the age for Medicare eligibility and slowing the increase of Social Security benefits, all of which appear to be on the table in negotiations. Majorities call each of these items “unacceptable.”

A clear majority of Americans, 74 percent, say they would tolerate Obama’s proposal to raise taxes on those with incomes over $250,000, but neither side in the talks thinks that alone would generate enough revenue to bridge the budget gap. A smaller majority backs limits to tax deductions.

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[dipsydoodle]

1. On the basis

that in such polls people will vote in their own selfish interest do such polls have any meaning?

[customerserviceguy]

3. You make a valuable point

Everybody's willing to have "compromise", as long as their particular ox is not gored.

[NRaleighLiberal]

2. So few people understand - including most of the media and many pundits - that polls mean nothing.