CBS NEWS POLL For release: Tuesday, March 26, 2013 6:30 pm EDT Americans' Views on Washington, the

President, & the Budget Deficit

March 20-24, 2013

As gridlock in the nations capital continues, most Americans are not happy about the way things are going in Washington, including 30% who are angry the highest in the CBS News Poll. At 45%, President Barack Obamas overall approval rating is below 50% for the first time since he was reelected. His ratings on specific issues (including the economy) are also down from last month. Most Americans want to cut spending and raise taxes to reduce the deficit, but are strongly opposed to cuts in Social Security (79%) and Medicare (80%). Two-thirds are unwilling to have their own taxes raised in the name of deficit reduction. On gun policy, there continues to be broad support for universal background checks (90% favor), but the public is divided on banning semi-automatic weapons.

Dissatisfaction with Washington & Direction of the Country Amid the debate over the federal budget and the failure to come to an agreement to avoid the sequester, eight in 10 Americans are unhappy with how things are going in Washington, including 30% who are angry, up nine points since December and the highest level of anger recorded since the question was first asked in 2010. Dissatisfaction with Washington cuts across party lines, but Republicans and independents are more likely than Democrats to say they are angry. How do You Feel About Things in Washington? Now 12/2012 7/2011 5/2011 2% 3% 3% 1% 16 19 14 22 50 54 51 54 30 21 28 19 2/2010 3% 26 53 17

Enthusiastic Satisfied Dissatisfied Angry

In addition, the percentage of Americans who say the country is headed in the right direction (32%) is down eight points since early February. That number had been inching up recently but is now back to where it was last summer. Nearly nine in 10 Republicans think the country is on the wrong track; among Democrats, 60% say it is headed in the right direction. Now 32% 61 Direction of the Country 2/2013 1/2013 10/2012 40% 38% 39% 54 57 54 8/2012 31% 62 4/2012 31% 61

Right direction Wrong track

The President and Congress As anger toward Washington has risen, President Barack Obamas overall approval rating has taken a bit of a hit. 45% of Americans now approve of the job Mr. Obama is doing as President, down from 52% last month. His approval rating is similar to what it was last summer. While the Presidents approval rating has been above 50% since his reelection, throughout much of 2012 it hovered just below the 50% mark. Now 45% 46 2/2013 52% 38 President Obamas Job Rating 1/2013 12/2012 10/2012 51% 57% 49% 41 37 42 7/2012 44% 46

Approve Disapprove

As has been the case, most Democrats approve of job the President is doing, while most Republicans disapprove. But Mr. Obamas overall rating among independents is more negative now compared to last month. President Obamas Job Rating Party ID -------- Now -------------- 2/2013 ------Reps Dems Inds Reps Dems Inds 9% 80% 38% 12% 86% 48% 83 12 50 82 8 37

Approve Disapprove

The Presidents approval ratings on some key issues have slipped since last month as well. Just 39% of Americans now approve of the way Mr. Obama is handling the economy -- the publics top concern down from 45%. President Obamas Approval Ratings on Issues Now 2/2013 Foreign policy 43% 48% Taxes 42% 45% Economy 39% 45% Budget deficit 33% 37% Last week, Mr. Obama made his first visit to Israel since taking office. 44% of Americans say they approve of how President Obama is handling relations with Israel, while 33% disapprove. Nearly a quarter dont have an opinion. President Obamas Handling of Relations with Israel Total Reps Dems Inds Approve 44% 22% 65% 41% Disapprove 33 58 13 34 Dont know 23 20 22 25 While the Presidents approval rating may have dropped some, Congress approval remains near an historic low -- only 11% approve. Negative ratings of Congress are found among Democrats, Republicans and independents.

Approve Disapprove

Job Approval of Congress Now 2/2013 1/2013 11% 14% 12% 81 77 82

10/2011 9% 84

And neither of the two major political parties gets favorable ratings from a majority of the American public. Still, the Republican Party, which recently issued a report that explored ways to grow the party, is viewed more negatively than the Democrats. Self-identified Democrats give their own party a more favorable rating (83%) than Republicans give their party (68%). Views of the Parties Democratic Party Republican Party 45% 31% 47 60

Favorable Not favorable The Sequester

Americans continue to believe the sequester cuts will be bad for the country (41%) in the long run, and just 28% expect their effect to be good for the country. However, the view that sequester will have no impact has doubled since early March before the cuts took effect, from 12% up to 23% now. Effect of the Sequester on the Country Now Two weeks ago Good for the country 28% 34% Bad for the country 41 46 No impact 23 12 Partisan views on this are only slightly different. Republicans are mixed as to whether the sequester will be good or bad, and Democrats are more pessimistic. Independents are the most likely of all three groups to see no impact. Effect of the Sequester on the Country All Reps Dems Good for the country 28% 36% 26% Bad for the country 41 36 48 No impact 23 21 18 Inds 24% 37 28

Americans assign political blame about equally to President Obama and Congressional Republicans for the failure to avert the sequester. Whos To Blame for Failure to Avert the Sequester? Republicans in Congress 39% President Obama 35 Both (vol.) 19 The Deficit and its Impact Thinking more broadly about the deficit, most Americans do not see a clear connection between a lower deficit and an improved economy. Fewer than half, 42%, believe cutting the deficit will improve the economy, but nearly as many 39% -- say they are not sure, and another 9% think

there would be no effect. On the other hand, it couldnt hurt: just 6% say it would make things worse. Would Lowering The Deficit Make the Economy? Better 42% No effect 9 Worse 6 Not sure 39 Americans do connect the deficit to their family; 61% say it impacts their own financial situation. Does the Deficit Affect Your Own Familys Financial Situation? Yes 61% No 36 Americans continue to seek a balanced approach to deficit reduction, both through tax increases and spending cuts. Best Way to Reduce Deficit? Now 3/2013 2/2013 34% 35% 32% 2 5 3 58 56 59 10/2012 30% 2 64

Spending cuts Increased taxes Combination

What Cuts Would You Make? In order to reduce the deficit, Americans are not willing to cut three major items in the federal budget: theyre opposed to cutting defense (58%) and strongly opposed to cutting programs like Social Security and Medicare (eight in 10). Theyre somewhat willing to make cuts to other, unspecified programs that benefit them, but personally paying more in taxes finds little favor. For Deficit Reduction, Would You Favor or Oppose: Favor Oppose Raising capital gains tax 52% 36 Cutting other programs benefitting you 47% 45 Cutting defense 38% 58 Personally paying more taxes 31% 66 Cutting Social Security 18% 79 Cutting Medicare 18% 80 It isnt just seniors who oppose cuts to Social Security and Medicare; opposition is spread out across age groups. Cuts to these programs receive their highest levels of support however tepid from those under 30. Views of Cutting Social Security, Medicare by Age Cutting Social Security Favor Oppose 18-29 27% 72 30-44 20% 78 45-64 15% 83 65+ 12% 84

Cutting Medicare 18-29 30-44 45-64 65+

Favor 25% 14% 17% 16%

Oppose 73 85 81 80

Americans give President Obama and the Democrats (42%) an edge over Congressional Republicans (35%) on whom they trust to handle the deficit. 15% trust neither side. Who Do You Trust to Handle Deficit Issues? Pres. Obama and Democrats 42% Congressional Republicans 35 Both (vol) 2 Neither(vol) 15 Gun Policy Support for stricter gun control laws overall has dropped since the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School from 57% then to 47% now. Now 47% 11 39 Gun Control Laws Should Be 2/2013 1/2013 12/2012 4/2012 1/2011 10/2002 53% 54% 57% 39% 47% 56% 10 9 9 13 12 11 34 34 30 41 36 30

More strict Less strict Kept as they are

Partisans hold different views on gun control laws: half of Republicans want those laws kept as they are, while two in three Democrats want stricter laws. Gun Control Laws Should Be All Reps Dems More strict 47% 29% 66% Less strict 11 16 2 Kept as they are 39 52 30 Inds 43% 15 39

Universal background checks for potential gun buyers continue to receive very strong support, with 90% in favor of that measure (similar to results in January and February). 86% of Republicans, and 86% of gun owners themselves, support this proposal. However, banning semi-automatic weapons receives far less support: 49% in favor, and 49% opposed. There are differences by party: 65% of Democrats favor it, but 61% of Republicans oppose it, as do 70% of gun owners. More women (58%) than men (39%) favor a ban. Would You Favor or Oppose ? Background checks on all potential gun buyers A national ban on semi-automatic weapons The Economy There has been some good news about the housing market, the unemployment rate and the stock market lately but that doesnt appear to have had an impact on how the public views current economic conditions. Just three in ten say the economy is in good shape now; more Favor 90% 49% Oppose 8 49

than twice as many, 68%, say it is bad. Assessments of the economy have changed little since last fall. Americans evaluations of the job market in their area are better: 42% say its good. Condition of the Economy National Economy Local Job Market 30% 42% 68 54

Good Bad

About a third of the public is optimistic about the direction of the economy overall, and the job market in their area. Direction of National Economy 35% 25 39 Local Job Market 31% 16 48

Better Worse Same

Still, more than six in 10 are worried that someone in their household will lose a job in the next year. These concerns have remained fairly steady. Concern about Job Loss in the Next 12 Months Now 2/2013 Very concerned 32% 34% Somewhat concerned 31 24 Not concerned 36 41 The stock market recently reached record highs, and 56% of Americans and 67% of those with investments in the market -- rate it as good. But that doesnt translate into increased optimism about the broader economy: 53% say the stock market is not a good indicator of the condition of the national economy. Just 36% say it is. The economy and jobs remain at the forefront of problems facing the country. 41% of Americans volunteer that as the most important problem; other issues are mentioned by less than one in 10. Most Important Problem Now 2/2013 Economy & jobs 41% 40% Budget deficit/national debt 9 11 Health Care 5 3 Partisan politics 4 2 Guns 3 4 Foreign Affairs Few Americans think either Iran or North Korea pose threats that require military action now most think both countries can be contained, or dont pose a threat at all. How Great a Threat is ? Iran Requires military action now 19% Can be contained for now 57 Not a threat at this time 15 North Korea 20% 56 15

Just one in five Americans thinks the U.S. has a responsibility to do something about the fighting in Syria between government forces and anti-government groups. About seven in 10 say the U.S. does not have this responsibility. There are few differences by party. Does the U.S. Have a Responsibility in Syria? Now 12/2012 Yes 20% 27% No 69 62 The New Pope American Catholics express positive views about the election of Pope Francis as the new Pope: 43% are enthusiastic about his papacy, and another 48% are satisfied. Very few are disappointed. Feelings about Choice of Pope Francis (Among Catholics) Enthusiastic 43% Satisfied 48 Disappointed 3

__________________________________________________________________________ This poll was conducted by telephone from March 20-24, 2013 among 1,181 adults nationwide. Phone numbers were dialed from samples of both standard land-line and cell phones. The error due to sampling for results based on the entire sample could be plus or minus three percentage points. The error for subgroups may be higher. This poll release conforms to the Standards of Disclosure of the National Council on Public Polls.

CBS NEWS POLL Americans Views on Washington, the President and the Budget Deficit MARCH 20-24, 2013 q1 Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling his job as President? ** TOTAL RESPONDENTS ** *** Party ID *** Total Rep Dem Ind % % % % 45 9 80 38 46 83 12 50 9 8 8 11

Approve Disapprove DK/NA

Feb13a % 52 38 10

q2 Do you feel things in this country are generally going in the right direction or do you feel things have pretty seriously gotten off on the wrong track? Right direction Wrong track DK/NA 32 61 7 7 89 4 60 32 8 25 67 8 40 54 6

q3 What do you think is the most important problem facing this country today? Economy / jobs Budget Deficit /Natl Debt Health Care Partisan Politics Guns Education Big Government/Bureaucracy Moral Values/Family Values Congress Taxes/IRS Income gap The President/Barack Obama Other DK/NA 41 9 5 4 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 21 3 38 14 6 2 4 2 4 2 1 2 0 4 19 2 48 6 6 4 3 2 0 1 2 2 4 0 20 2 37 8 4 6 2 3 3 3 2 1 2 2 24 3 40 11 3 2 4 2 1 1 1 1 0 2 28 4

q4 Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling foreign policy? Approve Disapprove DK/NA 43 37 19 18 65 18 69 13 18 39 41 21 48 31 21

q5 Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling the economy? Approve Disapprove DK/NA 39 54 7 9 87 3 70 24 6 32 57 12 45 49 6

q6 Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling the federal budget deficit? Approve Disapprove DK/NA 33 57 10 7 89 4 62 26 12 25 62 13 37 55 8

q7 Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling taxes? ** TOTAL RESPONDENTS ** *** Party ID *** Total Rep Dem Ind % % % % 42 11 73 37 49 83 19 53 8 6 8 10

Approve Disapprove DK/NA

Jan13a % 45 47 7

q8 Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling relations with Israel? Approve Disapprove DK/NA 44 33 23 22 58 20 65 13 22 41 34 25

q9 Do you approve or disapprove of the way Congress is handling its job? Approve Disapprove DK/NA q10& q11 RELEASED SEPARATELY q12-13 BLANK q14 In general is your opinion of the Republican Party favorable or not favorable? Favorable Not favorable DK/NA 31 60 9 68 25 7 10 87 3 24 60 16 Feb13a 31 60 9 11 81 8 13 80 7 13 81 6 7 83 10 Feb13a 14 77 8

q15 In general is your opinion of the Democratic Party favorable or not favorable? Favorable Not favorable DK/NA 45 47 9 8 85 7 83 14 3 36 49 15 47 45 7

q16 How would you rate the condition of the national economy these days? Is it very good, fairly good, fairly bad, or very bad? Very good Fairly good Fairly bad Very bad DK/NA 1 29 42 26 2 0 12 52 36 1 1 45 39 12 3 0 27 37 32 3 1 31 38 29 1

q17 Do you think the economy is getting better, getting worse, or staying about the same? Better Worse Same DK/NA 35 25 39 1 17 36 46 1 52 13 35 0 32 28 39 1 32 28 39 1

10

q18 How would you rate the job market in your area these days? Is it very good, fairly good, fairly bad, or very bad? ** TOTAL RESPONDENTS ** *** Party ID *** Total Rep Dem Ind % % % % 5 4 6 7 37 33 46 33 34 39 32 32 20 22 13 23 4 3 4 5

Very good Fairly good Fairly bad Very bad DK/NA

Dec12a % 5 39 32 20 3

q19 Over the next year, do you think the job market in your area will get better, get worse, or stay about the same? Better Worse Same DK/NA 31 16 48 5 17 22 57 4 46 11 39 3 28 16 49 7 35 15 46 4

q20 Which comes closest to your feelings about the way things are going in Washington -enthusiastic, satisfied but not enthusiastic, dissatisfied but not angry, or angry? Enthusiastic Satisfied, not enthusiastic Dissatisfied but not angry Angry DK/NA 2 16 50 30 2 1 6 50 43 0 5 28 48 17 2 1 13 50 31 4 3 19 54 21 3

q21 How would you rate the overall condition of the stock market these days? Is it very good, fairly good, fairly bad, or very bad? Very good Fairly good Fairly bad Very bad DK/NA 12 44 22 5 17 7 47 25 6 15 14 47 20 5 13 12 40 21 5 22

q22 In general, would you say the condition of the stock market is a good indicator of the condition of the national economy overall, or not? Indicator Not an indicator DK/NA q23-24 BLANK 36 53 11 35 57 8 43 47 11 31 56 13

11

q25 Who do you trust more to make the right decisions about the federal budget deficit the Republicans in Congress or Barack Obama and the Democrats in Congress? ** TOTAL RESPONDENTS ** *** Party ID *** Total Rep Dem Ind % % % % 35 75 6 31 42 4 80 35 2 2 3 2 15 16 6 21 7 4 4 10

Republicans in Congress Barack Obama & Democrats Both (Vol.) Neither (Vol.) DK/NA q26-29 BLANK

q30 What effect do you think reducing the federal budget deficit would have on the nation's economy--would it make it better, worse, have no effect, or don't you know enough to say? Jan11a % 47 5 8 38 2

Better Worse No effect Don't know enough to say DK/NA

42 6 9 39 4

53 5 6 33 3

33 9 9 46 2

43 5 10 37 5

q31 In your opinion, does the federal budget deficit affect your own family's financial situation, or not? Yes No DK/NA 61 36 2 72 27 1 52 45 4 63 35 2 Jul09a 67 31 2

q32 Overall, what do you think is the best way to reduce the federal budget deficit - by cutting federal spending, by increasing taxes, or by a combination of both? Cutting federal spending Increasing taxes Combination of both DK/NA q33 BLANK 34 2 58 6 54 0 39 7 19 4 75 2 34 2 56 8 Mar13a 35 5 56 5

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q34 I'm going to read you some suggestions that have been made to reduce the size of the federal budget deficit. Please tell me whether you would favor or oppose each of the following. (In order to reduce the budget deficit, would you favor or oppose) Reducing defense spending? ** TOTAL RESPONDENTS ** *** Party ID *** Total Rep Dem Ind % % % % 38 25 52 36 58 75 43 60 3 1 5 4

Favor Oppose DK/NA

Dec12a % 42 54 4

q35 (In order to reduce the budget deficit, would you favor or oppose) Reducing spending on Social Security? Favor Oppose DK/NA 18 79 2 26 72 2 10 88 2 21 77 3

q36 (In order to reduce the budget deficit, would you favor or oppose) Reducing spending on Medicare--the government health insurance program for seniors? Favor Oppose DK/NA 18 80 2 25 72 2 11 87 2 18 79 3

q37 (In order to reduce the budget deficit, would you favor or oppose) Reducing some government programs and services that benefit people like you? Favor Oppose DK/NA 47 45 8 62 32 5 36 55 8 45 44 11 Jan13a 56 37 8

q38 (In order to reduce the budget deficit, would you favor or oppose) Increasing the capital gains tax rate on income from investments? Favor Oppose DK/NA 52 36 11 42 49 10 59 29 12 54 34 12

q39 (In order to reduce the budget deficit, would you favor or oppose) Personally paying more in taxes? Favor Oppose DK/NA q40 BLANK 31 66 3 25 72 3 38 59 3 28 69 3 Dec12a 29 68 3

13

q41 As you may know, automatic spending cuts to military and domestic programs are in effect because President Obama and Republicans in Congress could not agree on a plan to reduce the federal budget deficit. These automatic spending cuts are commonly referred to as the Sequester. Who do you blame more for the failure to reach an agreement and avoid the automatic spending cuts known as the Sequester - the Republicans in Congress or Barack Obama and the Democrats in Congress? ** TOTAL RESPONDENTS ** *** Party ID *** Total Rep Dem Ind % % % % 39 6 70 35 35 70 11 32 19 19 12 25 1 0 1 1 6 5 6 7

Republicans in Congress Barack Obama and Democrats Both (Vol.) Neither (Vol.) DK/NA

q42 Over the long run, do you think the spending cuts in the Sequester will be 1. Good for the country, because it forces the government to cut spending, 2. Bad for the country, because it forces cuts to important programs and services, or 3. It will have no real impact on the country. Mar13a % 34 46 12 8

Good for the country Bad for the country No impact DK/NA q43 BLANK

28 41 23 9

36 36 21 6

26 48 18 8

24 37 28 11

q44 In general, do you think gun control laws should be made more strict, less strict, or kept as they are now? More strict Less strict Kept as they are now Don't know/No answer Q45-Q57 RELEASED SEPARATELY q58 BLANK q59 From what you've heard or read, do you approve or disapprove of the health care law that was enacted in 2010? IF APPROVE, ASK: Do you strongly approve or somewhat approve? IF DISAPPROVE, ASK: Do you somewhat disapprove or strongly disapprove? ** TOTAL RESPONDENTS ** *** Party ID *** Total Rep Dem Ind % % % % 15 1 27 14 20 6 33 18 13 19 7 13 31 59 10 31 22 16 23 24 47 11 39 3 29 16 52 3 66 2 30 2 43 15 39 3 Feb13a 53 10 34 3

Strongly Somewhat Somewhat Strongly DK/NA

approve approve disapprove disapprove

Sep12a % 21 21 12 34 12

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q60 BLANK q61 Thinking about Iran, which comes closer to your opinion? 1. Iran is a threat to the United States that requires military action now, 2. Iran is a threat that can be contained with diplomacy now, 3. Iran is not a threat to the United States at this time. ** TOTAL RESPONDENTS ** *** Party ID *** Total Rep Dem Ind % % % % 19 29 11 19 57 57 64 52 15 8 17 19 9 6 9 10

Requires action now Can be contained now Not a threat at this time Don't know/No answer

Feb13a % 22 52 14 12

q62 Which of these comes closest to your opinion? 1. North Korea is a threat to the United States that requires military action now. 2. North Korea is a threat that can be contained for now, or 3. North Korea is not a threat to the United States at this time. Requires action now Can be contained now Not a threat at this time Don't know/No answer 20 56 15 9 25 61 7 7 18 57 18 7 18 51 18 12

q63 How closely have you been following news about the ongoing violence in Syria? Would you say you have followed this very closely, somewhat closely, or not too closely? Dec12a % 18 39 42 0

Very closely Somewhat closely Not too closely DK/NA

12 42 44 1

13 42 45 1

11 43 44 2

13 42 44 1

q64 Do you think the United States has a responsibility to do something about the fighting in Syria between government forces and anti-government groups, or doesn't the United States have this responsibility? U.S. has responsibility U.S. does not have respons. DK/NA q65 BLANK q66 Do you favor or oppose a nationwide ban on semi-automatic weapons - including some rifles, pistols, and shotguns - that have detachable magazines, allowing them to rapidly fire a high number of rounds? Favor ban Oppose ban Don't know/Refused 49 49 3 36 61 3 65 33 2 43 54 4 Feb13a 52 44 5 20 69 11 18 71 11 25 63 12 17 73 10 27 62 11

15

q67 Do you favor or oppose a federal law requiring background checks on all potential gun buyers? ** TOTAL RESPONDENTS ** *** Party ID *** Total Rep Dem Ind % % % % 90 86 96 89 8 12 3 10 2 2 1 2

Favor Oppose DK/NA q68-69 BLANK

Feb13a % 91 7 2

q70 Which comes closest to your feelings about the selection of Pope Francis as Pope? Would you say you are enthusiastic, satisfied, or disappointed? Total % 16 43 6 35 Rep % 18 46 5 31 Dem % 17 45 7 30 Ind % 14 38 6 41 Catholics % 43 48 3 6

Enthusiastic Satisfied Disappointed DK/NA

q71 How concerned are you that in the next 12 months you or someone else in your household might be out of work and looking for a job -- very concerned, somewhat concerned, or not concerned at all? ** TOTAL RESPONDENTS ** *** Party ID *** Total Rep Dem Ind % % % % 32 27 31 35 31 38 28 30 36 34 40 34 1 0 1 1

Very concerned Somewhat concerned Not at all concerned DK/NA

Feb13a % 34 24 41 1

q75 Do you or does any other member of your household own a handgun, rifle, shot-gun, or any other kind of firearm? IF YES, ASK: Is that person you or someone else? Yes, self Yes, other member of house Yes, self and other member No DK/NA 18 14 9 53 6 24 19 13 35 9 12 14 5 68 1 20 11 9 52 8

q76 Do you personally, or jointly with a spouse, have any money invested in the stock market right now--either in an individual stock or in a mutual fund, including IRAs and 401-K plans, or don't you? Yes No DK/NA q77 RELEASED SEPARATELY 55 42 3 64 34 2 53 44 3 50 47 3

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q78 Do you consider yourself to be a supporter of the Tea Party movement, or not? ** TOTAL RESPONDENTS ** *** Party ID *** Total Rep Dem Ind % % % % 22 42 8 19 65 43 84 64 13 15 7 17 Unweighted 1,181 326 395 460 Weighted

Yes No DK/NA

Total Respondents Total Republicans Total Democrats Total Independents

316 401 465

(27%) (34%) (40%)

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