Attitudes Toward the Government Shutdown and 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 serious 29% 46 Quite serious 28% 27 Just somewhat serious 23% 18 Not that serious 18% 9

Nov. 1995 Oct. 79, 2013

NBC/WSJ NBC/WSJ

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 affected 18% 18 31 No, have not been affected 81% 81 68

Nov. 1995 Jan. 1996 Oct. 79, 2013

NBC/WSJ NBC/WSJ NBC/WSJ

Q: Overall, do you think the federal government shutdown which began Tuesday, October 1, 2013 is . . . ? A major problem for the country 68% A minor problem Not a problem at for the country all for the country 24% 5%

Oct. 37, 2013

AP-GfK/Roper

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 17%

No 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 Tried to visit a government website and found it was suspended due to the shutdown Contacted your congressperson directly to express your feelings about the shutdown Tried to visit a government office and found it was closed due to the shutdown Tried to visit a national park or other tourist attraction managed by the government and found it was closed due to the shutdown Had difficulty using or obtaining government-funded benefits, such as VA benefits, WIC assistance or disability benefits Been furloughed or had your work hours cut in connection with the government shutdown Had difficulty buying or selling a home because of the shutdowns impact on the Federal Housing Administration 12% 8 6 No 85% 89 91

6 5 3 2

91 92 94 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 problem 49% 52% 46 48 A minor problem 18% 17% 16 20 Not a problem at all 14% 7% 18 16

Oct. 36, 2013 Demographics

CNN/ORC Democrats Republicans Independents

A crisis 18% 24% 18 13

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 concerned 48% Somewhat concerned 29% Not too concerned 14% Not at all concerned 9%

Oct. 36, 2013

Pew

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

Oct. 36, 2013

Pew

inconvenience 15%

inconvenience 13%

inconvenienced 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 11% 12 12 21 Major problem Minor problem Not a problem 40% 33% 14% 40 31 14 44 30 13 49 18 8

Nov. 14, 1995 Nov. 1718, 1995 Dec. 1518, 1995 Oct. 23, 2013

Gallup Gallup Gallup Gallup

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 81% 92% 71 83 Not serious 17% 6% 27 17

Oct. 12, 2013 Demographics

Fox News Democrats Republicans Independents

Q: Do you believe you or anyone in your family will be significantly affected by the federal government shutdown? Yes 37% 44% 29 38 No 59% 52% 68 58

Oct. 1 2, 2013 Demographics

Fox News Democrats Republicans Independents

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 47% 50% 37 51 No 50% 46% 61 46

Oct. 12, 2013 Demographics

CBS News Democrats Republicans Independents

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 likely

Very likely

Somewhat likely

Oct. 12, 2013 Demographics

CBS News Democrat Republican Independent

34% 38% 34 30

41% 45% 37 42

23% 15% 28 25

Q: Do you think that you would be personally affected by a shutdown of the federal government? Definitely Probably yes yes 15% 23% Hard to to say 36% Probably Definitely no no 19% 9%

Sep. 2830, 2013

Economist/YouGov

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 23% 11 3 50

Favor, even if it means continuing the government shutdown Favor, not if means continuing the government shutdown Favor, not sure Oppose

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. Republican leaders 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. Obama should agree to a bill that includes cuts or delays to the health care law Republican leaders should agree to a bill without cuts or delays to the health care law 42% 44 Dem. 18% 75 Rep. 77% 14 Ind. 40% 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 The House is right to fund the continuing operations of the federal government only if Obama agrees Sep. 1922, 2013

to delay or withdraw his health care plan 24% Congress should provide the funding to keep the government operating and deal with the health care issue separately 65 Dont know 11 Note: Question tense changed between September and October.

27%

63 10

Q: Do you approve or disapprove of partially shutting down the government over differences about the 2010 health care law? Approve 25% 12% 48 21 Disapprove 72% 86% 49 76

Oct. 12, 2013 Demographics

CBS News Democrats Republicans Independents

Q: Do you support or oppose Congress shutting down major activities of the federal government as a way to stop the health care law from being put into place? Support 22% 6% 19 49 Oppose 72% 90% 74 44

Oct. 1, 2013 Demographics

Quinnipiac

Democrats Independents Republicans Note: Asked of registered voters.

Q: Which do you think is more important for Congress to do? Approving a budget agreement that would avoid 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 Preventing major provisions in the new health care law from taking effect by cutting the funds needed to implement them

60%

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

federal government if Obama agrees to delay or withdraw his health care plan Provide the funding to keep the government operating and deal with the health care issue separately Dont know Politics or Principle

27%

63 10

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 political advantage 47% 29% 70 48

Oct. 1 2, 2013 Demographics

CBS News Democrats Republicans Independents

Disagreement 43% 63% 24 39

Q: Which of the following statements comes closer to your view about the budget debate between Barack Obama and the Republicans in Congress Gallup It is an important battle over principles and the future direction of government It is mostly an attempt by both sides to gain political advantage No opinion 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 Obama 31% Republicans in Congress 53% Both equal (vol.) 13% Sep. 2728, 2013 Nov. 14, 1995

37% 47 15

37% 52 11

Oct. 79, 2013

NBC/WSJ

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

Republicans in Congress Barack Obama Democrats in Congress John Boehner The tea party movement Harry Reid

responsibility 28% 23 17 21 23 14

not all 35% 26 32 27 21 26

little 7% 15 15 12 14 16

responsibility 5% 14 9 6 15 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 angry 27% 36 33 Somewhat angry 30% 27 20 Not very angry 14% 11 14 Not at all angry 26% 22 31

The Democrats The Republicans President Barack Obama

Q: Who do you think is more to blame for the federal government shutdown . . . ? The Obama administration 36% 30 Both equally (vol.) 17% 19

Sep. 1922, 2013 Oct. 36, 2013

Pew Pew

Republicans 39% 38

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 Both Republicans administration equally (vol.) 36% 35% 17% 39 36 16 39 36 17 38 30 19

Feb. 2427, 2013 Mar.Apr. 2013 Sep. 1922, 2013 Oct. 36, 2013

National Journal/United Technologies National Journal/United Technologies National Journal/United Technologies National Journal/United Technologies

Q: Who do you think is most responsible for the federal government shutdown? Fox News Republican leaders, such as John Boehner Tea Party Republicans, such as Ted Cruz Democratic leaders, such as Harry Reid President Barack Obama All/Combination (volunteered) Oct. 12, 2013 25% 17% 8 24 20

Q: Who do you blame more for the partial government shutdown -- the Republicans in Congress or Barack Obama and the Democrats in Congress?

Oct. 12, 2013 Demographics

CBS News Democrats Republicans Independents

Republicans in Congress 44% 76% 10 40

Barack Obama & Both Democrats equally (vol.) 35% 17% 9% 73 30 11% 15 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 49% Spoiled Child 47%

Sep. 30, 2013

CNN/ORC

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 25% Spoiled Child 69%

Sep. 30, 2013

CNN/ORC

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 35% Spoiled Child 58%

Sep. 30, 2013

CNN/ORC

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 Obama Republicans Democrats Democrats 44% 49% 25% 37% Not sure 18%

Sep. 2830, 2013 Economist/YouGov 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 strongly Barack Obama Sep. 29, 2013 Oct. 36, 2013 Oct. 913, 2013 Republicans in Congress Sep. 29, 2013 Oct. 36, 2013 Oct. 913, 2013 21% 24 25 9 11 10 Approve somewhat 19% 21 17 17 14 11 Somewhat disapprove 15% 12 14 21 19 20 Disapprove strongly 35% 39 39 42 51 54

Democrats in Congress Sep. 29, 2013 Oct. 36, 2013 Oct. 913, 2013

14 15 17

19 21 16

20 16 17

36 45 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 in Congress 46% 47 40 51 46

Mar. 2011 Sep. 2011 Mar. 2013 Sep. 9, 2013 Sep. 2729, 2013

CNN/ORC CNN/ORC CNN/ORC CNN/ORC CNN/ORC

Obama 37% 33 38 33 36

Both (Vol.) 14% 17 19 12 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 Republican leaders 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 good thing 30% 13% 48 30 Definitely a bad thing 67% 86% 48 68

Oct. 12, 2013 Demographics

Fox News Democrats Republicans Independents

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 36% 25 34 27 Bad thing 59% 72 64 68

Mar. 2011 Sep. 2011 Mar. 2013 Sep. 2729, 2013

CNN/ORC CNN/ORC CNN/ORC CNN/ORC

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 24% 21 19 Bad thing 73% 78 79

Mar. 2011 Mar. 2013 Sep. 2729, 2013

CNN/ORC CNN/ORC CNN/ORC

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 their principles to compromise 35% 60% 32 60 36 55 33 57 29 61 Dont know/ Refused (vol.) 5% 8 10 10 10

Aug. 1995 Pew Feb. 2011 Pew Mar.Apr., 2013 Pew Sep. 1922, 2013 Pew Oct. 36, 2013 Pew 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 to positions 21% 36% 6 18

Oct. 12, 2013 Demographics

CBS News Democrats Republicans Independents

Compromise 76% 61% 90 80

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 to positions 18% 4% 38 16

Oct. 12, 2013 Demographics

CBS News Democrats Republicans Independents

Compromise 78% 94% 59 78

Q: Do you think Barack Obama and the Democrats in Congress will be able to negotiate with the Republicans in Congress to resolve the budget standoff in the near future, or do you think the budget standoff will continue for a long time? Negotiate near future 51% 62% 47 46

Oct. 12, 2013 Demographics

CBS News Democrats Republicans Independents

Long time 42% 33% 47 46

Q: Which comes closer to your point of view; there is gridlock in Washington mainly because President Obama lacks the personal skills to convince leaders of Congress to work together, or there is gridlock in Washington mainly because Republicans in Congress are determined to block any President Obama initiative. Obama lacks Republicans Dont skills block know Jul. 12, 2013 Quinnipiac 35% 51% 14% Oct. 1, 2013 Quinnipiac 33 55 12 Demographics, Oct. 2013 Democrats Republicans Independents Note: Asked of registered voters.

8% 65 35

86% 21 51

6% 14 14

Q: Who do you blame for gridlock in Washington, Democrats, Republicans, or both equally? Democrats 12% 14 10 10 Republicans 17% 16 23 28 Both equally 67% 67 64 58

Feb. 2010 Quinnipiac Mar. 2010 Quinnipiac Jul. 2013 Quinnipiac Oct. 1, 2013 Quinnipiac Note: Asked of registered voters.

Q: When Congress cant get things done is it mainly because the political parties have grown so far apart that they cant agree on solutions, or is it mainly because a few members of Congress who refuse to compromise keep things from getting done? Sep. 2529, 2013 Pew Research Center

The political parties have grown so far apart that they cant agree on solutions A few members of Congress who refuse to compromise keep things from getting done

48% 36

The Publics Post Mortem Q: As a consequence of the shutdown, do you feel more negative or positive toward President ______ ? More More negative positive Dec. 1518, 1995 Gallup 49% 35% Oct. 23, 2013 Gallup 57 28 Note: Neither/No effect was a volunteered response. Neither/ No effect 12% 13

Q: As a consequence of the shutdown, do you feel more negative or more positive toward the Republican leaders in Congress More More negative positive Dec. 1518, 1995 Gallup 62% 23% Oct. 23, 2013 Gallup 61 24 Note: Neither/No effect was a volunteered response. Neither no effect 10% 10

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 Feb. 2 5, 2012 Feb. 1619, 2012 Aug. 2022, 2012 Nov. 912, 2012 Jun. 14, 2013 Sep. 58, 2013 Oct. 36, 2013 Gallup Gallup Gallup Gallup Gallup Gallup Gallup Favorable 43% 42 42 43 39 38 28 Unfavorable 54% 49 51 50 53 58 62 No opinion 3% 9 7 7 8 4 9

The Democratic Party Feb. 2 5, 2012 Gallup Feb. 1619, 2012 Gallup Aug. 2022, 2012 Gallup Nov. 912, 2012 Gallup Jun. 14, 2013 Gallup Sep. 58, 2013 Gallup Oct. 36, 2013 Gallup

49% 47 45 51 46 47 43

48% 46 49 43 48 50 49

3% 8 5 7 6 4 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

Apr. 1114, 2013 Jun. 14, 2013 Jul. 1014, 2013 Sep. 1516, 2013 Oct. 36, 2013

Gallup Gallup Gallup Gallup Gallup

55% 54 52 53 49

43% 45 45 43 49

2% 1 3 4 2

Speaker of the House, John Boehner Jul. 912, 2013 Nov. 912, 2013 Apr. 1114, 2013 Oct. 36, 2013 Gallup Gallup Gallup Gallup Favorable 34% 36 31 27 Unfavorable 41% 35 41 51 Never heard of 15% 15 14 14

Senate Democratic Leader, Harry Reid Nov. 912, 2013 Gallup 28% Apr. 1114, 2013 Gallup 27 Oct. 36, 2013 Gallup 27 House Democratic Leader, Nancy Pelosi

36% 38 43

22% 21 20

Apr. 1114, 2013 Gallup Oct. 36, 2013 Gallup Oct. 36, 2013 Gallup Apr. 1114, 2013 Gallup

31% 35 22% 26

48% 47 42% 34

11% 10 23% 22

Senate Republican Leader, Mitch McConnell

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 positive 31% 31 30 28 28 25 26 Somewhat positive 21% 18 17 19 20 20 21 Nuetral 11% 11 10 13 12 12 11 Somewhat negative 11% 14 15 12 14 16 11 Very negative 26% 26 27 28 26 26 30

Jan. 2013 Feb. 2013 Apr. 2013 Jun. 2013 Jul. 2013 Sep. 2013 Oct. 79. 2013

NBC/WSJ NBC/WSJ NBC/WSJ NBC/WSJ NBC/WSJ NBC/WSJ NBC/WSJ

The Republican Party Jan. 2013 NBC/WSJ Feb. 2013 NBC/WSJ Jun. 2013 NBC/WSJ Sep. 2013 NBC/WSJ Oct. 79. 2013 NBC/WSJ

6% 8 8 7 7

20% 21 24 21 17

24% 24 26 27 21

24% 20 18 23 24

25% 26 23 21 29

The Democratic Party Jan. 2013 NBC/WSJ Feb. 2013 NBC/WSJ Jun. 2013 NBC/WSJ Sep. 2013 NBC/WSJ Oct. 79. 2013 NBC/WSJ

17% 18 14 13 14

27% 23 25 27 25

17% 22 22 22 18

19% 17 19 20 20

19% 19 18 18 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 more good than harm. Completely agree 10% Mostly agree 23% Mostly disagree 35% Completely disagree 32%

Jan. 27Apr. 14, 1996

PSRA/UVA

Q: Have you or anyone in your family been affected by the federal government shutdown, in terms of employment, services, or benefits? Yes 18% No 81%

Jan. 1316, 1996

NBC/WSJ

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 had any impact 84%

Jan. 1114, 1996

Pew Research Center

Yes, major 7%

Yes, minor 9%

Q: Have you personally been inconvenienced by the partial shutdown of the federal government or not? Yes 12% 12 12 No 88% 88 88

Nov. 19, 1995 Jan. 3, 1995 Jan. 67, 1995

ABC/Wash Post ABC News ABC/Wash Post

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?

Nov. 19, 1995 ABC/Wash Post Jan. 3, 1996 ABC News Jan. 67, 1996 ABC/Wash Post

Good thing 26% 19 23

Bad thing crisis 33% 42 36

Bad thing not a crisis 34% 35 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 50% Disagree 46%

Jan. 67, 1996

ABC/Wash Post

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 69% Disapprove 18%

Jan. 57, 1996

Gallup/CNN/USA Today

Q: Have you been personally affected by the cutback in government services or programs caused by the shutdown, or not? Yes 11% 14 No 88% 85

Nov. 19, 1995 Jan. 23, 1996

CBS News CBS News

Q: Do you think the federal government can operate effectively during a partial shutdown or not? Yes, can operate 37% No, cannot operate 60%

Jan. 23, 1996

CBS News

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 Crisis problem problem Nov. 14, 1995 Gallup 11% 40% 33% Nov. 1719, 1995 Gallup/CNN/USA Today 12 40 31 Dec. 1518, 1995* Gallup/CNN/USA Today 12 44 30 Note: *Question wording read So far, the Republicans in Congress . . . Not a problem 14% 14 13

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

Nov. 19, 1995

NBC/WSJ

serious 29%

serious 28%

serious 23%

serious 18%

Q: Have you or anyone in your family been affected by the federal government shutdown, in terms of employment, services, or benefits? Yes, affected No, not affected 18% 81%

Nov. 19, 1995

NBC/WSJ

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 effectively Nov. 19, 1995 CBS News 7% 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 to gain political advantage 52% 77% 24 54 Republicans standing up for what they believe 38% 15% 69 36 Somewhat effectively 28% Not very No, cannot operate effectively effectively 7% 51%

Nov. 28Dec. 4, 1995

Kaiser

Demographics Democrats Republicans Independents 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 to gain political advantage 36% Clinton standing up for what he believes 57%

Nov. 28Dec. 4, 1995

Kaiser

Demographics Democrats Republicans Independents Note: Asked of a half sample. Blame, 19951996

13% 64 35

82% 29 58

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 Gingrich 25% Bill Clinton 32% Bob Dole 6% Someone All else equally (vol.) 22% 12%

Jul. 1996

ABC News/Washington Post

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 the Republicans' in Congress? Clinton 27% Republicans 50% Both (vol.) 20%

Jan. 67, 1996

ABC/Wash Post

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 62% More positive Neither/no effect 23% 10%

Dec. 1518, 1995

Gallup/CNN/USA Today

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 49% More positive Neither/no effect 35% 12%

Dec. 1518, 1995

Gallup/CNN/USA Today

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 Clinton 34% Republican leaders in Congress 51% Both equally 12%

Nov. 30Dec. 3, 1995

Harris

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)

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 Clinton 32% 27 Republican Congress 43% 47 Both equal (vol.) 18% 20

Oct. 2731, 1995 Nov. 19, 1995

NBC/WSJ NBC/WSJ

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 51% Bill Clinton Both equally (vol.) 28% 15%

Nov. 19, 1995

CBS News

Q: Now that the shutdown has begun, who do you think is mainly responsible for standing in the way of an agreement to get the government running again President Bill Clinton or the Republicans in Congress? Clinton 34% Republicans 49% Both (vol.) 13%

Nov. 19, 1995

ABC/Wash Post

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 Clinton Gallup 26% Gallup/CNN/USA Today 25 Republican leaders 49% 47 Both equally (vol.) 19% 21

Nov. 14, 1995 Nov. 1718, 1995

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 continued until balanced budget Gallup/CNN/USA Today 44% Agreement did not go far enough 42%

Jan. 1996

Neither/Other 11%

The Publics Post Mortem, 19951996 Q: Do you approve or disapprove of the way Bill Clinton is handling his job as president?

Sep. 14, 1995 Sep. 22, 1995 Oct. 5, 1995 Oct. 13, 1995 Oct. 19, 1995 Oct. 27, 1995 Nov. 6, 1995 Nov. 17, 1995 Dec. 15, 1995 Jan. 5, 1996 Jan. 12, 1996 Jan. 12, 1996

Gallup/CNN/USA Today Gallup/CNN/USA Today Gallup/CNN/USA Today Gallup/CNN/USA Today Gallup/CNN/USA Today Gallup Gallup/CNN/USA Today Gallup/CNN/USA Today Gallup/CNN/USA Today Gallup/CNN/USA Today Gallup Gallup/CNN/USA Today

Approve 44% 48% 46% 47% 49% 46% 52% 53% 51% 42% 46% 46%

Disapprove 44% 44% 42% 36% 40% 39% 41% 38% 44% 49% 40% 47%

Q: Do you approve or disapprove of the way Bill Clinton is handling the economy? Approve 44% 47% 44% Disapprove 49% 45% 51%

Oct. 19, 1995 Dec. 15, 1995 Jan. 12, 1996

Gallup/CNN/USA Today Gallup/CNN/USA Today Gallup/CNN/USA Today

Q: Do you approve or disapprove of the way Bill Clinton is handling the Federal budget deficit? Approve 40% 35% Disapprove 53% 60%

Dec. 15, 1995 Jan. 12, 1996

Gallup/CNN/USA Today Gallup/CNN/USA Today

Q: Please tell me whether you approve or disapprove of the way each of the following political leaders has handled the budget negotiations in Washington . . . ? Bill Clinton Nov. 14, 1995 Nov. 17, 1995 Jan. 5, 1996 Jan. 12, 1996 Newt Gingrich Nov. 14, 1995 Nov. 17, 1995 Jan. 5, 1996 Jan. 12, 1996 Bob Dole Nov. 14, 1995 Nov. 17, 1995 Jan. 5, 1996 Jan. 12, 1996 Approve 48% 51% 47% 48% Disapprove 43% 40% 47% 49%

Gallup Gallup/CNN/USA Today Gallup/CNN/USA Today Gallup/CNN/USA Today

Gallup Gallup/CNN/USA Today Gallup/CNN/USA Today Gallup/CNN/USA Today

22% 20% 29% 29%

64% 67% 58% 61%

Gallup Gallup/CNN/USA Today Gallup/CNN/USA Today Gallup/CNN/USA Today

32% 31% 45% 45%

52% 52% 42% 45%

Debt Limit Recent 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 serious problem 55% 63 Not a real and serious problem 18% 15 Dont know enough to have an opinion 25% 22

Jul. 2011 NBC/WSJ Oct. 79, 2013 NBC/WSJ Note: Asked of a half sample.

Q: In general, do you support, oppose or neither support nor oppose raising the federal debt limit in order to avoid defaulting on U.S. government debts? Neither Somewhat support Somewhat Strongly support or oppose oppose support 23% 18% 17% 25% 18 19 16 24 11 46 10 11

Jun. 2011 Jan. 2013 Oct. 37, 2013

AP-GfK/Roper AP-GfK/Roper AP-GfK/Roper

Strongly support 15% 13 20

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 debt limit be raised 47% 62% 36 45 Country can go past the debt limit 39% 28% 54 38 Dont know/ Refused 15% 10 11 17

Oct. 36, 2013 Demographics

Pew

Democrats Republicans Independents

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 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 National Journal/UT 40% 39% 21%

Jul. 1517, 2013

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 raised and its reckless to even debate not raising it Fox News 27% Democrats Republicans Independents 42% 11 26 The debt limit should only be increased after making major cuts in the government spending 62% 48% 77 65

Oct. 12, 2013 Demographics

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 35% 37 Against 60% 58

Jul. 1719, 2011 Oct. 12, 2013

Fox News Fox News

Demographics, Oct. 2013 Democrats Republicans Independents

57% 15 36

38% 78 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 closest to 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 conditions spending cuts 17% 60% 17 55 23 55 Not raised 18% 24 20

Jan. 1115, 2013 Sep. 1923, 2013 Oct. 12, 2013

CBS News/NYT CBS News/NYT CBS News

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 support 73%

Jan. 1115, 2013

CBS News/NYT

US defaulting on its debt 17%

Dont know 9%

Sep. 1923. 2013 Oct. 12, 2013

CBS News/NYT CBS News

69 77

21 17

9 6

Demographics, Jan. 2013 Democrats Republicans Independents Demographics, Sep. 2013 Democrats Republicans Independents Demographics, Oct. 2013 Democrats Republicans Independents

81% 67 72 81% 64 63 84% 74 74

9% 27 18 12% 28 24 11% 19 19

10% 7 10 7% 7 13 9% 4 7

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 budget and the debt ceiling should be kept separate from discussions about funding the 2010 health care law? Stop funding health care law 31% 12% 54 33 Debt ceiling separate from health care Dont know 60% 9% 81% 41 56 7% 6 11

Sep. 1923, 2013 Demographics

CBS/NYT Democrats Republican Independent

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 debt ceiling debt ceiling 16% 46% 28 39 38 31 22 44 Dont know enough 38% 31 30 33

Mar.Apr. 2011 Jun. 913, 2011 Jul. 1417, 2011 Sep. 58, 2013

NBC/WSJ NBC/WSJ NBC/WSJ NBC/WSJ

Demographics, Mar.Apr. 2011 Democrats Republicans Independents Demographics, Jun. 2011

27% 8 13

24% 62 54

49% 29 32

Democrats Republicans Independents Demographics, Jul. 2011 Democrats Republicans Independents

40% 15 30 48% 22 42

19% 56 44 15% 47 34

39% 28 23 37% 30 23

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% Demographics Democrats Republicans Independents 43% 27 36 46% 63 54 11% 10 9

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 24% 35% 15 25 Oppose 70% 59% 83 69 Dont know (Vol.) 6% 7% 2 6

Sep. 48, 2013 Demographics

Reason-Rupe Democrats Republicans Independents

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 27% Oppose 64% 86% 62 39

Oct. 1, 2013 Demographics

Quinnipiac

Democrats 6% Independents 30 Republicans 52 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 bebt ceiling health care law 51% 43% Both equal 2%

Sep. 2729, 2013

CNN/ORC

Demographics

Democrats 71% Republicans 31 Independents 45 Note: *Less than 1 percent gave this response.

22% 61 49

2% * 2

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 Increase the US debt limit and deal with the health care issue separately Dont know

31% 52% 16%

Q: Would you be willing to support raising the debt ceiling if funding for Obamacare is cut off, or not? Yes, willing 35% 38% 35 33 No, not wiling 56% 49% 59 58 Dont know 10% 13% 6 9

Sep. 48, 2013 Demographics

Reason-Rupe Democrats Republicans Independents

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 That Congress will raise the debt ceiling and that federal spending will increase and the government will go further into debt as a result You do not know enough about this to have an opinion at this time

37% 41 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

Jun. 2011 Jan. 2013 Oct. 37, 2013

AP-GfK/Roper AP-GfK/Roper AP-GfK/Roper

likely 30% 26 30

likely 30% 27 23

likely 6% 9 10

at all 3% 8 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 problems 41% 43 38 45 Minor problems 33% 31 31 27 No problems at all 7% 6 15 (p) 9

Apr.May, 2011 CNN/ORC Jul. 1820, 2011 CNN/ORC Aug. 2011 CNN/ORC Sep. 68, 2013* CNN/ORC Note: *Asked of a half sample.

Crisis 17% 18 14 17

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 38% 18% 52 46 Bad thing 56% 77% 40 49 Neutral/Mixed (Vol.) 3% 3% 4 3

Sep. 2729, 2013 Demographics

CNN/ORC Democrats Republicans Independent

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 economic crisis 25% 32% 16 23 Minor Wont cause economic serious economic downturn problems 30% 10% 26% 37 31 7% 12 13

Jan. 1721, 2013 Demographics

Reason-Rupe Democrats Republicans Independents

Help the economy 22% 22% 24 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 30% 34 Republicans 51% 43 Both (Vol.) 15% 18 Neither (Vol.) 3% 2 (p)

Jul. 2011 Aug. 2011

CNN/ORC CNN/ORC

Sep. 68, 2013 Sep. 2729, 2013 Compromise

CNN/ORC CNN/ORC

25 31

54 53

15 10

3 2

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 fully support on its debt CBS News 74% 14% CBS/NYT 73 17 CBS News 69 21 CBS News 77 17 Dont know/ No answer 10% 9 9 6

Jul. 1517, 2011 Jan. 1115, 2013 Sep. 1923, 2013 Oct. 12, 2013

Demographics, Jul. 2011 Democrats Republicans Independents Demographics, Jan. 2013 Democrats Republicans Independents Demographics, Sep. 2013 Democrats Republicans Independents Demographics, Oct. 2013 Democrats Republicans Independents

80% 78 75 81% 67 72 81% 64 63 84% 74 74

11% 14 18 9% 27 18 12% 28 24 11% 19 19

10% 8 7 10% 7 10 7% 7 13 5% 7 7

Debt Limit 2011 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 debt ceiling 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 24% Should not 69%

Jun. 2011

CBS News

Jul. 2011 Dec. 2012

CBS News CBS News

46 25

49 68

Demographics, Jun. 2011 Democrats Republicans Independents Demographics, Jul. 2011 Democrats Republicans Independents Demographics, Dec. 2012 Democrats Republicans Independents

35% 16 22 61% 33 42 36% 13 22

54% 81 72 31% 64 54 54% 83 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 over the 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 feelings 34%

Aug. 2731, 2011

NBC /WSJ

Favorable 23%

Unfavorable 40%

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 strong Favorable 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 good 7% Somewhat good 31% Somewhat bad 27% Very bad 26%

Aug. 48, 2011

Ipsos/Reuters

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 39% Disapprove 46% No opinion 15%

Aug. 2, 2011

Gallup/USA Today

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

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 48% Disapprove 51%

Aug. 1, 2011

CNN/ORC

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 likely 50% Less likely 10% Would have no effect 33%

Jul. 2124, 2011

National Journal/United Technologies

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 debt ceiling debt ceiling 19% 47% 22 42

May 58, 2011 Jul. 710, 2011

Gallup Gallup

Dont know enough to say 34% 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 45% Should not hold out 46%

Jun. 1720, 2011

Bloomberg

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 37% Oppose 60%

Apr.May, 2011

CNN/ORC

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

Jan. 710, 2011 Ipsos/Reuters Note: Asked of a half sample.

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 17% Oppose 71% Unsure 11%

Jan. 710, 2011

Ipsos/Reuters

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 likely 25% 45 Somewhat likely 47% 37 Not very likely 18% 13 Dont know/ No answer 10% 5

Jun. 2011 Jul. 1517, 2011

CBS News CBS News

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 sound better sound worse accurately 14% 36% 40% Dont know 10%

Jul. 1517, 2011

CBS News

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 result 56% No, will not result 41%

Jul. 1517, 2011

Gallup/USA Today

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 serious Not a real and Dont know serious enough to have

Jul. 1417, 2011

NBC/WSJ

problem 55%

problem 18%

an opinion 25%

Demographics, Jul. 2011 Democrats Republicans Independents Blame

60% 43 60

11% 27 20

28% 27 19

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 47% 29%

Aug.23, 2011

CBS News/NYT

Both (Vol.) 20%

Q: Based on what you have read or heard about the discussions between Congress and Barack Obama on the debt ceiling, do you think the following have or have not acted responsibly? Yes, have acted responsibly 34% 33 46% 52 No, have not acted responsibly 60% 63 49% 46 No opinion 6% 3 6% 2

Republicans in Congress Apr.May 2011 CNN/ORC Jul. 1820, 2011 CNN/ORC President Obama Apr.May 2011 CNN/ORC Jul. 1820, 2011 CNN/ORC

Q: If Congress and the President cannot approve an agreement to raise the debt ceiling and the federal government 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 National Journal/United Technologies 23% 31% 13% 25%

Jul. 2124, 2011

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 Obama National Journal 48% Republicans in Congress 31% Dont know 11%

Jul. 2124, 2011

Both 1%

Neither 9%

Q: Do you approve or disapprove of the way Republicans in Congress are handling the current negotiations on the debt ceiling? Approve 21% Disapprove 71%

Jul. 1517, 2011

CBS News

Q: Do you approve or disapprove of the way Democrats in Congress are handling the current negotiations on the debt ceiling? Approve 31% Disapprove 58%

Jul. 1517, 2011

CBS News

Q: Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling the current negotiations on the debt ceiling? Approve 43% Disapprove 48%

Jul. 1517, 2011

CBS News

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? President Obama 41%

Jun. 17 20, 2011 Bloomberg

Republicans 44%

Not Sure 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 country 14% Political advantage 82% Some of each 2%

Aug. 23, 2011

CBS News/NYT

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 8%

Jun. 1517, 2011 Compromise

CBS News

Political gain 85%

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 15% Too little 52% Right amount 26%

Aug. 23, 2011

CBS News/NYT

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?

Aug. 23, 2011

CBS News/NYT

Too much 26%

Too little 34%

Right amount 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 give up too much 61% Should have given up more 2%

Aug. 1, 2011

CNN/ORC

Yes, gave up too much 31%

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 give up too much 70% Should have given up more 2%

Aug. 1, 2011

CNN/ORC

Yes, gave up too much 21%

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 principles 23% Willing to compromise 68% Dont know 8%

Jul. 2024, 2011

Pew

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 85% Stick to positions 11%

Jul. 1517, 2011

CBS News

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? Compromise 78% Stick to positions 16%

Jul. 1517, 2011

CBS News

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?

Jul. 1517, 2011

CBS News

Compromise 69%

Stick to positions 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 32% Not really trying 62%

Jul. 1517, 2011

CBS News

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 60% Not really trying 34%

Jul. 1517, 2011

CBS News

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 disagree with? Hold out Agree to for basic plan compromise they want plan 27% 67%

Jul. 1517, 2011

Gallup/USA Today

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 the wealthy? 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 48% 14% 6% 21% 11%

Jul. 1417, 2011

NBC/WSJ

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%

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 serious problem 55% Not a real and serious problem 18% Dont know enough to have opinion 25%

Jul. 1417, 2011

NBC/WSJ