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Title: Republicans Prove Unpopular With Voters Against Obama in Poll
Source:
Bloomberg
URL Source: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010- ... d-to-oppose-obama-in-poll.html
Published: Oct 12, 2010
Author: Bloomberg
Post Date: 2010-10-12 09:39:19 by go65
Keywords: None
Views: 5983
Comments: 40
Republican attacks on President Barack Obama’s policies are resonating with voters, even as many Americans give a thumbs-down to the party and some of its specific ideas, a Bloomberg National Poll shows. Three weeks before the midterm elections, Republicans maintain a position of strength due to the commitment of their supporters and the likelihood they will vote. The general Republican message of less spending, lower taxes and repeal of the health-care overhaul is connecting. Pluralities of those polled support overturning the health-care measure -- Obama’s signature legislative accomplishment -- and back the “Pledge to America” that offers a road map for how Republicans would govern if they win congressional majorities. Still, the poll suggests voters aren’t embracing Republicans as much as they are rejecting Democrats. Poll participant Carol Wortham, 62, a retired state and federal government worker in Bayou Vista, Texas, who considers herself an independent voter, said she plans to support Republicans this year, though she isn’t excited to do so. “They are the lesser of two evils,” she said. The poll finds Republicans in an anomalous position -- poised to make political gains while the party and its policies are unpopular. That stands in contrast to midterm elections in 1994 and 2006, when the insurgent party gained congressional control after polls showed voter attitudes tilting toward them. Unfavorable View In the Bloomberg Poll, nearly half of likely voters -- 49 percent -- said they had an unfavorable view of the Republicans. Democrats have a narrow advantage on favorability, 47 percent to 45 percent. In October 1994, the month before Republicans won enough seats to gain control of both the U.S. House and Senate, their party had a 7 percentage point advantage in positive ratings among registered voters, according to the NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll. In October 2006, before Democrats retook control of both chambers, a NBC/Journal poll showed their party with a sizable popularity advantage over Republicans. “People are insecure,” said J. Ann Selzer, president of Selzer & Co., a Des Moines, Iowa-based firm that conducted the nationwide survey on Oct. 7-10. “Their own money is tight and the current administration has not convinced them the nation will not go broke from big spending programs. That insecurity does not translate into trust for Republicans, however.” Economic Challenges Obama, 49, inherited an economy in crisis. Joblessness, which reached a 26-year high of 10.1 percent in October 2009, stood at 9.6 percent nationwide last month. Gross domestic product, which recorded a 5.0 percent annual growth rate in last year’s final quarter, slowed to 1.7 percent during 2010’s second quarter. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index is up more than 44 percent since Obama took office in January 2009, though it’s risen only 4.5 percent this year. Much of Obama’s focus in his first year was on passing the health-care overhaul that aims to insure tens of millions of Americans, cut costs and bar insurers from rejecting customers with pre-existing medical conditions. In the new Bloomberg poll, the measure’s repeal is favored by 47 percent of likely voters, while 42 percent say it should be left alone. Still, the poll found strong backing for most of the law’s provisions. Three-quarters favor its ban on insurance companies denying coverage due to pre-existing conditions; 67 percent support allowing children up to age 26 to stay on their parents’ policies. Also, 73 percent want to keep the addition of more prescription-drug benefits for those on Medicare. Eight Provisions Among eight of the law’s provisions on which the poll sought opinions, repeal was backed by a majority of likely voters for just two: requiring everyone to have health insurance and taxing companies that offer especially generous coverage. Democrats have generally shied away from campaigning on the bill because of its overall unpopularity. The Republican “Pledge to America” is viewed as a good idea by 48 percent of likely voters, compared with 39 percent who term it a bad idea. Also, more than half agreed with a statement that the federal budget deficit is “dangerously out of control and threatens our economic future.” The Republican pledge is short on specific proposals. Keeping the promise to cut an estimated $100 billion from the federal budget next year, though, implicitly would slash spending for education, cancer research and aid to local police and firefighters, among other items. Deficit Reduction Most likely voters are opposed or lukewarm to sacrifices often mentioned in debates on reducing the deficit. At least half said that among 12 ideas that are commonly broached, a third should be taken off the table. These include raising the age of eligibility for Medicare, privatizing Social Security and reducing federal funding for disease research. Nearly half of likely voters say the idea of cutting federal spending on roads, bridges and public transportation shouldn’t be considered, and there’s a comparable level of opposition to raising the age for Social Security benefits. On whether to renew tax-rate reductions enacted under President George W. Bush that are to expire at year’s end -- an issue that is dividing the parties -- likely voters are closer to Obama’s position. A plurality of them -- 43 percent -- support his goal of continuing the lower rates for individual income up to $200,000 and up to $250,000 for couples filing jointly, which accounts for about 97 percent of taxpayers, according to Internal Revenue Service data. Support for the Republican push to extend the cuts for all tax brackets was at 34 percent, while 20 percent backed letting all the reductions expire to help cut the deficit. Independent Voters The Republican advantage as the Nov. 2 election approaches is assisted by the party’s support from independent voters, a critical bloc that can make or break a candidate. The poll shows independents favoring Republican congressional candidates over Democrats, 35 percent to 29 percent. The most motivated voters -- those who say they will definitely vote and are extremely interested in the election -- lean Republican over Democrat, 51 percent to 37 percent. Also, 55 percent of Republicans say the election is “exceptionally important,” compared with 35 percent of Democrats and 41 percent of independents. “A smaller election favors Republicans,” Selzer said. “Democrats have moved into overdrive -- maybe too late -- to boost turnout, which will work to their advantage.” The Bloomberg Poll included interviews with 721 likely voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.7 percentage points. ‘Other’ Choice Neither party cracks the 50 percent mark on the generic trial heat for Congress. Respondents were offered a choice of Republicans, Democrats or an “other” category. Democrats received support from 42 percent, while Republicans claimed 40 percent. The remaining 18 percent picked “other” or weren’t sure. For a House majority, Republicans need a net gain of 39 seats; to win the Senate, they need a net gain of 10. At least half of likely voters surveyed predicted that should Republicans win control of Congress, improvements would result for the economy, banks, small businesses, large corporations and the wealthy. By 46 percent to 40 percent, the likely voters think a Republican Congress would be better instead of worse for the middle class. Forty-one percent said they would personally benefit from a Republican takeover, while 29 percent say they would be harmed and 27 percent say there would be no change for them, with little variation by age or gender. Wrong Direction Almost two-thirds of likely voters say they believe the nation is headed in the wrong direction. Poll participant Nancy Watkins, 57, who considers herself an independent voter and lives in Eagle Point, Oregon, said she would like to see Republicans win congressional majorities to help “balance things out” between the legislative and executive branches of government. “They’re trying to say no on spending more money,” said Watkins, an area manager for a refuse company. “We are going to go bankrupt if we continue down the road of borrowing money.” Watkins said she thinks another advantage to Republicans taking control would be the removal of Nancy Pelosi as House speaker. “We have to get rid of Pelosi,” she said. “I hate that lady.” More than half of likely voters -- 52 percent -- have an unfavorable view of the California Democrat, while a third have a positive view of her. House Minority Leader John Boehner, an Ohio Republican in line to become speaker if his party wins the chamber, remains unknown to many likely voters, with 39 percent saying they aren’t sure of their opinion of him. Among those with a view, 29 percent said they had a favorable opinion of him, while 32 percent viewed him negatively. Missy Coombs, 52, a self-employed furniture refinisher who considers herself an independent voter, said she dislikes much of what she sees in American politics, including what she considers unrealistic expectations for economic recovery. “I think that we need to be a little more patient,” said Coombs, who lives in Holladay, Utah. “I think people are knee- jerking a little too much. To expect instant results is crazy.”
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#1. To: go65 (#0)
As the US Empire disintegrates, your Media will focus on the Missing White girl and Chilean Miners.
The voters are correct to be wary of the GOP. The GOP understands exactly why this is so. And if they screw up like they did under the last GOP controlled congress, we on the RIGHT will fire them again. Thats the key difference between the Right and the Left in this era. The Left, as we've seen the past 22 months, will blindly march off the fucking cliff. The Right knows better. At least the voters on the Right do, as they demonstrated in 2006 when they fired the GOP for stupidity. You on the Left? You REINFORCE STUPIDITY.
Obama's first all-by-his-lonesome budget, btw, calls for a $1.17 trillion deficit.
And the democrats return. The one party with two wings remains in power. How do we extricate ourselves from this trap, do ya reckon?
(sneakypete)DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Mad Dog's reply) I don't know or F ing care. Pete, MD doesn't know or care what Palin says or writes, he'll support her no matter what.
Keep firing the professional politicians for as long as necessary. If its a 'trap' its one 'We the People' built.
Obama's first all-by-his-lonesome budget, btw, calls for a $1.17 trillion deficit.
you'll still be out of work, not too bright and your mommy still dresses you funny.
I'm still laughing over your post yesterday stating that voters are going to reject the Great Society by replacing Democratic leaders with Republican leaders who voted for the biggest expansion of Medicare every. Poll after poll shows that Republican gains will be in a large part due to higher turnout. Once the GOP pushes the far-right agenda, which most oppose, you'll see the opposite in 2012, just as we did in 2006 and 2008.
On that we disagree. It was a trap built by the two party system. Washington was correct in his warning. The Pub wing WILL screw us again. We will fire them, again. And we'll get another Obama. And the years will continue to roll along. 1994 was 16 years ago. What's that definition of insanity again? ;-)
(sneakypete)DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Mad Dog's reply) I don't know or F ing care. Pete, MD doesn't know or care what Palin says or writes, he'll support her no matter what.
The Pub wing WILL screw us again. We will fire them, again. And we'll get another Obama. And the years will continue to roll along. 1994 was 16 years ago. What's that definition of insanity again? ;-) At least I found something I can agree with you on. Well said. I still find it laughable that "conservatives" get giddy over the prospects of Mitch McConnell and John Boehner assuming leadership roles.
So that means rejecting folks like Gingrich, Palin, Romney, Huckabee, etc. Are you willing to do that?
It means they will be in charge of the treasury again which is the only that counts in this country.
Thats because its either laugh, or cry, for your side GO65. So laugh hysterically. It will do you some good.
Obama's first all-by-his-lonesome budget, btw, calls for a $1.17 trillion deficit.
Thanks. Well, when you find it as laughable that "liberals" get giddy over the prospects of Obama and Pelosi assuming leadership roles, you'll have arrived.
(sneakypete)DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Mad Dog's reply) I don't know or F ing care. Pete, MD doesn't know or care what Palin says or writes, he'll support her no matter what.
Keep firing the professional politicians for as long as necessary. So that means rejecting folks like Gingrich, Palin, Romney, Huckabee, etc. Are you willing to do that? Gee, tell the forum, what elective offices do those you cite currently hold? Pardon me for being a 'tad' more concerned with those in office NOW, TODAY.
Obama's first all-by-his-lonesome budget, btw, calls for a $1.17 trillion deficit.
That poster said it voted for Ron Paul so what do YOU think?
If its a 'trap' its one 'We the People' built. On that we disagree. It was a trap built by the two party system. Citing the Founders, without noting they never expected 'professional politicians' in the first place undermines your argument here. 'We the People' keep the career pols in office. The Bobby KKK Byrds. The Mitch McConnells. The Charlie Rangels and Maxine Waters. WE do that.
Obama's first all-by-his-lonesome budget, btw, calls for a $1.17 trillion deficit.
Ask GO65 to provide the forum with a link demonstrating anyone being 'giddy' about Mitch McConnell. Or Boehner. Nobody is 'giddy' among the voters. They're frightened out of their collective minds as poll after poll shows.
Obama's first all-by-his-lonesome budget, btw, calls for a $1.17 trillion deficit.
you'll still be out of work, not too bright and your mommy still dresses you funny. Amazingly your ilk HATES the gubbmint, but LOVES the Military/Banks. Cognitive Dissonance writ large. "There's something hugely false in that whole picture. It’s just not going to happen. The trillions of your money that went to the banks could instead have gone to you. Too late now! Pull the plug from the banks' drip, pull it from Fannie and Freddie, and you can call the undertaker in 10 minutes. I don't want to upset you, but many of us have seen people on life support who didn't pull through and come back: it only served to extend their lives, and often unfortunately their agony. Whether that's a good idea depends on the price that's paid. " -Ilargi www.theautomaticearth.com
Pardon me for being a 'tad' more concerned with those in office NOW, TODAY. Go65 isn't running for office. Why do you trolls have to pull this 'voters having to be as qualified as the candidates' baloney. OTOH what's makes you think your sooo qualified to even voice an opinion according to your own criteria?
Prove it....(laughing)
Obama's first all-by-his-lonesome budget, btw, calls for a $1.17 trillion deficit.
Nobody said this.
Obama's first all-by-his-lonesome budget, btw, calls for a $1.17 trillion deficit.
Write much, or are you already drinking?
Obama's first all-by-his-lonesome budget, btw, calls for a $1.17 trillion deficit.
Or Boehner. Nobody is 'giddy' among the voters. They're frightened out of their collective minds as poll after poll shows. BS. I've seen more than one commentator on Fox quite happy with the potential including OReilly, but no one has to prove a negative here except those in your little dictatorial delusion.
I didn't think I would have you over a barrel so early in the day that you would have to cry 'uncle' so soon or that you would be the 'spelling police'. Too funny.
Or did Washington warn against parties precisely because he foresaw professional politicians?
(sneakypete)DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Mad Dog's reply) I don't know or F ing care. Pete, MD doesn't know or care what Palin says or writes, he'll support her no matter what.
I certainly got giddy over the prospect of Obama replacing Bush.
WE do that. Nope. The "wings" do that, complete with Hollywood type "you'll never work in this town again" threats to anyone who bucks the party. The result is, "Which one of our guys do you want to vote for?" Cats can't be controlled. They're individuals. Cattle on the other hand, are herd animals, and are easily manipulated and led to slaughter.
(sneakypete)DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Mad Dog's reply) I don't know or F ing care. Pete, MD doesn't know or care what Palin says or writes, he'll support her no matter what.
You? Have badeye over a barrel in a political discussion? When you do achieve this amazing feat, ping me, but make damn sure you're sober when you do it, and that you fully understand the difference between his sarcasm and your imagined victory over him! "I really wanna care. I wanna feel somethin'. Let me dig a little deeper:. No, My give-a-damn's busted"~ Messina Jo Dee
I don't doubt it in the least.
(sneakypete)DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Mad Dog's reply) I don't know or F ing care. Pete, MD doesn't know or care what Palin says or writes, he'll support her no matter what.
There you go, it's not like they didn't have examples even in those days. The powerful families behind the kings and all who were able to get their bidding done with lots of reciprocal back scratching AND able get a preferential title bestowed by that king.
Face it, you're so desperate you love it when he calls you skanky. And how many times? I bet it numbers in the hundreds. Your Stockholm Syndrome is showing. He cries out someone is drinking and you come running. Do you drool too? LOLOL Badeye 'thinks' that the FF didn't have a clue as to the concept of a professional political class. He sure must think they were dumb and ignorant.
I've always admired Washington for refusing another term as President.
(sneakypete)DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Mad Dog's reply) I don't know or F ing care. Pete, MD doesn't know or care what Palin says or writes, he'll support her no matter what.
He indicated he knew exactly what the concept was by refusing to be one.
Precisely.
(sneakypete)DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Mad Dog's reply) I don't know or F ing care. Pete, MD doesn't know or care what Palin says or writes, he'll support her no matter what.
Thats not what he said, mingster. Have somebody read the posts to you.
Obama's first all-by-his-lonesome budget, btw, calls for a $1.17 trillion deficit.
There is nothing to support that theory that I'm aware of. When 50% or less vote, and out of the 50% that vote, its 30% voting 'their party, right or wrong' with the remainder breaking for whoever the favorite is, we get this type of dysfunctional government. Wouldn't matter how many party's you had on the ballot.
Obama's first all-by-his-lonesome budget, btw, calls for a $1.17 trillion deficit.
The number of party jumpers, running as independents, seems to undermine your assertion.
Obama's first all-by-his-lonesome budget, btw, calls for a $1.17 trillion deficit.
She's amusing, isn't she? (laughing)
Obama's first all-by-his-lonesome budget, btw, calls for a $1.17 trillion deficit.
All you bring up is how you rely on class warfare, like any brain dead liberal, mingster. Not that its 'news' to anyone in the forum, dear.
Obama's first all-by-his-lonesome budget, btw, calls for a $1.17 trillion deficit.
um..humm...she's a masochist, sort of like Lon Cheney in 'He Who Get's Slapped. He made himself a career by becoming a clown whose act consists of getting slapped by all the other clowns...aha I'm just sayin....lol
"I really wanna care. I wanna feel somethin'. Let me dig a little deeper:. No, My give-a-damn's busted"~ Messina Jo Dee
True now that ya mention it.
Obama's first all-by-his-lonesome budget, btw, calls for a $1.17 trillion deficit.
#2. To: go65 (#0)
#3. To: Badeye (#2)
(Edited)
And if they screw up like they did under the last GOP controlled congress, we on the RIGHT will fire them again.
#4. To: Wood_Chopper (#3)
How do we extricate ourselves from this trap, do ya reckon?
#5. To: mcgowanjm (#1)
As the US Empire disintegrates,
#6. To: Badeye (#2)
(Edited)
And if they screw up like they did under the last GOP controlled congress, we on the RIGHT will fire them again.
Reality check - Government spending is down, the deficit is down, government employment is down, and private hiring is up.
#7. To: Badeye (#4)
If its a 'trap' its one 'We the People' built.
#8. To: Wood_Chopper (#7)
Washington was correct in his warning.
Reality check - Government spending is down, the deficit is down, government employment is down, and private hiring is up.
#9. To: Badeye (#4)
Keep firing the professional politicians for as long as necessary.
Reality check - Government spending is down, the deficit is down, government employment is down, and private hiring is up.
#10. To: go65 (#8)
(Edited)
I still find it laughable that "conservatives" get giddy over the prospects of Mitch McConnell and John Boehner assuming leadership roles.
#11. To: go65 (#6)
I'm still laughing over your post yesterday stating that voters are going to reject the Great Society by replacing Democratic leaders with Republican leaders who voted for the biggest expansion of Medicare every.
#12. To: go65 (#8)
At least I found something I can agree with you on. Well said.
I still find it laughable that "conservatives" get giddy over the prospects of Mitch McConnell and John Boehner assuming leadership roles.
#13. To: go65 (#9)
#14. To: Wood_Chopper, go65 (#12)
Well, when you find it as laughable that "liberals" get giddy over the prospects of Obama and Pelosi assuming leadership roles, you'll have arrived.
#15. To: Wood_Chopper (#7)
#16. To: mininggold (#10)
I still find it laughable that "conservatives" get giddy over the prospects of Mitch McConnell and John Boehner assuming leadership roles
#17. To: calcon (#5)
#18. To: Badeye (#13)
Gee, tell the forum, what elective offices do those you cite currently hold?
#19. To: mininggold (#18)
Go65 isn't running for office.
#20. To: mininggold (#18)
Why do you trolls have to pull this 'voters having to be as qualified as the candidates' baloney.
#21. To: mininggold (#18)
OTOH what's makes you think your sooo qualified to even voice an opinion according to your own criteria?
#22. To: Badeye (#16)
Ask GO65 to provide the forum with a link demonstrating anyone being 'giddy' about Mitch McConnell.
#23. To: Badeye, Fred Mertz (#21)
Write much, or are you already drinking?
#24. To: Badeye (#15)
Citing the Founders, without noting they never expected 'professional politicians' in the first place undermines your argument here.
#25. To: Wood_Chopper (#12)
Well, when you find it as laughable that "liberals" get giddy over the prospects of Obama and Pelosi assuming leadership roles, you'll have arrived.
Reality check - Government spending is down, the deficit is down, government employment is down, and private hiring is up.
#26. To: Badeye (#15)
'We the People' keep the career pols in office. The Bobby KKK Byrds. The Mitch McConnells. The Charlie Rangels and Maxine Waters.
#27. To: mininggold, Badeye (#23)
"I didn't think I would have you over a barrel so early in the day that you would have to cry 'uncle' so soon or that you would be the 'spelling police'. Too funny".
#28. To: go65 (#25)
I certainly got giddy over the prospect of Obama replacing Bush.
#29. To: Wood_Chopper, badeye (#24)
Or did Washington warn against parties precisely because he foresaw professional politicians?
#30. To: Murron (#27)
(Edited)
You? Have badeye over a barrel in a political discussion? When you do achieve this amazing feat, ping me, but make damn sure you're sober when you do it, and that you fully understand the difference between his sarcasm and your imagined victory over him!
#31. To: mininggold (#29)
There you go, it's not like they didn't have examples even in those days. The powerful families behind the kings and all who were able to get their bidding done with lots of reciprocal back scratching AND able get a preferential title bestowed by that king.
#32. To: Wood_Chopper (#31)
I've always admired Washington for refusing another term as President.
#33. To: mininggold (#32)
He indicated he knew exactly what the concept was by refusing to be one.
#34. To: mininggold (#22)
#35. To: Wood_Chopper (#24)
Or did Washington warn against parties precisely because he foresaw professional politicians?
#36. To: Wood_Chopper (#26)
#37. To: Murron (#27)
#38. To: mininggold (#29)
#39. To: Badeye (#37)
She's amusing, isn't she? (laughing)
#40. To: Murron (#39)
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