Even party extremes want bipartisan progress: 93% of Liberal Democrats and 85% of Tea Party supporters strongly agree that both parties should work together to solve our long-term fiscal and economic problems.
67% of registered voters strongly agree that "I am willing to do my part to reduce the national debt, as long as other people also do their part."
87% of survey respondents believe that to solve the long-term debt problem, Republicans will have to agree to some tax increases and Democrats will have to agree to some spending cuts.
NEW YORK (May 09, 2012) — Voters want bipartisan action on fiscal issues and are willing to make personal contributions to reduce the national debt burden, according to a poll released today by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation. Both Democratic and Republican voters—including self-described liberals and tea party supporters—want both parties to work together to address the country's long-term debt and deficit issues. And voters across the board strongly agree that they are willing to do their part to help address the nation's fiscal challenges, including 63% of working class, 69% of middle class, and 76% of more affluent Americans.
With critical fiscal events occurring at the end of 2012, including the automatic spending cuts under sequestration and the elimination of tax cuts, voters clearly stated that they are ready to make contributions, and will support leaders who are prepared to compromise in their approach to dealing with the debt and deficit.
"On the nation's critical fiscal issues, the American people are ahead of their leaders. They are prepared to do their part to reduce the national debt, and want their elected officials to step up and work together on a long-term fiscal plan," said Foundation President Michael A. Peterson. "The key fiscal events coming at the end of 2012 represent an important opportunity for our leaders to make progress toward stabilizing the debt. Many credible long-term plans exist that could be agreed upon this year, but implemented when the economy is stronger. The American people clearly want Congress and the President to come together on a fiscal compromise, and Washington should not let this opportunity pass."
While Washington has failed to address the nation's long-term debt, voters view the debt as an important national priority, and state their support for elected leaders who are willing to work together to find a solution. Key findings from the poll include:
In addition to demanding political action, voters are willing to make personal contributions to improve America's long-term fiscal outlook. The notion of shared sacrifice to reduce the debt for future generations and preserve important programs resonates strongly with voters across all political and socio-economic groups.
The Peter G. Peterson Foundation commissioned the survey by the Global Strategy Group to examine voters' opinions on the national debt, fiscal policy options, and Congressional performance, among other topics. The survey included 1,000 registered voters nationwide, surveyed by telephone between April 9-13, 2012, and has a margin of error of +/- 3.1% at the 95% confidence level. Political affiliation, income, race, age and voter registration are self-reported by the respondents.
Detailed poll results are available here