Federal Budget, Taxes, Economic Policy (p. 3)

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"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Bush is handling the economy?"

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1/30 - 2/1/08

1/9-12/08

12/6-9/07

9/27-30/07

5/29 - 6/1/07

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"Many of the tax cuts passed in 2001 were temporary and are set to expire in a few years. Should those tax cuts be made permanent or should they be allowed to expire?"

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%

%

%

%

9/12-16/08

42

36

5

17

1/18-21/07

39

39

7

15

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Neil Newhouse (R). Aug. 15-18, 2008. N=approx. 500 registered voters nationwide. RV = registered voters. Except where noted, results below are among all adults.

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"Do you generally approve or disapprove of the job that George W. Bush is doing in handling the economy?"

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8/15-18/08 RV

7/18-21/08 RV

6/6-9/08 RV

4/25-28/08 RV

3/7-10/08 RV

1/20-22/08

1/07

1/06

1/05

1/04

1/03

1/02

4/01

Time Poll conducted by Abt SRBI. July 31-Aug. 4, 2008. N=808 likely voters nationwide. MoE ± 3.

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"Do you approve or disapprove of the job President Bush is doing in each of these areas? Handling the economy."

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7/31 - 8/4/08

Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg Poll. June 19-23, 2008. N=1,233 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

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"Would you say the country is better off because of George W. Bush's economic policies than when he became president almost eight years ago, or worse off, or is the country about the same as it was then?"

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6/19-23/08

Quinnipiac University Poll. May 8-12, 2008. N=1,745 registered voters nationwide. MoE ± 2.4.

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"Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling the economy?"

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5/8-12/08

Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg Poll. May 1-8, 2008. N=2,208 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

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"Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling the economy?"

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5/1-8/08

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"As you may know, President Bush and the Democrats in Congress passed an economic stimulus package earlier this year that will provide a tax rebate check of several hundred dollars to most American families. Based on what you have read or heard about this package, do you think it does enough to help economic conditions, does too much, or does not do enough?"

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"As you may know, most taxpayers will receive a rebate check of several hundred dollars from the federal government sometime in the next few months. If you receive a tax rebate, what will you do with that money: spend it on something you need, spend it on something you want but do not need, put it in the bank, invest it or use it to pay off bills?"

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"The government is about to send out tax rebates of up to $600 to people at certain income levels. This would be in addition to any tax refunds people receive from their income taxes this year. Do you think these tax rebate checks will help stimulate the economy, or not?"

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"Do you expect to receive a tax rebate check this year?"

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Asked of those expecting to receive a tax rebate check:
"What do you expect to do with the tax rebate money you receive? Will you spend it, use it to pay bills, or save or invest it?"

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ABC News/Washington Post Poll. April 10-13, 2008. N=1,197 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

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"As you may know, the government is making payments to most workers of several hundred dollars and providing new tax breaks for businesses in order to stimulate the economy. Do you think this will or will not be enough to avoid or soften a recession?"

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"Thinking ahead to the next presidential election, do you think a Democratic or a Republican president would do a better job handling the economy?" Options rotated

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"And when it comes to the economy, do you approve or disapprove or have mixed feelings about the way George W. Bush is handling that issue?"

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CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. March 14-16, 2008. N=1,019 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

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"As you may know, the federal income tax cuts passed into law since George W. Bush became president are set to expire within the next several years. Would you favor or oppose making those tax cuts permanent?"

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3/14-16/08

5/4-6/07

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"As you may know, most taxpayers will receive a rebate check of several hundred dollars from the federal government sometime in the next few months. If you receive a tax rebate, what will you do with that money: spend it, save or invest it, pay off bills, or donate it to charity?"

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3/14-16/08

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"How much confidence do you have in [see below]'s ability to turn around the country's economy . . . ?"

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"People have suggested various ways that the government could act to try to fix the economy. How much do you think each of the following would help fix the country's economic problems: a great deal, some, only a little, or no help at all? . . ."

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"As you may know, the President and Congress are considering providing tax rebate checks of several hundred dollars to people to help improve the economy. If you receive a tax rebate, what will you do with the money? Will you pay off bills, save or invest it, spend it, or donate it to charity?"

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"As you may know, President Bush and the Democrats in the House of Representatives have proposed an economic stimulus package that would provide a tax rebate check of several hundred dollars to most American families. Based on what you have read or heard about this package, do you think it does enough to help economic conditions, does too much, or does not do enough?"

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ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2008. N=1,249 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3 (for all adults).

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"Which political party -- the Democrats or the Republicans -- do you trust to do a better job handling [see below]?" Parties rotated

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The economy

   1/30 - 2/1/08

   12/6-9/07

   10/29 - 11/1/07

   9/27-30/07

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The federal budget deficit Half sample

   1/30 - 2/1/08

   9/27-30/07

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Taxes Half sample

   1/30 - 2/1/08

   10/29 - 11/1/07

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"As you may know, Bush and congressional leaders are planning payments to most workers of several hundred dollars and new tax breaks for businesses in order to stimulate the economy. Do you think this will or will not be enough to avoid or soften a recession?"

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1/30 - 2/1/08

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). Jan. 20-22, 2008. N=1,008 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.1 (for all adults).

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"When it comes to [see below], which party do you think would do a better job: the Democratic Party, the Republican Party, or both about the same? If you think that neither would do a good job, please just say so."

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"Dealing with the economy"

   1/20-22/08

   7/9-11/07

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"Reducing the federal deficit" Half sample, MoE ± 4.4 (Form A)

   1/20-22/08

   7/9-11/07

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"Getting the country out of a recession" Half sample, MoE ± 4.4 (Form B)

   1/20-22/08

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"Dealing with taxes" Half sample, MoE ± 4.4 (Form A)

   1/20-22/08

   7/9-11/07

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"Do you think Congress should or should not pass a tax cut as a way to help stimulate the U.S. economy?" Half sample, MoE ± 4.4 (Form A)

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1/20-22/08

3/01

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"Please tell me which of the following statements comes closer to your point of view when it comes to tax cuts. Statement A: Federal tax cuts have been worth it, because they have helped strengthen the economy by allowing Americans to keep more of their own money. Statement B: Federal tax cuts have NOT been worth it, because they have increased the deficit and caused cuts in government programs." Half sample, MoE ± 4.4 (Form B)

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1/20-22/08

10/8-10/05

3/31 - 4/3/05

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"Now here are some things that the federal government could do to help boost and improve the economy. Please tell me how much impact you think each one would have in helping the economy: a great deal of impact, quite a bit of impact, just some impact, or not much impact. . . ."

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"Lowering taxes for middle- and lower-income taxpayers only"

   1/20-22/08

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"Lowering taxes for all taxpayers"

   1/20-22/08

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"Continuing to raise the minimum wage"

   1/20-22/08

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"Stopping and freezing all subprime mortgage foreclosures for ninety days and creating an automatic rate freeze on subprime mortgages for at least five years"

   1/20-22/08

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"Extending and broadening unemployment insurance to help Americans who are having difficulty finding work"

   1/20-22/08

Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg Poll. Jan. 18-22, 2008. N=1,541 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3 (for all adults).

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"Which do you think is more effective in stimulating the nation's economy: an economic agenda focused on returning money to taxpayers through tax cuts, or an economic agenda focused on spending on such issues as health care and education?"

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ALL adults

  Democrats

  Independents

  Republicans

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"As you may know, economic forecasts predict that the economy will slow considerably this year. I am going to read some of the temporary measures the government is considering to stimulate the economy. Please tell me which one, if any, you think would be the most effective. Would it be maintaining George W. Bush's tax cuts beyond 2010, or a one-time tax rebate of $800 for an individual or $1,600 for a family, or temporary tax breaks for business, or government spending on public projects such as roads and bridges?"

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1/18-22/08

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"Here are some proposals to help the economy. For each one, please tell me whether you favor or oppose it. Let's start with [see below]."

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"Regardless of which political party you support, which party -- the Democrats or Republicans -- would do a better job of keeping the economy healthy?" Options rotated

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"When it comes to dealing with the tough choices involved in deciding on the federal budget for next year, whose approach do you prefer: the Democrats in Congress or President Bush?"

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Pew Research Center for the People & the Press survey conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Oct. 17-23, 2007. N=2,007 adults nationwide. MoE ± 2.5.

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"Which comes closer to your view about the tax cuts passed under President Bush over the past few years? All of the tax cuts should be made permanent. Tax cuts for the wealthy should be repealed, while others stay in place. OR, All of the tax cuts should be repealed."

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%

%

%

%

10/17-23/07

24

31

30

15

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Sept. 27-30, 2007. N=1,114 adults nationwide. Fieldwork by TNS.

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"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Bush is handling the federal budget deficit?" Half sample

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9/27-30/07

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"Which political party -- the Democrats or the Republicans -- do you trust to do a better job handling the federal budget deficit?" Parties rotated. Half sample.

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9/27-30/07

CBS News. June 26-28, 2007. N=836 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

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"Members of Congress sometimes add provisions to legislation that include government spending projects for their own home states and districts, sometimes known as 'earmarks' or 'pork.' Do you think this practice is generally acceptable or not acceptable?"

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%

%

%

%

6/26-28/07

23

67

3

7

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"Do you feel you pay more than your fair share in federal income taxes, less than your fair share, or is the amount you pay about right?"

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%

%

%

%

%

4/9-12/07

37

1

55

5

2

4/06

34

1

58

4

3

Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg Poll. April 5-9, 2007. N=1,373 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

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"As you may know, President Bush's tax cuts are scheduled to expire in 2010. Those who want to make the tax cuts permanent say they stimulate the economy and provide more long term growth. Those who oppose making the tax cuts permanent say they increase the budget deficit at a time when billions of dollars are being spent on the war in Iraq. Are you in favor of, or opposed to, making Bush's tax cuts permanent?" Options rotated

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%

%

%

4/5-9/07

44

41

15

CBS News Poll. Jan. 1-3, 2007. N=993 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

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"With the Democrats in control of Congress, do you think your taxes will go up, go down or stay about the same?"

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%

%

%

%

1/1-3/07

39

8

48

5

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). June 9-12, 2006. N=1,002 adults nationwide.

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"I'm going to read you some positions that someone running for Congress could take. For each one, please tell me whether you would be more likely to vote for a candidate for Congress who takes this position, less likely to vote for this candidate, or would it not make a difference to you either way? . . ."

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"Favors repealing the estate tax" Registered voters, half sample (Form A)

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"Favors making the recent capital gains tax cuts permanent" Registered voters, half sample (Form B)

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"Please tell me whether you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling certain aspects of his job. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Bush is handling [see below]?"

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"The federal budget deficit"

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"Taxes"

USA Today/Gallup Poll. April 28-30, 2006. N=1,011 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

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"As you may know, members of Congress sometimes insert provisions, known as 'earmarks,' into bills that direct federal spending to projects in their home states or districts. What should Congress do about the practice of earmarking? Should it significantly restrict the ability of members to place earmarks in bills, allow members to place earmarks in bills as they do now but require full disclosure of it, or not change the rules on earmarking?" Options rotated

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FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll. April 4-5, 2006. N=900 registered voters nationwide. MoE ± 3.

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"Do you think the amount you have paid or will pay in taxes this year is more, less or about the same amount you paid last year?"

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4/4-5/06

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"How much of the money you pay in taxes do you think is spent on government programs that you personally favor and support . . . ?"

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"After federal taxes are collected from the American public, do you think Congress thinks of the money more as taxpayer money to spend carefully or as their money to spend as they wish?"

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Pew Research Center survey conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Jan. 4-8, 2006. Adults nationwide.

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"As you may know, in 2001 President Bush and Congress significantly reduced taxes on investment income such as capital gains and profits from stock dividends. In your view, should these tax cuts be extended into the future, or not?" N=755, MoE ± 4 (Form 2)

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Pew Research Center for the People & the Press survey conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Oct. 6-10, 2005. N=1,500 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

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"Considering what the president and Congress need to deal with, do you think reducing the budget deficit should be a top priority, important but lower priority, not too important or does it not need to be addressed this year?"

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"Would you favor or oppose [see below] as a way to reduce the budget deficit?"

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"Raising taxes"

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"Lowering defense and military spending"

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"Lowering domestic spending"

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"And do you think the Republican Party or the Democratic Party could do a better job of reducing the federal budget deficit?"

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Gallup Poll. April 4-7, 2005. Adults nationwide.

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"Which do you think is the worst tax, that is, the least fair: federal income tax, federal Social Security tax, state income tax, state sales tax, or local property tax?" Form A (N=503, MoE ± 5)

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"Which do you think is the worst tax, that is, the least fair: federal income tax, federal Social Security tax, state income tax, state sales tax, or local property tax?" Options rotated. Form B (N=507, MoE ± 5).

NBC News poll conducted by Blum & Weprin Associates. April 3-5, 2005. N=800 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.5.

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"When it comes to who pays what in taxes, do you think the federal income tax system is basically fair or basically unfair?" Options rotated

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"Which tax system would you prefer: a system like the one we now have, with higher rates for people with higher incomes, or a flat tax with the same rate for everyone and no deductions allowed?" Options rotated

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"How good a job do you think the IRS does in enforcing the tax laws so that everyone pays what they should pay? Would you say it does an excellent job, a good job, not too good a job, or a poor job of enforcing the tax laws so that everyone pays what they should pay?"

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"Do you think corporations pay more than their fair share, less than their fair share, or just about their fair share in federal income taxes?"

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