Public Supports Government Action on Crisis, but 61 Percent Are Angry

September 30, 2008 10:03 AM | | Comments (0)

Americans support the idea of the government committing billions of dollars to secure the nation's financial institutions by 45 percent to 38 percent in a survey conducted Sept. 27-29 by the Pew Research Center but that number is way down from the 57 percent to 30 percent majority such a proposal enjoyed a week ago. Republicans and Democrats backed the idea by about the same margins but independents were more evenly split at 42 percent to 40 percent in favor. The biggest fall-off in support was among Republicans (15 percent) compared to Democrats (10 percent) and independents (12 percent).

(See also the Washington Post/ABC News poll on public reaction that we posted earlier).

Sixty-one percent of all voters said they were angry about the government having to commit billions of the Wall St. rescue, a view shared by majorities in both parties and among independents. Half of voters describe thesemlves as "scared," 43 percent as "confused" and 29 percent as "optimistic."

Seventy-two percent are "very concerned" about "letting those who are responsible off the hook," a sentiment that cuts across party lines, especially among Republicans. Sixty-three percent believe that government action won't fix the things that caused the problem in the first place, and 54 percent say the government plans won't do enough for homeowners in trouble. There was a big difference on the homeowner question between Republicans and Democrats with 37 percent of Republicans expressing that concern about homeowners compared to 66 percent of Democrats.

Voters say by 46 percent to 33 percent that Barack Obama, not John McCain, could best address the current financial problems.

As for their views of Congress, 32 percent say it is taking too much time debating, 22 percent say it is being too hasty and 37 percent say lawmakers are giving the crisis the right amount of consideration.

Categories: Economy, Pew Research Center

Tags: McCain Bush bailout

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