Poll Tracker

Probing further into public opinion, Gallup said 52 percent of Americans would favor aid if one or more of the auto companies were certain to fail, compared to 42 percent who would still oppose it.

Republicans oppose the general idea of major financial assistance by 65 percent to 31 percent, independents by 52 percent to 40 percent while Democrats favor helping the companies by 56 percent to 39 percent.

Gallup also found, in a separate analysis, that 65 percent blame the auto executives for their problems, 34 percent blame the auto unions, 29 percent single out the current recession, 17 percent blame government laws and regulations affecting the industry and 15 percent point the finger at Americans who buy foreign cars. Unsurprisingly, an overwhelming majority of Democrats blame the executives while labor unions are the biggest villains in the eyes of Republicans.

In the CBS poll, two-thirds or more say the government should have a say in the automakers' management in exchange for aid and that the industry should be required to manufacture more alternative-fuel cars.

Like the Gallup poll, most of the onus for the industry's woes is placed on its executives. Fifty-six percent blame them compared to 28 percent who point to conditions beyond the companies' control.