Gallup Poll on Spending Cuts

Americans love government spending cuts in theory. That is until cuts are proposed to government programs they support. The latest Gallup Poll shows Republican and Democratic voters support spending for Social Security, anti-poverty programs, and Medicare. There is agreement on spending cuts for foreign aid (which Sec. of State Hillary Clinton won't let happen) and farm subsidies.



An unsurprising finding is only 16 percent of all voters support shutting down the government if President Obama and Congress can't come to adeficit reduction and raising the debt ceiling compromise. Sec. of Treasury Robert Rubin was worried that not raising the debt ceiling could unleash havoc on international finances. Rubin borrowed money from federal pension funds to keep government running.

Newt Gingrich's government shutdown was a political gift to President Bill Clinton. Contrary to popular believe: Clinton didn't magically shoot up in the polls. The American people did view Clinton more favorably than Gingrich. Short answer: if the newly elected Tea Party Republicans shut down government they will be helping Obama get a second term.