Poll Reveals Who Americans Will Blame for Potential Government Shutdown
NPR, PBS News, and Marist’s new poll indicates which political party Americans blame most for a probable federal government shutdown. If Congress doesn’t agree, the money will run out at 12:01 a.m. ET on Wednesday. Political events are worrying more people, according to the study. In the study, 38% blamed Republicans for a shutdown and 27% blamed Democrats. An additional 31% would hold both parties equally accountable.
Problems stem from differences about government spending, healthcare, and tax policy. To finish budget bills, House Republicans want to keep the government open for seven more weeks. However, Democrats want to prolong the Affordable Care Act’s tax payments past year’s end. Medicaid cuts from Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” in the summer are also wanted reversed.
The report shows that people are furious that neither party will cooperate. A 71-year-old Nebraska independent said, “Neither one wants to compromise.” Republicans want to hurt Democrats and Democrats want to hurt Republicans, therefore things are bad. “They’re fighting like two little kids,” she said. Many believe that politics hinders government administration and postpones crucial decisions.
It’s unclear whether House leaders should cave, even among party members. Most Democrats and independents want to prevent a shutdown, but most Republicans won’t change. Even after senators and former President Donald Trump met publicly, politics is worsening. Despite not wanting the government to shut down, Trump has attacked Democrats’ handling of the issue.
In addition, 33% of Americans blame both parties for a shutdown, according to a New York Times-Siena College study. 26% blame Trump and Republicans in Congress, while 19% blame Democrats. 47% of Democratic voters would support a government shutdown if they didn’t get their policies.
NPR/PBS also polled individuals about Congress’s performance. 77% of congressional Republicans were satisfied with their party’s efforts, compared to 35% of all respondents and 9% of Democrats. However, 25% of people enjoyed what Congress Democrats done, while 62% didn’t. 41% supported President Trump. The lowest number of his second term. Fifty-three percent disagreed. As a government shutdown approaches, these data indicate how divided parties are and how dissatisfied voters are with their leaders.
The poll was administered to 1,477 Americans from September 22 to 26. Poll error is +/- 3.1 percentage points. As the federal government nears bankruptcy, both political groupings are under pressure to make an agreement. Voters already assign blame.
Sources
NPR/PBS News/Marist
New York Times/Siena College
NJ Advance Media
