New Gallup Poll Shows Americans Support Major Elements Of Obama Compromise

A Gallup poll shows Americans support both extending the tax cuts for the rich for two years and extension of unemployment benefits, the major elements of the deal President Obama made with Republicans. (h/t Plumline)

This differs slightly from a November Gallup poll giving Americans three options for extending the Bush tax cuts. That poll found 40% in favor of extending the tax cuts for all Americans, 44% in favor of extending them with limits on tax breaks for the wealthy, and 13% in favor of letting the tax breaks expire altogether. Nevertheless, the results of the new question suggest that, while the compromise position on taxes may not be their ideal, most Americans would support congressional passage of it.

In terms of extending unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed, more rank-and-file Republicans say they would vote against this than for it; however, the vast majority of independents and Democrats are in favor.

A new Bloomberg poll, however, shows that most Americans don’t support retaining the tax breaks for the rich.

The survey, conducted before, during and after the tax negotiations, shows that only a third support keeping the lower rates for the highest earners, and less than half of those respondents say the breaks for the wealthy should last for a shorter period than cuts for the middle class. Overall, two- thirds of those polled favor a permanent extension of the lower rates for the middle class.

More than a fourth say all the tax cuts should be allowed to expire Dec. 31, as scheduled.

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.