WASHINGTON - A solid plurality of the American public supports the economic stimulus plan that President-elect Barack Obama has proposed, according to the latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll.
But the public also is concerned that the stimulus’ price tag might be too expensive and would increase the U.S. deficit.
According to the poll, 43 percent believe the stimulus is a good idea, compared to 27 percent who think it’s a bad one, and 24 percent who don't have an opinion.
Eighty-nine percent support the creation of new jobs through increased production of renewable energy (as well as making public buildings and schools more energy efficient). And 85 percent think it’s a good idea to generate jobs through the repair and construction of roads and bridges.
In addition, 67 percent approve of the the tax cuts in the stimulus plan, and 65 percent agree with the expansion of unemployment insurance and government-assisted health insurance.
The NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll — taken of 1,007 adults (101 reached by cell phone) from Jan. 9-12, and which has an overall margin of error of plus-minus 3.1 percentage points — comes after a few bumps in Obama’s otherwise smooth transition to power.
But these haven’t stopped Obama from continuing to enjoy a honeymoon with the public since winning the presidential contest last November.
In the poll, 71 percent say they approve of the way Obama is handling his transition — a number virtually unchanged from last month’s survey.
Also, 66 percent view Obama positively, versus just 14 percent who see him in a negative light. And while 55 percent say they like Obama personally and approve of most of his policies, an additional 22 percent say they like him personally but disapprove of his policies.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28657844/
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