Poll: Cutting unemployment is more important than cutting deficit

[Scurrilous]

<snip>

"According to a new poll, American voters say that reducing unemployment is more important than cutting the federal budget deficit, taking the Democratic side in what is expected to be an ongoing debate in this midterm election year.

By a ratio of better than 2-to-1 -- 64% to 30% -- the poll respondents said that reducing employment is the priority, according to the Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday. The national unemployment rate is about 9.5%."

<snip>

"The economy is usually the main national issue in any election and is expected to be so again this year as Republicans seek to wrest control of Congress from the Democrats. The GOP has been arguing that controlling the deficit is the most important fiscal issue, while Democrats have pushed helping the unemployed by extending jobless benefits.

The new poll raises some questions about the GOP strategy. By 58% to 38%, even Republican respondents said that reducing unemployment is more important."

<snip>

"The good news for Democrats, however, is that poll respondents seem to accept a key party argument that the Republican Bush administration is to blame for the recession. A 53%-25% majority blame former President George W. Bush more than Obama for the current economic conditions, according to the poll."

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dcnow/2010/07/poll-cutting-unemployment-is-more-important-than-cutting-deficit.html

[liberal N proud]

1. That should be a no brainer

But those who don't use their brains can't seem to see that.

[jtown1123]

2. Obviously

If more people are employed, the deficit gets smaller! It's rocket science to Congress, apparently.

[laughingliberal]

3. Duh! But don't expect the Republicans or the Blue Dogs to acknowledge it.

Good news that the public holds Bush responsible for the recession. Now, can we roll back his failing economic policies (hint: tax cuts for the wealthy)?

[leftstreet]

4. Do we know how respondents defined 'unemployment?'

Many people think 'unemployment' means weekly benefits. "Bob's on unemployment."

Just wondering because our esteemed leaders keep throwing out the UNEMPLOYED ARE LAZY! meme to see if it'll stick.

:shrug: