2013-02-20-皮尤-If_No_Deal_is_Struck,_Four-in-Ten_Say_Let_the_Sequester_Happen_36页_507kb

Summary of Pew Research Center/USA TODAY Survey (February 13-18, 2013)

Core Content

The survey explores public opinion on deficit reduction, immigration, gun control, and climate change. It highlights the political divide on these issues and the general preference for a balanced approach to deficit reduction, with a focus on spending cuts over tax increases.

Main Findings

Deficit Reduction

• Public Awareness: Only 27% of Americans have heard a lot about the March 1 sequester deadline, with 43% having heard a little and 29% nothing at all.
• Blame for No Deal: If no deficit reduction agreement is reached, 49% of Americans would blame GOP leaders, while 31% would blame President Obama.
• Preferred Approach: 76% of the public believes deficit reduction should include both spending cuts and tax increases, with 73% favoring spending cuts as the main focus.
• Partisan Views:
  • 42% of Republicans favor only spending cuts.
  • 90% of Democrats support a combination of spending cuts and tax increases.
  • 76% of independents also support a mixed approach.
• Majority Support for Legislation: 70% of the public (81% of Republicans, 65% of Democrats, 70% of independents) say major deficit legislation is essential this year.

Immigration

• Priority for Action: 51% of the public believes major immigration legislation is essential this year.
• Policy Priorities:
  • 47% favor a dual approach (border security and path to citizenship).
  • 25% each prefer border security or a path to citizenship.
• Partisan Differences:
  • 50% of the public (including 73% of Hispanics) believe Obama has a better approach to immigration.
  • 33% favor congressional Republicans.
• Demographic Trends:
  • Hispanics show strong support for Obama's immigration policy.
  • Blacks also support Obama by a margin of 77% to 13%.
  • Whites are more divided, with 39% favoring Obama and 42% favoring GOP leaders.

Gun Control

• Public Opinion:
  • 50% say controlling gun ownership is more important than protecting the right to own guns.
  • There has been little change in public attitudes since the Newtown shootings.
• Partisan Divide:
  • 71% of Democrats say major gun legislation is essential this year.
  • Only 19% of Republicans agree.
• Policy Support:
  • 83% favor background checks for private sales and gun shows.
  • 56% support a ban on assault-style weapons.
  • 53% support a ban on high-capacity ammunition clips.
• Demographic Trends:
  • Democrats are more supportive of gun control measures.
  • Republicans are more supportive of protecting gun rights.

Climate Change

• Energy Priorities:
  • 54% of Americans prefer developing alternative energy sources (wind, solar, hydrogen) over expanding fossil fuel production.
• Emission Standards:
  • 62% support stricter emission limits on power plants.
  • 28% oppose.
• Partisan Divide:
  • Only 34% of Republicans support stricter emission standards.
  • 47% of Democrats and 46% of independents support them.
• Legislation Support:
  • 46% of the public (including 47% of Democrats and 46% of independents) say new climate change policies are essential this year.
  • 15% of those opposing stricter emission standards say no action should be taken.

Key Information

• The public generally supports a combination of spending cuts and tax increases for deficit reduction.
• A balanced approach is preferred over either spending cuts or tax increases alone.
• There is a significant partisan gap in views on the sequester, with Republicans more likely to support it if no deal is struck.
• Immigration is seen as an essential issue by the public, with a preference for a dual approach.
• Gun control remains a divisive issue, with Democrats more supportive of legislation and Republicans more focused on gun rights.
• Climate change policies are supported by a majority, especially those involving alternative energy and stricter emission standards.

Summary Table

This survey provides insight into the public's stance on key policy issues, highlighting the need for legislative action on the budget deficit and the deep partisan divides on immigration, gun control, and climate change.