2013-01-23-皮尤-Deficit_Reduction_Rises_on_Public_s_Agenda_for_Obama_s_Second_Term_18页_167kb

Public Policy Priorities: Shifts from 2009 to 2013

Overview

The report from Pew Research Center, based on a national survey conducted January 9-13, 2013, examines changes in public policy priorities since President Obama's first term began in 2009. A key finding is the significant increase in focus on reducing the budget deficit, now seen as a top priority by 72% of Americans compared to 53% four years prior. Despite this rise, other domestic issues like the economy and jobs retain high priority.

Key Changes in Priority

• Deficit Reduction: Public concern with the budget deficit surged, driven by both Republican and Democratic increases (84% among Republicans and 67% among Democrats versus prior percentages).
• Education Focus: Interest in improving education rose notably, with 70% viewing it as a top priority, up from 61% in 2009.
• Social Security and Medicare: Both remain high priorities, with 70% supporting steps to make Social Security sound and 73% for Medicare.
• Poverty and Crime: Dealing with poverty issues and reducing crime saw priority increases, with 57% and 55% respectively.
• Other Shifts: Environmental protection and energy issues lost some ground, with global warming barely changing in importance.

Partisan Differences

• Republicans: Emphasize deficit reduction, military strength, and have narrower views on issues like gun control and environment.
• Democrats: Prioritize education, environment, health care costs, and social issues like poverty, with wider agreement on ranks.
• Independents: Show moderate increases in concern for deficits and the environment but align more with Democratic gaps.

Historical Context

• Compared to George W. Bush's terms, Democrats now prioritize deficit reduction less often, reversing trends from the 1990s. Gun control's priority has declined since 2001, coinciding with changes in societal attitudes and demographics.

Summary Conclusions

The analysis highlights divergent public and partisan priorities, with deficit reduction becoming a cross-aisle issue while some long-standing concerns like education have gained traction. Partisan divides remain pronounced, particularly on environment and health care.