Watch Your Language
Much has been made over the last day about the 79% of Americans who favor Pres.-Elect Barack Obama's economic stimulus package. This figure, which hails from an Allstate/Politico poll conducted by Dem pollster Garin-Hart-Yang Research Group, was released 1/8 a.m. and includes a striking 55% who "strongly favor" the plan.
If these numbers seem high, it may have to do with how the question was asked:
"The Obama administration is considering a proposal to create jobs and strengthen the economy. It would cut taxes for the middle class, make major investments in the country's infrastructure, reform health care to make it more affordable and accessible to all Americans, and reduce America's dependence on foreign oil. Do you strongly favor, somewhat favor, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose this proposal?"
Gallup meanwhile released a similar poll 1/8 p.m. which found only 53% favor the stimulus plan. Their question, more measured in its wording, includes the $775B price tag associated with the stimulus package but does not mention elements of the proposal:
"Do you favor or oppose Congress passing a new $775-billion dollar economic stimulus program as soon as possible after Barack Obama takes office?"
After presenting the proposal without details, Gallup does find 72% favor "Income tax cuts of $500 for individuals and $1,000 for couples for most Americans" and 78% favor "Creating new jobs with major new government spending on the nation's infrastructure, such as bridges, highways and power grids" as part of the economic stimulus package.
These proposed policies -- both elements of the longer Allstate/Politico question -- test significantly better than the plan itself.
The Allstate/Politico survey was conducted 12/27-29 among 1,007 RVs and has margin of error +/- 3.1%; the Gallup poll was conducted 1/6-7 among 2,049 adults and has margin of error +/- 2.2%.
(MATTHEW GOTTLIEB)