Americans Blame Republicans for Government Shutdown

Strategic Insights -

A CNN-USA Today-Gallup Poll released November 15 shows a nearly 2-to-1 ratio of Americans blaming Republican leaders instead of President Clinton for the partial government shutdown. The poll, taken on the first day of the shutdown, finds 49% of respondents blame the GOP leaders, 26% blame Clinton, and 19% say both are responsible. The survey also reveals that 48% of those questioned approve of the way Clinton has handled the budget negotiations, while only 22% support House Speaker Newt Gingrich's handling of the situation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The poll shows a nearly 2-to-1 ratio of Americans blaming Republican leaders for the government shutdown, with 49% blaming the GOP leaders and 26% blaming President Clinton.
  • 48% of respondents approve of the way Clinton has handled the budget negotiations, while only 22% support House Speaker Newt Gingrich's handling of the situation.
  • The poll found that 50% of respondents would vote for Clinton, while 42% would vote for Senate Republican leader Bob Dole.
  • Americans are divided on which party is doing a better job in handling budget cuts, with 49% crediting the Democrats and 36% saying the Republicans are doing a better job.
  • When comparing priorities, 48% of respondents choose protecting Medicare over balancing the budget, while 38% prioritize balancing the budget.
  • Most Americans do not view the government shutdown as a national crisis, with only 11% calling it a crisis and 40% calling it a major problem.
  • 61% of respondents are angry over the budget impasse, while 36% say they are not angry.

Statistics:

  • 49% of respondents blame the GOP leaders for the government shutdown.
  • 26% of respondents blame President Clinton for the government shutdown.
  • 48% of those questioned approve of the way Clinton has handled the budget negotiations.
  • 22% of respondents support House Speaker Newt Gingrich's handling of the budget situation.
  • 50% of respondents would vote for Clinton.
  • 42% of respondents would vote for Senate Republican leader Bob Dole.
  • 49% of Americans credit the Democrats with doing a better job in handling budget cuts.
  • 36% of Americans say the Republicans are doing a better job in handling budget cuts.
  • 48% of respondents choose protecting Medicare over balancing the budget.
  • 38% of respondents prioritize balancing the budget.
  • 11% of respondents view the government shutdown as a crisis.
  • 40% of respondents view the government shutdown as a major problem.
  • 61% of respondents are angry over the budget impasse.

Sources:

  • CNN-USA Today-Gallup Poll, November 15
  • 652 adults were surveyed, with a margin of plus or minus 4 percentage points.