Poll Finds Voters Agree Rising National Debt Is a Major Concern

June 11, 2019 by Dan McCue
Poll Finds Voters Agree Rising National Debt Is a Major Concern

WASHINGTON – Whether they describe themselves as Republicans, Democrats, or supporters of a third party, America’s voters believe the nation’s ability to address important issues is inextricably tied to the national debt, a new poll finds.

The poll, released Tuesday as part of 2019 Fiscal Summit presented by the Peter G. Petersen Foundation, was jointly conducted by the Global Strategy Group, a Democratic polling firm, and North Star Opinion Research, a Republican polling firm.

The pollsters found that 92% of voters agree that managing the national debt will “lead to a better future for the next generation of Americans,” with 71% of respondents saying they strongly agree with that statement.

The belief also strongly crossed party lines, with 92% of Democrats, 94% of Republicans and 91% of Independent voters agreeing future generations of Americans will be better off if the national debt is addressed.

Among younger voters, those age 18-34, 95% agree that managing the debt will lead to a better future. This included 76% of younger voters who “strongly agree.”

A large majority of voters, 86%, agreed “managing the debt will make the economy more stable.” Again, voters across party lines agreed, with 86% of Democrats, 87% of Republicans, and 85% of Independents subscribing to that belief.

Voters also overwhelmingly said they view the national debt as a national security issue and a determinant of America’s standing in the world. A strong 79% agreed “managing the debt will strengthen American’s standing as a world leader.” This sentiment was shared by 77% of Democrats, 80% of Republicans, and 81% of Independents.

Similarly, 76% of voters agreed that “managing the debt will strengthen our national security.” This belief was shared by 73% of Democrats, 83% of Republicans and 81% of Independents.

The solvency of major federal programs — including Social Security and Medicare — was also identified as a priority for voters.

Eight in ten voters (80%) agreed that “managing the debt will help ensure that Social Security will have funding in the future,” while 79% said the same of Medicare.

Large majorities of voters recognized that managing the national debt will increase the country’s ability to make investments in infrastructure (81% agree), education (79% agree), and health care (72% agree).

The poll was a live telephone survey of 1,001 registered voters nationwide conducted between May 20 and 23, 2019. It has a margin of error of +/- 3.1%.

A+
a-
  • National Debt
  • Peter G. Petersen Foundation
  • In The News

    Health

    Voting

    Economy

    Inflation Slowed Further in December as Economic 'Soft Landing' Moves Into Sharper Focus

    WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge cooled further last month even as the economy kept growing briskly, a... Read More

    WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge cooled further last month even as the economy kept growing briskly, a trend sure to be welcomed at the White House as President Joe Biden seeks re-election in a race that could pivot on his economic stewardship. Friday’s... Read More

    Americans' Economic Outlook Brightens as Inflation Slows and Wages Outpace Prices

    WASHINGTON (AP) — After an extended period of gloom, Americans are starting to feel better about inflation and the economy —... Read More

    WASHINGTON (AP) — After an extended period of gloom, Americans are starting to feel better about inflation and the economy — a trend that could sustain consumer spending, fuel economic growth and potentially affect President Joe Biden's political fortunes. A measure of consumer sentiment by the University of Michigan has... Read More

    Some Americans Will Get Their Student Loans Canceled in February as Biden Accelerates New Plan

    WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration will start canceling student loans for some borrowers in February as part of a new... Read More

    WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration will start canceling student loans for some borrowers in February as part of a new repayment plan that's taking effect nearly six months ahead of schedule. Loan forgiveness was originally set to begin in July under the new SAVE repayment plan, but... Read More

    In Milwaukee, Biden Looks to Highlight Progress for Black-Owned Small Businesses

    WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is aiming to use a visit to the battleground state of Wisconsin on Wednesday... Read More

    WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is aiming to use a visit to the battleground state of Wisconsin on Wednesday to spotlight a surge in federal government support for Black-owned small businesses during his White House tenure and to highlight his administration's efforts to ramp up... Read More

    Wall Street Rises on Hopes for Rate Cuts, as Dow Ticks Toward Another Record

    NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street is ticking higher Thursday following its big rally the day before on excitement that... Read More

    NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street is ticking higher Thursday following its big rally the day before on excitement that several cuts to interest rates may indeed be coming next year. The S&P 500 was 0.3% higher in morning trading and within 1.5% of its all-time... Read More

    Biden to Convene New Supply Chain Council, Announce 30 Steps to Strengthen US Logistics

    WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Monday will convene the first meeting of his supply chain resilience council, using the event... Read More

    WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Monday will convene the first meeting of his supply chain resilience council, using the event to announce 30 actions to improve access to medicine and needed economic data and other programs tied to the production and shipment of goods. “We’re determined... Read More

    News From The Well
    scroll top