Poll: Americans Want GOP, Dems to Compromise
CBS News Poll analysis by the CBS News Polling Unit: Sarah Dutton, Jennifer De Pinto, Fred Backus and Anthony Salvanto.
The 2010 midterm elections marked a historic loss for President Obama's Democratic party, and although the Republicans now control the House of Representatives, the public wants them to work with the president and compromise in order to get things done.
Americans' desire to see Republicans and Democrats put the bickering aside and get some work done extends across both parties, with a substantial 72 percent of those polled by CBS News saying the GOP members of Congress should make trade offs in order to get things accomplished.
Only 21 percent of those surveyed (and only 32 percent of Republicans) said Republican lawmakers should stick to their positions, even if it means not getting as much done.
Even most Tea Party supporters -- who overwhelmingly backed Republican House candidates -- said compromise should be the primary focus of Congress. Thirty-eight percent of those expressing support for the conservative grassroots movement said Republicans should stick to their guns, however.
Americans are also keen to see President Obama compromise; 78 percent of the public (and 88 percent of Republicans) said Mr. Obama should be willing to make compromises if that's what it takes to get the government's work done. Only 16 percent of those polled said he should stick closely to his positions.
Mr. Obama's overall job approval rating, meanwhile, remained unchanged in the latest CBS News Poll, which was conducted following the Nov. 2 midterm election. An equal portion of those asked, 45 percent, said they approved and disapproved of the president's handling of the nation's top job. Americans have been divided, in almost exact portions, in their views of Mr. Obama for months.
A similar number of people, 46 percent, said they approved of how the Commander in Chief was handling foreign policy matters, while 37 percent voiced disapproval.
Read More CBS News Political Polls
Is Either Party Serious about Cutting the Deficit?
"60 Minutes:" Obama On The Political Price of The Election
Obama and the GOP Prepare for the 2012 Fight
60 Minutes Overtime: The Full Obama Interview
Also, last week's election results don't appear to have had a significant impact on Americans' views of either political party. The public remains divided in its perception of the Republican and Democratic parties. Despite the gains of last week, the GOP is viewed favorably by 42 percent of those polled, while slightly more, 48 percent, view them unfavorably. Views of the Democratic Party are slightly more positive, but still mixed (46 percent favorable; 46 unfavorable).
This poll was conducted among a random sample of 1,137 adults nationwide, interviewed by telephone November 7-10, 2010. Phone numbers were dialed from RDD samples of both standard land-lines and cell phones. The error due to sampling for results based on the entire sample could be plus or minus three percentage points. The error for subgroups is higher. This poll release conforms to the Standards of Disclosure of the National Council on Public Polls.
Popular in Politics
- Michelle Obama decries "slander" that educated blacks are "trying to act white" Play Video
- Adviser on White House scandals: "Partisan fishing expeditions" won't distract Obama 172 Comments
- Benghazi-disciplined diplomat a prolific poet
- Romney condemns "breach of trust" in Washington
- Obama: Racism is no excuse for not excelling Play Video
- Republicans continue beating Benghazi drum 110 Comments
- Officials on Benghazi: "We made mistakes, but without malice"
- Obama to discuss legality of drone program
Why would anyone want to compromise with insane and arrogant, fox political network parrots, much more willing to wrap themselves in our American flag and call themselves patriots, with a gun in one hand and a bible in the other?
"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross."
Pahgre, I went back and read some of your posts and I may have to apolize for calling you and idiot earlier. But why would you make a statement like this?
Because if you ask people particulars, like would you like to see Pres. Obama compromise away his pledge to not extend the Bush tax cuts if in return the GOP don't agree not to continue to make repeal of healthcare a central issue, but nevertheless have less of a leg to stand on by accepting the extension of the Bush tax cuts because both programs cost as much, you think 73% of people would agree that that's what they meant? I don't think Dems would be happy that Pres. Obama didn't try to up the number to maybe $500,000 instead, and also seek to get assurance from the Repubs not to waste time fruitlessly trying to repeal healthcare. And conversely, wouldn't Repubs be upset that Pres. Obama isn't willing to roll back at least part of healthcare to pay for the extension of the Bush tax cuts?
Or what about that proposal to scale back Social Security to help reduce the deficit - even if that gets bipartisan support from Congress, is it likely to get 75% support from the electorate? Or more like 35%?
And what about proposals that would truly have bipartisan support from the electorate in the 75% range, like lowering the pay of Congress to the national average salary of like $50,000. How come stuff like that is never on the table?
Just some random thoughts ...
So, why not just divorce each other. It would make life easier. Everyone would be happy!
And I am all about adapting our laws to a changing world. So were the Founders. They gave us a way to do that...the amendment process. That is the ONLY way.
"How about for those of us who aren't extremists or partisan drones such as yourself?... And I'm not giving up one bit of my country for the likes of those like you who would be happy seeing it destroyed."
Thanks for the hypocrisy, slappy.
In the meantime, if someone else wants to talk but cant draw in enough audience to make money, the station should be under no obligation to put them on.
The market drives who is on.