Poll: U.S. On Wrong Track

Iraq, Economy Named Top Concerns; Bush, Congress Get Low Marks

(CBS) 
SOCIAL SECURITY
Americans’ uneasiness about the president’s handling of Social Security may stem from their less-than-enthusiastic support for his plan to partially privatize the system. Forty-five percent now say allowing individuals to invest a portion of their Social Security taxes themselves is a good idea, but slightly more — 49 percent — say it is a bad idea. Views on the president’s plan have not changed since January, despite active campaigning for it by the president and other Republicans.

ALLOWING PEOPLE TO INVEST THEIR SOCIAL SECURITY TAXES IS:

Good idea
Now 45%
2/2005 43%
1/2005 45%
1/2002 54%
6/2001 48%

Bad idea
Now 49%
2/2005 51%
1/2005 50%
1/2002 39%
6/2001 46%

Men, Republicans and those in higher income brackets favor partially privatizing Social Security, while women, Democrats and lower income Americans oppose the idea. Also, those under age 45 are more likely than older Americans to say private accounts are a good idea.

While Americans may not be ready to embrace Bush’s plan, half do not think Social Security will have enough money available to provide them with the benefits they expect for their retirement. This belief it not new, however; it has been the same for many years.

WILL SOCIAL SECURITY PROVIDE YOU WITH RETIREMENT BENEFITS?

Yes
Now 36%
1/2002 34%
3/1995 35%
6/1981 30%

No
Now 51%
1/2002 46%
3/1995 53%
6/1981 54%