It gets more and more complicated, particularly for Republicans. More and more of their own voters are showing a preference for Obama. We know that from recent polls that the particulars of the president's job proposals find significant support from Republican voters.
Now a Gallup poll underlines those findings. Greg Sargent reports:
...When Gallup asked about the provisions within the jobs bill, Republicans and Republican leaners supported them — even though the question mentioned Obama’s name:
* Fifty-six percent of of Republicans and GOP leaners support providing additional funds to hire public employees.
* Fifty-three percent of Republicans and GOP-leaners support increasing taxes on corporations by eliminating some deductions (which GOP leaders have derided as “class warfare”).
* Fifty percent of Republicans and GOP leaners support providing additional funds for public works projects, including school repair.
* Eighty four percent of Republicans and GOP leaners support providing tax cuts for small businesses, including hiring incentives.
Reupblicans do oppose extending unemployment insurance and raising taxes on wealthy individuals. Unsurprisingly, the proposal that gets far and away the most Republican support are the tax cuts. But the spending proposals, and the elimination of corporate loopholes, have Republican support, too. As Gallup put it: “at least half of Republicans favor four of the six proposals tested.”
Also: Forty percent of Republicans think the overall bill would help create jobs.
As Sargent says, Congress won't be moved by these findings. But their dismissal of Obama's proposals could cost them a lot more than they anticipate.
