Obama is on the publics side of almost every issue tonight.

[Renew Deal]

I find the grand pronouncements about Obama being a 1 termer hilaroius. I was curious if Obama was on the "popular" side of each of these issues. The big ones are the tax cuts for people making under 250K. Tax cuts for Billionaires. Estate Tax. Unemployment.

It turns out that he is. This is a poll from a couple weeks ago.

Of those issues, the survey found Americans are most concerned with the estate tax, as 56% of respondents indicated that it was "very important" for the lame-duck Congress to pass legislation that would keep the tax "from increasing significantly next year."

Respondents ranked "extending some form of the federal income tax cuts passed under George W. Bush" as the second most important issue for the lame-duck Congress, with 50% suggesting it was a very important issue. The extension of unemployment benefits was ranked as the third most important issue, as 48% of respondents deemed it a very important issue for Congress to act on.

Addressing non-economic issues in a timely fashion appears to be less important to Americans, according to the findings. Forty percent of respondents stressed the importance of ratifying the START treaty with Russia, which the Obama administration is keen on passing during this lame-duck session. Only 32% believe the issue of gays in the military is a very important issue to address before year's end, and 31% of respondents see "passing legislation that would allow illegal immigrants brought to the U.S. as children to gain legal residence status if they join the military or go to college" as an important issue of a timely nature.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/11/usa-todaygallup-poll-americans-believe-tax-issues-should-be-top-priority-for-lame-duck-congress.php

The drama about Obama being a dead end one termer doesn't match up with the people's will. Now I admit that a lot of the people are idiots for making the estate tax #1, but it is what it is.

[KansasVoter]

1. So you think we will get some GOP votes now? LOL....wake up!

[Renew Deal]

2. What do you mean by GOP?

Congresscritters or voters?

If you mean voters, then not many. But he will do well with Democrats, independents, and people on unemployment.

[KansasVoter]

4. So you think Obama will have MORE support (money and time) in 2012 than 2008?

[Renew Deal]

8. Tough one.

Too early to say. Depends on who runs against who. If the republicans are smart, he will have less. If they nominate Palin, he will have more. Also depends on the economy and things that haven't happened. But Obama has been stable in the polls and better than Clinton or Reagan at the same time.

[KansasVoter]

14. You miss the point......

People donate money and work for a candidate because they LOVE the candidate, not because they hate the other side. The other side is always hated. People will vote against the GOP, but not work for a candidate they don't adore.

[Renew Deal]

16. Democrats LOVE Obama.

At least the polls say so. Remember, you're part of a small but vocal minority on DU.

[KansasVoter]

19. So Ed, CNN, Etc are discussing the liberal revolt tonight because of what? They read the DU?

[Renew Deal]

20. Eyeballs

Controversy means ratings. Just look at Fox.

[KansasVoter]

21. OK, I'll bet you $100 (to charity) Obama raises LESS money in 2012.

[Renew Deal]

24. I would take that bet.

But I don't gamble. I'm sure we'll both be happy if you're wrong. ;)

[Egnever]

35. LOL ED

Did he sell you anything yet today?
Ed is in it for the bucks. He doesnt give a shit about America.

[RaleighNCDUer]

22. Re unemployment - I think those people would rather have JOBS

and extended unemployment benefits. The giveaways to the rich will PREVENT job creation, so in 13 months we will have the same fucking issue, still unresolved. Without JOBS, he's a lame duck for the next 2 years, and then a dead duck. Regardless of the voters' political persuasion.

Do you REALLY think he should be governing by the polls? When 50% of the public gets their news from FAUX?

As you pointed out, 'the public' is an idiot - 2% will be affected by the estate tax, but 50+ % think it's a priority.

:eyes:

[Renew Deal]

25. I don't think he should govern by polls.

And I don't know how people get suckered into the estate tax.

[old mark]

3. Rec...OP, I think you are correct - Mr. Obama is a POLITICIAN first and foremost...nt

[KansasVoter]

5. So why didn't the midterms work out for us?

[Renew Deal]

9. Politics

The republicans got more of their people to show up and had a clearer message. Democrats never took credit for their accomplishments. Of course, campaigning on "it could have been worse" is tough too.

[KansasVoter]

12. A majority of people who fought for Obama and donated stayed home! Lack of interest.

[Renew Deal]

15. How do you know?

[old mark]

32. I believe HIS numbers went up right after the midterms, and I think he is

going to be re-elected easily...


mark

[Cerridwen]

6. A USA Today/Gallup Poll? Really?

Is that poll tabulating what Americans "think" or how poorly Americans are informed?

My opinion: that poll is indicative of how uninformed Americans are and how susceptible we are to propaganda and talking points.

edit because I didn't use a question mark when one was needed.

[subterranean]

17. I would bet most of those who said the estate tax was "very important"

aren't even sure what the estate tax is, and don't know that it affects only the richest 3% of American families. If the poll respondents were made aware of those facts, their answers would probably be quite a bit different.

[Cerridwen]

18. I agree.

I would continue your thought with, and the poll respondents have no idea that they have a "snowball's chance in hell" of becoming part of that 3%.

[Kaleva]

7. I wouldn't be surprised if his poll numbers go up soon.

[laughingliberal]

10. "extending some form of the federal income tax cuts passed under George W. Bush"

Duh! Most people were in favor of retaining the tax cut for those making under $250,000. And 53% were against extending them for those making more.

The only time the President seems to follow public opinion is when it's what he already wants to do.

[tekisui]

11. Embrace and love the Bush/Obama tax cuts for the wealthy.

[Renew Deal]

13. That's the irony of this entire thing.

We're Democrats arguing the tax cuts were a bad idea when these things passed? Now they're cheering them on.

[apocalypsehow]

23. Kick, Rec. n/t.

[ezmerelda39]

26. Sorry, Talkingpointsmemo

I am not buying your poll numbers. Do you mind if I take my own poll here in one of the poorest counties in my state? Estate tax? Maybe one in a hundred even ever have an estate to worry about. Unemployment benefits? You better give that poll another whirl.

[BzaDem]

27. People vote on what they know, whether or not what they know is accurate.

Just because in REALITY the estate tax affects almost no one doesn't mean people know that.

[Renew Deal]

34. I don't think people understand the issues.

Either that or lots of people are waiting for the big inheritance or people might think the tax is just wrong.

[knotwurstforware]

28. "Obama is on the publics side of almost every issue tonight."

:spray:

In Opposite Land, perhaps you are correct in your assesment.

[unkachuck]

29. "I find the grand pronouncements about Obama being a 1 termer hilaroius."

....don't you think if Obama gets primaried and tarnished by a credible, fighting, Progressive, and if Obama should received the nomination, would become a one term president?

"Obama is on the publics side of almost every issue tonight." "Now I admit that a lot of the people are idiots..."

....and that 'idiotic' public is often on the pukes side of almost every issue during elections.

[Individualist]

30. No sale.. Unrec.

[provis99]

31. yet another poll proving voters are ignorant dumbasses.

[Renew Deal]

33. lol

:rofl: