81 Percent of Independents, 59 Percent of Democrats Say the Federal Government Spends Too Much

As Congress heads towards a possible government shutdown at the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30,  the new Reason-Rupe poll finds 76 percent of Americans believe the federal government spends too much money. Just 11 percent say the federal government is spending the right amount of money and 6 percent of respondents think the government isn't spending enough money.

Overwhelming numbers — 90 percent of Republicans, 81 percent of independents, and even 59 percent of Democrats believe the federal government is spending too much money. 

FULL REASON-RUPE POLL RESULTS HERE

Nationwide telephone poll conducted September 4-8 2013 interviewed 1013 adults on both mobile (509) and landline (504) phones, with a margin of error +/- 3.7%. Columns may not add up to 100% due to rounding. Full poll results found here. Full methodology can be found here.

Comments

[Fist of Etiquette]

As much as I love Emily's polling, Jesus Christ.

[Libertymike]

You can bet that the percentage of Afro-Americans who think that the federal government does not spend enough is far, far higher than 59%.

Of course, what would one expect from those who fancy themselves as victims and entitled to wealth transfers and affirmative action?

[Rufus J. Firefly]

If 60% of Democrats and liberals believed this then what's the problem? It should make fixing the spending problem easier, no? Are Americans to deduce, then, it's a small, vocal minority of people driving spending?

Also, which version of 'Blinded by the Light' does the esteem community here prefer - Manfred Mann or Bruce Springsteen?

[Marshall Gill]

Average American: "Deduce?"

[JeremyR]

Because it's always the stuff their party doesn't like that they want to cut.

[Corning]

Why was my post deleted?

I didn't even cuss or anything.

[Winston]

Title:
84 Percent of Independents, 62 Percent of Democrats Say the Federal Government Spends Too Much

Article:

Overwhelming numbers ? 90 percent of Republicans, 81 percent of independents, and even 59 percent of Democrats believe the federal government is spending too much money.

Erm...

And if so many Dems want less spending then how come none of their politicians do?

[JeremyR]

Because Democrats like some forms of spending, but dislike others.

Democrats would slash the military budget, but the Republicans won't.

The Republicans would slash "entitlements" but not the military.

And of course, in practice, voters don't put their votes where their mouth is. They keep voting for the status quo no matter what, with the exception of the Tea Party.

[Irish]

It seems interesting that Reason's polling almost always supports the things Reason is in favor of, no matter how unlikely it might be.

I'm sure that's just a coincidence though.

[Virginian]

This one is legit though. Because there is a solid majority in favor of budget cuts, they just all want different things cut. So nothing ever gets cut.