Zogby: Majority Wants Cuts Rather Than New Taxes

UTICA, NY — Nine in 10 voters say it is important for Congress and President Barack Obama to reduce the nation's long-term debt, and a majority prefer spending cuts over increased revenues as the means of accomplishing that goal, a new IBOPE Zogby Interactive poll finds.

The July 8-11 survey finds two-thirds favor means testing for Medicare based on a person's wealth, but similar percentages oppose reducing cost-of-living increases for Social Security and reducing provider payments in Medicare and Medicaid.

There is strong agreement to reduce defense spending (60 percent), end some tax loopholes and preferences (85 percent) and to reduce discretionary spending outside of entitlements and defense (62 percent).

Two-thirds oppose ending the Bush tax cuts for everyone, yet voters are closely split on ending the Bush tax cuts for those earning more than $250,000 annually and on lowering corporate tax rates.

The IBOPE Zogby interactive poll of 2,132 likely voters has a margin of error of +/-2.2%.

A sampling of IBOPE Zogby International's online panel, which is representative of the adult population of the U.S., was invited to participate. Slight weights were added to region, party, age, race, religion, gender and education to more accurately reflect the population.

IBOPE Zogby International is a nonpartisan, premier global public opinion polling and market research firm that offers timely, accurate results and in-depth analysis and insights. IBOPE Zogby International works with issue experts in a vast array of fields including healthcare, technology, finance, insurance, energy, agriculture, public affairs, and media who offer insightful data analysis and exceptional service to clients in countries throughout the world.