When the deficit reduction ”Super Committee” was formed in August, Americans were skeptical that it would be able to agree on significant deficit reductions. Now, two months later, as the November 23 deadline for an agreement nears, Americans are still skeptical. In the latest Economist/YouGov Poll, six in ten believe the committee, with six Republicans and six Democrats, is unlikely to reach agreement.
In fact, the public opposes the fact that the committee was created — though that might be as much because of the dire consequences of not reaching agreement as it is the skepticism that the committee can do its job. Should there be no agreement, draconian cuts in defense and entitlement spending will automatically be implemented.
There has been little change in public support for the super committee since August. However, there is not a lot of knowledge. More than four in ten claimed to have heard nothing at all about the committee and its role.
Economist/YouGov poll archives can found here.
Photo source: Press Association
