Despite more voters faulting former President Bush’s policies for the country’s economic woes, most American voters think it is time for President Obama to stop blaming Bush.
Nearly half of voters — 47 percent — think Bush’s policies are mostly to blame for the economic difficulties the country is having today, compared to 32 percent who think Obama’s policies are to blame.
Whose Policies Are To Blame For The Country’s Current Economic Problems?
Bush’s 47%
Obama’s 32%
Both 17%August 10-11, 2010
Registered Voters +/-3%
Even so, fully 76 percent of voters think it is time for the Obama administration to start taking responsibility for the condition of the economy. That’s more than four times as many as think it is right to continue to place the blame on Bush (18 percent).
Is It Appropriate For Obama To Continue To Blame Bush For Economy?
Yes, Right To Continue 18%
No, Obama Now Responsible 76%August 10-11, 2010
Registered Voters +/-3%
A majority of Democrats, who overwhelmingly think Bush is responsible for the economy (82 percent), think it is time for Obama to quit blaming Bush (57 percent).
Overall, 55 percent of those who think Bush’s policies are to blame think it’s time for Obama to take responsibility.
Almost all voters — 88 percent — think the country is still in a recession. That includes two groups: 48 percent who not only think the recession isn’t over, but also think that things could get worse, and 40 percent who say even though the recession continues, things are getting better. Another 6 percent think the recession is over, but that another one could happen.
Few — 3 percent — think the recession is completely over and the economy is recovering.
Best Describes Nation’s Economy
In Recession, Could Get Worse 48%
In Recession, Getting Better 40%
Recession Over, Maybe Another 6%
Recession Completely Over 3%August 10-11, 2010
Registered Voters +/-3%
Less than a third of voters (29 percent) credit the stimulus package for keeping the country from going into a depression. Half (51 percent) think other reasons prevented another Great Depression.
Did The Stimulus Package Keep The Country From Going Into A Depression?
Yes, Prevented Depression 29%
No, Other Reasons Prevented 51%
Combination 8%August 10-11, 2010
Registered Voters +/-3%
Nearly two-thirds of voters (63 percent) believe government has gotten so big it is hurting the future of the country. About half as many do not (32 percent).
Has The Federal Government Gotten So Big It Is Hurting The Country’s Future?
Yes 63%
No 32%August 10-11, 2010
Registered Voters +/-3%
