100 Day Poll Taxpers Do Not Support Obama’s Agenda

During the 2008 presidential campaign, polls showed that President Obama drew enthusiastic support from an often overlooked demographic: Americans who have no federal income tax liability (who total 30 percent of the electorate). Conversely, Americans who pay federal income taxes (70 percent of the electorate) were more skeptical of Obama’s policy proposals – particularly on issues that deal with the economy.

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Recently, Zogby International and The O’Leary Report conducted a 100-Days Poll (which surveyed 3,937 people who voted in the 2008 presidential election) to revisit these two demographics and gauge their opinions on the Obama Administration’s actions and proposals. The results show that non-taxpayers are still more likely to support President Obama’s agenda than taxpayers. Interestingly, however, enthusiasm for the President appears to be dwindling among non-taxpayers – even on economic issues. Taxes & Spending Q. Thinking about the Tea Party demonstrations that took place on April 15th to protest the growth in taxes and federal government spending, do you…? Strongly support the beliefs of the organizers……… 47% 38% Somewhat support them……………………………. 11% 15% Somewhat oppose their beliefs……………………… 12% 13% Strongly oppose them ……………………………… 27% 29% Not sure…………………………………………….. 3% 6% Economy Q. Which of the following do you think is a better economic system – A or B? A: A system in which the public or the state have ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods. B: A system in which wealth, and the means of producing wealth are privately owned and controlled rather than state owned or controlled with the state regulating them. Statement A………… 12% 29% Statement B…………. 76% 55% Not sure……………… 12% 16% Energy Q. Which course of action should America take with regards to energy policy? Taxes Make energy cheaper by developing all sources of U.S. energy, including coal, nuclear power, offshore drilling and drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge…………………………………………. 57% 48% Reduce America’s production of fossil fuels that might cause global warming……………………………. 38% 46% Not sure…………………………………………………. 5% 7% First Amendment Q. Senator Durbin recently offered an amendment in the U.S. Senate that requires the Federal Communications Commission to take actions to encourage and promote diversity in communication media ownership. Opponents say the move would threaten the breakup of radio networks that largely carry conservative talk radio shows like Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity. Do you support or oppose this legislation? Support……………… 36% 47% Oppose………………. 57% 43% Not sure……………… 7% 10% Q. The Federal Communications is entertaining the idea of re-instituting advisory boards to determine the needs and interests of their communities, to promote localism and diversity. These boards, appointed by the FCC and would monitor what is said over the radio and report back if they were offended by the talk show hosts and their guests. Critics argue that such a proposal is nothing more than a back door implementation of the Fairness Doctrine. Do you support or oppose the FCC’s efforts to reinstitute advisory boards? Support……………… 19% 27% Oppose………………. 69% 58% Not sure……………… 12% 15% Abortion Q. President Obama’s health secretary nominee, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is a supporter of abortion on demand. President Obama indicated that he would appoint someone who was neutral on the issue, but pro-life forces find Gov. Sebelius’ pro-choice record unacceptable. Do you support or oppose Gov. Sebelius is a good choice for Secretary of Health and Human Services? Support………………44% 52% Oppose………………48% 35% Not sure……………… 8% 13% Second Amendment Q. Do you think new gun laws should be passed or do you think we should enforce the laws already on the books. New gun laws should be passed……………………24% 31% Enforce the laws already on the books……………..73% 66% Not sure……………………………………………. 4% 4% Religion Q. While visiting Turkey recently, President Obama said America is not a Christian nation. Do agree or disagree that the US is a Christian nation? Agree…………………38% 47% Disagree………………54% 47% Not sure……………… 7% 6% The O’Leary Report/Zogby poll was conducted April 24-27, surveyed 3,937 voters nationwide, and has a margin of error of plus-or-minus 1.6 percentage points. Only voters who voted in the 2008 presidential election were surveyed, and the sample was weighted to reflect the outcome of the 2008 Presidential Election (i.e. 53% Obama voters and 46% McCain voters).

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