ICYMI- Debt talks: Fiscal discipline vs. no negotiation
By David Winston May 10, 2023 KEY FACTS FROM THE PIECE:
- Voters have crossed a major attitudinal threshold and now believe increasing federal spending contributes to inflation by a 64 percent to 21 percent margin. They also believe, 55 percent to 26 percent, that increasing the national debt contributes to inflation.
- The survey found that the GOP debt ceiling legislation as passed was favored by 52 percent of voters and opposed by 29 percent.
- Voters’ attitude about the economy continues to sour, with only 29 percent saying it is heading in the right direction and 59 percent saying it is on the wrong track. Contrary to Biden’s claims, 61 percent think inflation is getting worse. This last point is important, as voters want to see some fiscal discipline to slow down inflation.
"......by passing the bill, Republicans addressed that concern and have now gotten these voters what they wanted and what Biden demanded: a plan. With that plan passed by the House, they are now going to turn to Biden to negotiate with Republicans. The issue of fiscal discipline now has a seat at the negotiating table. "In this debt ceiling debate, there has been an important shift in the electorate’s view on the impact of the national debt. The debt ceiling has generally been an abstract issue for most voters, defined by incomprehensible budget numbers and little clarity on the impact of the debt ceiling on the average American. That has changed as a result of Biden’s economic policies that have produced the worst inflation in 40 years."
