A new poll conducted during the period March 4-7 finds, Americans overwhelmingly do not support a shut down of the federal government or slashing of popular programs.
The Bloomberg National Polls show almost 8 in 10 say Republicans and Democrats should work out a compromise on a plan that will reduce the federal budget deficit, while keeping the government open. At the same time, the poll found that cuts to Medicare, education, environment protection, medical research and community-renewal program are vigorously opposed.
Americans also favor cutting foreign aid, bringing American troops home from Afghanistan and Iraq and repealing the Bush-era tax cuts, extended by President Obama, for households making more than $250,000.
While reducing the huge federal deficit is a concern, the poll revealed that Americans rank employment and job creation well ahead of deficit reduction.
