Swing state Democrats need to stand up to the GOP's proposed plans to destroy Medicare and make huge cuts to Medicaid and Social Security, according to the latest polling from Public Policy Polling. The latest polls, commissioned by the Progressive Change Campaign Committee in partnership with Democracy for America, MoveOn.org and Credo Action, show that the voters undeniably support these progressive programs -- and candidates looking to win in 2012 need to keep all cuts off the table. See the results after the jump and at 2012polling.com, and support more polling like this by chipping in $3 here.
QUESTION: In order to reduce the national debt, would you support or oppose cutting spending on Social Security, which is the retirement program for the elderly?
Ohio 16% support 80% oppose
Missouri 17% support 76% oppose
Montana 20% support 76% oppose
Minnesota 23% support 72% oppose
QUESTION: In order to reduce the national debt, would you support or oppose cutting spending on Medicare, which is the government health insurance program for the elderly?
Ohio 20% support 76% oppose
Missouri 19% support 77% oppose
Montana 24% support 71% oppose
Minnesota 26% support 69% oppose
QUESTION: In order to reduce the national debt, would you support or oppose cutting spending on Medicaid, which is the government health insurance program for the poor, disabled, and children?
Ohio 33% support 61% oppose
Missouri 32% support 63% oppose
Montana 36% support 59% oppose
Minnesota 33% support 62% oppose
The polls should be a clear sign to Senators Sherrod Brown (OH), Claire McCaskill (MO), John Tester (MT), and Amy Klobuchar (MN) that their reelection will depend on their willingness to defend these programs for their swing states. The results have already gotten coverage in Talking Points Memo and the Huffington Post.
“This polling shows that voters have serious problems with any politician who votes to cut Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid," said PCCC co-founder Stephanie Taylor. "Democratic leaders should not ask incumbent Senators to walk the plank on these issues. Instead, Democrats should go on offense by investing in jobs and making oil companies, Wall Street, and the rich pay their fair share in taxes.”
“If Democrats cut Social Security and Medicare, there will be outrage in red states and blue states. It’s that simple," said Charles Chamberlain, Political Director at Democracy for America. "Democrats need to say firmly that any tampering with these critical programs whatsoever is off the table.”
See the results and the methodology information at 2012polling.com, and if you want to help us keep doing this kind of polling, chip in $3 here.