Small Government More Popular Than Obama

[Matt Collins]

President-elect Obama undeniably has a lot of enthusiastic supporters.

But *small government* is far more popular with the American public.

The respected polling firm Rasmussen periodically asks Americans if they favor fewer government services with lower taxes, or more services with higher taxes.


In late September, the public -- once again -- favored smaller government and lower taxes -- by a 57% to 31% margin.

That's about 20 points more than Obama's victory margin over McCain, notes the Cato Institute's David Boaz.

(Sources: Cato Institute:
http://www.cato-at-liberty.org/2008/11/05/smaller-government-is-more-popular-than-obama/

Rasmussen Reports:
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/mood_of_america/benchmarks/america_s_best_days )

[Theocrat]

President-elect Obama undeniably has a lot of enthusiastic supporters.

But *small government* is far more popular with the American public.

The respected polling firm Rasmussen periodically asks Americans if they favor fewer government services with lower taxes, or more services with higher taxes.


In late September, the public -- once again -- favored smaller government and lower taxes -- by a 57% to 31% margin.

That's about 20 points more than Obama's victory margin over McCain, notes the Cato Institute's David Boaz.

(Sources: Cato Institute:
http://www.cato-at-liberty.org/2008/11/05/smaller-government-is-more-popular-than-obama/

Rasmussen Reports:
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/mood_of_america/benchmarks/america_s_best_days )

So Mr. Matt Collins, what do you think that means?

[penguin]

So Mr. Matt Collins, what do you think that means?

That the majority of the 31% live in Assachusetts? Sorry couldn't resist that.:)

[Xenophage]

I think it means people are confused on the term "smaller." Maybe I'm just a cynic :)

[klamath]

It means the American electorate believes that Obama was really for smaller government than McCain. That is how bad the GOP has screwed up its image.

[rational thinker]

Obama did stand for smaller government. Bush expanded the government by more 70% in the last 8 years. McCain would have done the same, if not more.

Democrats tend to be very bureaucratic, but at least they attempt to be efficient at it. Republicans just like to cut taxes for the wealthy and spending like mofos.

[Kotin]

Obama did stand for smaller government. Bush expanded the government by more 70% in the last 8 years. McCain would have done the same, if not more.

Democrats tend to be very bureaucratic, but at least they attempt to be efficient at it. Republicans just like to cut taxes for the wealthy and spending like mofos.

you didn't just insinuate that the democrats and republicans are different?

[nate895]

Obama did stand for smaller government. Bush expanded the government by more 70% in the last 8 years. McCain would have done the same, if not more.

Democrats tend to be very bureaucratic, but at least they attempt to be efficient at it. Republicans just like to cut taxes for the wealthy and spending like mofos.

Obama stood for smaller government? That is the most retarded statement ever. I don't think he wanted to cut a single government program.

[Minlawc]

The plurality of voters (45%) believe America’s allies should do what the United States wants when it comes to foreign policy, while 21% say this country should do what its allies want. Another 27% say neither should be the case. Those percentages remain relatively steady each month.

If this is true, we are screwed.

[nate895]

If this is true, we are screwed.

No, not necessarily, two reasons:

1) We can always change minds

2) It is possible that some of the people who want our allies to listen to us, for us to say "leave us alone, and we'll leave you and the rest of the world alone, we can trade, etc." That answer isn't necessarily bad.

[DeadheadForPaul]

While it is great that more people prefer small government, this does not translate to results.

Why is that? Because uninformed voters hear McCain and Bush saying "we are the party of less spending, small government and low taxes". The voters believe them and vote GOP without investigating. The GOP has demonstrated their inability to back up their speeches and words with votes and actions

[slothman]

The respected polling firm Rasmussen periodically asks Americans if they favor fewer government services with lower taxes, or more services with higher taxes.


Since "sevices" is vague how about this question:
"Do you like more money on roads and more taxes or
less money on roads and less taxes?"

[rational thinker]

Obama stood for smaller government? That is the most retarded statement ever. I don't think he wanted to cut a single government program.

Compared with McCain? Probably. Keep in mind that war is just another government program.