❓WHAT HAPPENED: A New York Times/Siena poll reveals that nearly two-thirds of American voters oppose Democrats forcing a government shutdown over their spending demands.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Congressional Democrats, Republicans, President Donald J. Trump, and American voters.
📍WHEN & WHERE: The poll was conducted from September 22–27, with the government shutdown deadline looming at midnight Tuesday.
💬KEY QUOTE: “People that are smart see what’s happening. The Democrats are deranged,” said President Trump.
🎯IMPACT: The poll shows deep partisan divides, with Americans largely opposing a shutdown, and only a plurality of Democrats supporting the effort.
New data shows that nearly two-thirds of American voters oppose congressional Democrats’ efforts to force a government shutdown. Democrat leaders in the House and Senate have opposed Republican efforts to pass a “clean” short-term continuing resolution to avoid the funding lapse and buy time for lawmakers to finish appropriations for the coming year, instead issuing a list of radical demands—including healthcare for illegal immigrants—in exchange for their votes.
The survey, conducted by The New York Times/Siena, found 65 percent of voters believe Democrats should not shut down the government even if their demands are not met, while 27 percent disagree. Even among Democratic voters, only a plurality of 47 percent support the shutdown effort, compared to 43 percent who oppose it.
Congressional Democrats fare badly among Independent voters, with only 32 percent supporting a government shutdown. Just five percent of Republicans say they back Democrat efforts on Capitol Hill.
Notably, the data shows Democrats do not carry the blame for a shutdown alone. Voters also expressed ire with congressional Republicans and President Donald J. Trump. Bizarrely, Independent voters are twice as likely to blame Trump and Republicans as they are to blame Democrats if a shutdown occurs.
The standoff revolves around a disagreement over a short-term spending plan. Democrats are demanding an extension of Obamacare tax credits, which are set to expire at the end of the year. Millions of Americans rely on these credits to lower healthcare costs. Republicans, however, argue that extending the credits would lead to increased taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants.
President Trump, speaking Tuesday morning, warned that “a lot” of federal workers may be fired if the government shuts down, adding: “People that are smart see what’s happening. The Democrats are deranged.”
The poll puts Trump’s overall approval rating at 43 percent. Among Republican voters, he maintains very strong support, with roughly 90 percent approving of his performance.
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