Politics

Poll shows skepticism of deficit-cutting ideas

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President Barack Obama and many lawmakers say they will work to rein in the federal deficit, but a new survey underscores the challenges they face in taking specific steps that could help reduce the red ink.

A new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll shows Americans skeptical of deficit-cutting proposals laid out by the chairmen of a commission appointed by the White House. In the survey, 57% of respondents said they were uncomfortable with gradually raising the Social Security retirement age to 69 over the next 60 years. Some 41% said they were somewhat or very comfortable with the idea.

Roughly 70% were uncomfortable with making cuts to programs such as Medicare, Social Security and defense in order to reduce the deficit, with 27% saying they were comfortable.

Full Story: Poll Shows Skepticism of Deficit-Cutting Ideas – WSJ.com