The Debt Ceiling Showdown Where the Public Stands
2/3rds of Americans would be happy if Congress raised taxes on people earning >$250,000.00 to lower the deficit, about 1/4 of Americans are actually paying attention to the back and forth, and about 1/2 the country is worried over a default at this moment. Slightly more than that are worried that raising the ceiling will just create room for more spending.
Americans like lower taxes; when President Obama and congressional Republicans agreed on an extension of the Bush-era tax cuts in December, 60% of the public approved of the deal. But most also acknowledge that the best way to reduce the deficit is through a combination of cuts in major programs and tax increases. And a large majority (66%) approves of raising taxes on incomes of $250,000 or more to reduce the debt.