The Austerity Hysteria Is Working

A new CNBC poll now shows that unlike just a few weeks ago, a majority of Americans are now convinced that the Bush tax cuts need to be extended to the wealthy.

Ninety percent of Americans are concerned about the economy, according to a new CNBC poll, and two-thirds of those surveryed think neither Democrats nor Republicans have a clear vision for improving it.

The poll by Public Opinion Strategies/Hart Research was conducted between September 9 and 12. 

A majority of the respondents believe the Bush tax cuts should be extended, even for people making more than $250,000 a year. 

Fifty-five percent think increasing taxes on any Americans will slow the economy and kill jobs. On the other hand, 40 percent believe those tax cuts should be cancelled for higher-income Americans. 

My guess is that this was literally the question:  "Do you believe that increasing taxes on the rich will slow the economy and kill jobs or help the economy?"  which is a lot like asking "Do you think this glass of water will kill you and your family or taste refreshing?" 

That is, you'd be surprised at the percentage of people who will answer that the glass of water is in fact the instrument of their impending demise. Good way to get a "majority of Americans want tax cuts for the rich" outcome.

What happens if you ask a more neutral question?  The polls indicate that yes, a majority or at least plurality do want to see the Bush tax cuts expire on the wealthy.   Here's your polling bias lesson for the day, and it certainly explains why it's the first poll I can remember seeing on the Bush tax cuts extension issue that supported tax cuts for the wealthy.