DeSilver, Drew. “5 Facts about the U.S. National Debt.” Pew Research Center, Pew Research Center, 14 Feb. 2023, https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2023/02/14/facts-about-the-us-national-debt/#:~:text=In%20a%20new%20Pew%20Research%20Center%20survey%20about,this%20year%2C%20up%20from%2045%25%20a%20year%20ago.
Direct Quote: Public concern about federal spending is on the rise. In a new Pew Research Center survey about the public’s policy priorities, 57% of Americans cited reducing the budget deficit as a top priority for the president and Congress to address this year, up from 45% a year ago. Concern has risen among members of both parties, although Republicans and Republican-leaning independents are still far more likely than Democrats and Democratic leaners (71% vs. 44%) to view cutting the deficit as a leading priority.
Summary/My Interpretation: When looking at public opinion, it is evident that an overwhelming majority supports some sort of government action to reel back in the deficit. In fact, this figure has continued to rise alongside the deficit.
How I Plan to Use This in My Project: Overall, I plan to use the poll as a means to introduce the call to action for solving the debt. At the point where over 50% of people support reducing the deficit, it is evident that this policy should be at the forefront of American politics. Additionally, by mentioning the existing support for debt reduction, those reading my paper become more likely to be in favor of the policy.
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