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April 7, 2005

And…

Let’s look at some of the poll data behind that memo. Part of the survey asks respondents to choose between two statements and say which one they agree with more. Here are a few telling ones:

The Democrats are being serious about how to address the Social Security challenges. OR Bush and the Republicans are being serious about how to address the Social Security challenges.

On that one 41% agree with the first statement while 46% agree with the second.

The Democrats support changes that would make the system more financially sound and guarantee benefits far into the future, but Bush's proposals will make Social Security less secure. OR Whatever the problems with President Bush's Social Security proposals, at least he is offering new ideas to meet the new challenges.

43% agree with the first one, 50% agree with the second. Not only does the data show that respondents don’t think much of the Democrats’ efforts, it suggest that they aren’t opposed to Social Security reform per se, so much as they are polarized over the fact that Bush is pushing it:

Bush is acting irresponsibly in making proposals that will increase the federal deficit and cut future benefits. OR Bush is showing political courage in trying to fix a big problem like Social Security.

That one is divided evenly at 48%. However, there seems to be some inclination to give Bush a slight benefit of the doubt:

George Bush is proposing changes in Social Security meant to benefit Wall Street rather than retirees. OR George Bush is showing political courage in trying to fix a big problem like Social Security.

45% agree with the first one, 51% with the second. Two things to take away from this. First, voters are looking for reform. If the Democrats don’t offer anything, then voters will have no alternative save what Bush is proposing. That’s not a smart strategy on the part of the Democrats. Maybe they should suck up their anger and take Carville and Greenberg’s advice. Second, Bush can win this fight. He may have to rethink his approach, or he may just have to keep pushing his agenda on Social Security so that eventually it will get through the liberal media filter. Either way, the fight for reform is alive and well.

Posted by David Hogberg at April 7, 2005 4:54 PM | Print

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