But Americans also worry that such a plan might not include major spending cuts

PRINCETON, NJ -- Two-thirds of Americans would like government officials to agree to a compromise plan on the debt and budget deficit negotiations now underway. Fewer than 3 in 10 want lawmakers who share their views on the debt and budget deficit to hold out for their desired plan. A majority of Republicans, independents, and Democrats favor reaching a compromise.

These results, from a July 15-17 USA Today/Gallup poll, come as President Obama and congressional leaders continue to wrangle over a number of different types of agreements that could be reached in time to raise the debt ceiling before the Aug. 2 deadline.

Obama held two press conferences last week on this topic, and in each portrayed himself as willing to compromise, while arguing that not all Republican leaders have reciprocated. Rank-and-file Republicans, however, believe compromise is in order, with 57% saying leaders should agree to a compromise plan, even if it's a plan the respondent disagrees with. Independents and Democrats are somewhat more likely to support a compromise.

Majority Predict Economic Crisis if No Agreement Is Reached

Fifty-six percent of Americans believe an economic crisis will result if an agreement is not reached by the Aug. 2 deadline, which helps explain the majority emphasis on reaching a compromise. Close to half, 45%, think Social Security and military benefit payments would be delayed if an agreement is not reached.





Americans Worry That Final Plan Won't Include Major Spending Cuts

Americans continue to express a strong desire that any agreement that is reached include plans for major cuts in future spending. Americans now by a 20-point margin -- 55% vs. 35% -- say they worry more that the government would raise the debt ceiling without plans for major spending cuts, than that the government would not raise the ceiling and an economic crisis would ensue.





Americans appear to be saying to their elected representatives: Get an agreement done, even if it is not an ideal plan, but make sure it includes major spending cuts.

The ongoing negotiations in Washington suggest that leaders on both sides of the aisle are attempting to heed public opinion. The sticking points are matters of degree -- how major the spending cuts will be, and whether the spending cuts are accompanied by some type of concomitant tax increase.

Almost Half of Americans Doubt Agreement Will Be Reached by Deadline

In the midst of all the political back and forth, Americans are none too optimistic that an agreement to raise the debt limit will be reached by Aug. 2. Forty-nine percent say it will, while 47% say it will not. Republicans tilt more toward the "will not be reached" side, while Democrats tilt slightly toward the more optimistic position.





Bottom Line

Americans would like their representatives in Washington to compromise and get a debt agreement in place before the Aug. 2 deadline, but at the same time are concerned that any such agreement include major spending cuts.