Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls

Despite media fixation on the scream of the week, most Americans remain focused on the essentials, and their views on them are consistent over time, even if the Political Class continues to ignore them.

Take the auto bailouts. They’ve been unpopular since day one, and they’re still unpopular. Admittedly, thanks to the political spin out of Washington, the bailouts are a bit less unpopular because many Americans incorrectly believe the government made money or broke even on them. But when informed of the real price tag, opposition is just as high as ever.

The majority of Americans nationwide still believes General Motors should have gone through the regular bankruptcy process instead of the federal government taking over in exchange for bailout money.

But then President Obama recently suggested that government investment is what has made America great. Voters express a lot more confidence in the free enterprise system. In fact, just 27% agree that government investments made America great. By comparison, 69% think the free enterprise system deserves the credit.

Unfortunately, and this is where the Political Class again enters in, many see crony capitalism at work in the free market system, especially when it comes to the awarding of government contracts. Sixty-six percent (66%) of voters believe most government contracts are given to the company with the most political connections rather than the one that can provide the best service for the best price.