New poll: Voters dont' like Obama's policies even though they like him, and they also don't like specific cuts

Ryan Streeter

The new Quinnipiac poll hasn't gotten much coverage.

The most important findings for Republicans are these:

• 74% of Americans say they like Barack Obama, compared to 20% who don't

• 52% don't like his policies, compared to 42% who do

• 70% are against cutting Social Security, compared to 25% who support cuts

• 72% are against cutting Medicare, compared to 25% who support cuts

• 59% are against cutting Medicaid, compared to 37% who support cuts

• Voters are split in half on whether to cut defense

• Voters are also not too sympathetic with cuts to NPR and Planned Parenthood

Conclusion: Republicans need to (1) begin making a positive case for growth and not just rely on a message of austerity; (2) begin making specific claims about the consequences of not trimming the entitlements.

Obama is vulnerable on the economy. Voters don't trust his policies in any way that gives him an upper hand. Republicans should hit hard on that. And then Republicans should also start the public education process now on entitlement reform. They shouldn't wait until the spring budget, because they'll be in a position of responding to myriad criticisms at that point.