Summary
A new poll shows that many Americans are worried about the country's growing national debt, which they believe is making everyday costs higher. The poll indicates that a majority of voters think the government should address the debt issue to improve the U.S. economy. The concerns about debt are leading some voters to consider candidates from different political parties if they have plans to fix the debt problem.
Key Facts
- A poll by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation found that 90% of voters are worried about the U.S. national debt of $38 trillion.
- 85% of those surveyed believe the debt is causing higher borrowing costs.
- The Foundation’s "Fiscal Confidence" index dropped to 48 in February, down from 50 in January.
- 72% of polled voters might support a candidate from another party if they have a plan to handle the debt.
- Concern about debt's impact on inflation is highest among Democrats (96%) but also significant among Republicans (87%) and Independents (85%).
- 83% of voters see a candidate's plan to tackle the debt as a key factor in their voting decision.
- 79% agree that dealing with the debt should be a top priority for the President and Congress.
- The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) warned that U.S. debt could rise to $56 trillion by 2036.
