What you won't see

[CARLHAYDEN]

Has anyone else noticed the lack of surveys on the proposed federal bailout of rich wastrels?

Well, there's a reason...such polls are being stopped until the bailout can be rushed through Congress.

The phrasing of the questions has run the gamut, but, the results have been strong public opposition to the bailout.

If the bailout doesn't go through by next Friday it probably won't go through.

Call you Congressperson/Senator and strongly urge them to oppose the bailout.

No welfare for the rich!

[CARLHAYDEN]

Update.

Have gotten more information from my sources on extent and nature of public opposition to bailout.

Apparently, opposition is about equally divided among McCain and Obama supporters, BUT, the reasons for opposition of the supporters of the two camps tend to be far different.

Obama supporters largely oppose the bailout because of the belief that if we can afford to bailout wastrel millionaires we can afford universal health care, increases in food stamps, etc.

McCain supporters largely oppose the bailout because it amounts to rewarding failure (the term in economics is "moral hazard").

If either candidate largely backs away from supporting the bailout in the next couple of days, expect that candidate to open up a large lead.

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Obama supporters largely oppose the bailout because of the belief that if we can afford to bailout wastrel millionaires we can afford universal health care, increases in food stamps, etc.

Well, universal health care would be nice, but what we need right now are policies that would help create jobs in this country. Good jobs that produce real results. I've mentioned alternative energy research and a better rail system as 2 projects that would be good, I'm sure there are other ones.

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I oppose it for that reason, too. If you invest in something that isn't FDIC insured, you shouldn't expect the government to bail you out. People invest in riskier investments because the expected return outweighs the risks. We shouldn't be subsidizing rich investors whenever something goes wrong with their risky investments.

[CARLHAYDEN]

Here are the results of a Gallup poll conducted on September 17th about the AIG bailout.

When the figures come out about public opinion on the $700+ billion bailout, they will make these figures seem supportive.  Here they are (please not how the question is framed as a "loan" rather than a bailout):

"Do you favor or oppose the Federal Reserve's decision to make the loan to AIG?"
 
                      Favor           Oppose           Unsure     
                        %                   %                    %     
 9/17/08          40                  42                   18