“Cash for Clunkers” expected to help the economy more than the environment, but few Americans predict significant impact
Palo Alto, Calif., August 14, 2009:
The “Cash for Clunkers” attempt at an economic jump start was something 60% of the public had heard a lot about. Many people know someone who had used the program or is contemplating doing so. These findings come from an August 9-11, 2009 YouGov PollingPoint poll conducted for The Economist.
More than one in ten Americans – 12% -- report they have used the program or know someone who has. One in five (21%) says they or someone they know is considering using the program.
But the program seems to have benefited more Democrats than Republicans – about twice as many Democrats as Republicans report knowing someone who has traded in a “Clunker.” Regionally, the greatest impact has been in the Midwest.
Back in a May Economist/YouGov poll, more Americans (38%) opposed the “Cash for Clunkers” program than favored it (29%). A third weren’t sure. Now, those with an opinion are more closely divided when it comes to the recent Congressional expansion of the program. 37% favor the addition of $2 billion in funds to the program, 38% oppose. But 26% aren’t sure.
Democrats, who appear to have benefited more, favor the additional funding. Republicans don’t.
Most Americans sense that the program is meeting its goals, at least in a small way. 71% say the program will stimulate the economy, although only 14% think it will be a significant stimulus. 63% say it will improve the environment, although only 14% say that improvement will be significant.
The program may also be modestly helping perceptions of the government economic stimulus package – though there is clearly a long, long way to go. In mid-July, only 18% of Americans said the stimulus plan was working. That figure is now 24%. And when it comes to the critical matter of jobs creation, there is still skepticism. 52% don’t believe it will create a substantial number of new jobs.
Presidential Approval Tracker
For the first time in his presidency, Barack Obama’s job approval rating has dropped below 50%. Just 49% in the latest Economist/YouGov poll approve of the way he is doing his job. 43% disapprove.
Like previous presidents, this President has seen a drop in overall approval over the first months of his presidency. There is also less than majority approval now on a host of important issues: the economy, health care, Social Security, immigration, education and terrorism. 51% still approve of his handling of the war in Iraq and his handling of the environment.
Assessments of the President are highly partisan – 85% of Democrats approve of the way the President is handling his job; 85% of Republicans do not. And while Independents are divided, more (48%) disapprove than approve (42%). There are racial differences that reflect the racial differences in the 2008 vote. Nearly nine in ten African-Americans approve of the way Barack Obama is handling his job. Just 41% of whites do. And younger Americans are more positive than their elders.
Interested in more details about the poll? We have a topline summary and complete tabs available now.
Methodology:
These results are from a weekly YouGov PollingPoint public opinion tracking poll conducted for publication in The Economist. The poll surveyed 1,000 respondents and was fielded from August 9-11, 2009. Results from interviews conducted online by members of the PollingPoint panel are representative of the U.S. adult population. The margin of error for this poll is +/- 4.9%.
