A new Reuters/Ipsos poll captures the truly impressive confusion that marks American politics as we head toward the 2016 election. Just 42 percent disagreed with the statement "The federal government should have very little authority over domestic affairs," but when asked about which specific programs should be cut, respondents were much more hesitant.
For instance, only 28 percent agreed that "Most federal regulatory agencies, like the Food and Drug Administration, should be abolished or significantly reduced in size, while fewer than 15 percent were willing to say that "Government programs assisting the elderly like Social Security or Medicare should be abolished."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
The hunt for Planet NineUnder The Radar Researchers seeking the elusive Earth-like planet beyond Neptune are narrowing down their search
-
Magazine interactive crossword - April 26, 2024Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - April 26, 2024
-
Magazine solutions - April 26, 2024Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - April 26, 2024
-
Mark Menzies: Tories investigate MP after 'bad people' cash claimsSpeed Read Fylde MP will sit as an independent while party looks into allegations he misused campaign funds on medical expenses and blackmail pay-out
-
Why Johnson won't just pass Ukraine aidSpeed Read The House Speaker could have sent $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine — but it would have split his caucus
-
Sudan on brink of collapse after a year of warSpeed Read 18 million people face famine as the country continues its bloody downward spiral
-
Trump's first criminal trial starts with jury picksSpeed Read The former president faces charges related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels
-
How will Israel respond to Iran's direct attack?Speed Read Iran’s weekend attack on Israel could escalate into a wider Middle East war
-
US, Israel brace for Iran retaliatory strikesSpeed Read An Iranian attack on Israel is believed to be imminent
-
Congress honors real-life Rosie the RivetersSpeed Read These American women reshaped the work force during World War II
-
Outgunned Ukraine could fall, US general warnsSpeed Read Without more US aid, Ukraine is at risk of losing the war
