The problem with the poll is that it isn't sufficiently detailed. What do Americans define as "wasteful spending?" If such details were known, is the spending Americans define as "wasteful" really contributing significantly to the long-term fiscal imbalances? If one goes to other polls (e.g.,
Poll shows Americans oppose entitlement cuts to deal with debt problem - The Washington Post) that get into a greater level of detail, one finds Americans generally opposed to cutting major entitlement programs. Yet, it is those programs, some of which are enormously popular, that are the main drivers of the nation's long-term imbalances. If there is to be the kind of sustained fiscal consolidation necessary to address those imbalances, Americans will need to understand what the main reasons for the imbalances are and, even more important, be willing to accept and support the sacrifices necessary to address those issues.
If the Washington Post poll is representative of national sentiment, I don't believe the majority of Americans are at the stage where fiscal consolidation is sustainable. It is insufficient for Americans to say "cut spending" and, afterward, when presented with detailed choices, to counter emphatically "don't touch this program!" As a result, today's leaders will have to make courageous decisions to begin the process at a time when public understanding and support are lacking. I hope they do so as part of the debt ceiling debate, but a "punt" cannot be ruled out. Ultimately, the nation's political leaders will need to educate and persuade the public to back such a path if fiscal consolidation is to be sustained. In the longer-run, if public support cannot be fostered, that effort could be undermined e.g., new leaders who abandon the effort could be elected. That path has been taken in numerous countries that faced emerging debt crises in the past e.g., in Latin America.
In sum, I am not impressed with that poll. It is easy for the public to advocate general unspecified spending cuts. After all, on account of the ambiguity, unspecified spending reductions entail no potential sacrifices or risks. When the public shows support for specific policy changes/spending reductions, that will be more important, as it will indicate an understanding of the problem and at least some willingness to bear the necessary sacrifices.
