Will voters buy the idea that GOP is sabotaging economy?

[ProSense]

Will voters buy the idea that GOP is sabotaging economy?

By Greg Sargent

Steve Benen flags what seems to be a first: A poll gauging whether voters are prepared to believe that Republicans are deliberately sabotaging the recovery in order to take back the White House. With the Obama campaign and Democrats signaling that this argument will be central in 2012, this seems like a relevant question.

The poll, which surveyed Florida voters, was conducted by Suffolk University. I tracked down the poll’s internals, and here’s the relevant question:

Do you think the Republicans are intentionally stalling efforts to jumpstart the economy to insure that Barack Obama is not reelected?

Yes 49

No 39

Undecided 12

This is only one state, but as Steve notes, “it’s a large, diverse swing state that both parties take very seriously.” And nearly half of these voters say they believe this — even though the question is asked in a very provocative way.

Of course, the natural follow up question is important: Will this matter? The Suffolk poll contains no signs that it does. Obama’s approval is at 41 percent in this key swing state, versus 50 percent who disapprove. He’s tied with likely GOP nominee Mitt Romney, 42-42. An equal number — 29 percent — say they will vote either Democratic or Republican “no matter what,” with another 13 percent saying they will only vote Democratic if the economy gets better, meaning Dems will be held accountable.

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[rfranklin]

1. Why is the electorate so dense?

It has me gnashing my teeth in frustration.

[zbdent]

6. because the "liberally-biased mediai"

ain't ...

(okay, the implication is that the "liberally-biased media" really isn't "liberally biased" ... in case someone didn't understand my statement)

[bowens43]

2. It's not an idea, it's a fact

but most americans are not paying attention or they support the GOP in it's effort to ensure that Obama doesn't get any big wins before the election.

[Cali_Democrat]

3. Depends

on how good the White House is at communicating that to the voters. They've begun to say the truth, but they've done it in a very weak and meek manner.

The White House needs to be more forceful and explicit.

[MNBrewer]

4. It's been clear that they are doing just that for some time!

The Republicans ARE trying to stall out the economy. They don't give a shit as long as they think it'll get them in power.

[southernyankeebelle]

5. When you get the Minority Speaker of the Senate say "Our mission is to

make Obama a one term president" make you think.

[AtomicKitten]

7. The GOP proves it every single time they block jobs bills put to a vote.

[lady lib]

8. Great comment at the end:

"The Republican arsonists set our economic home on fire in 2008, and ever since they have been cutting off the water to those who are fighting to put the fire out.

Now those same Republican Arsonists who started the inferno, want to be put in charge of putting out the fire they started."