Interesting Numbers from a New Poll

A new Wall Street Journal/NBC Poll addressed a large variety of issues. Below I have listed a few of the more interesting findings:

The Economy

By 39%-16%, Americans expect economy to get worse in next year; 43% say it’ll stay the same. Democrats lead on handling the economy by the largest margin, 16 percentage points, since 1993. The poll’s margin of error is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

Among independents, 25% worry Democrats will too quickly raise taxes and spending. But 37% say Bush’s party isn’t sufficiently curbing spending and shrinking the deficit. As House and Senate near minimum-wage clashes next week, 55% of independents are more likely to support a candidate who backs an increase.

The Environment

59% say climate change warrants “some action” or “immediate” steps, up from 51% in 1999.

Wedge Issues Among Republicans

Among Republicans most interested in 2006 elections, gay marriage trails Iraq and immigration as issue; 22% cite it as a top factor in November choice. Just 5% say flag-burning.