Poll shows Biden, Democrats get low marks on proposal
WASHINGTON (AP) — As President Joe Biden and Democrats try to get a roughly $2 trillion package over the finish line, a new poll shows that fewer than half of Americans approve of how they have handled the spending bill. And many say they know little to nothing about it.
It's a troubling sign for a party that hopes to make the social spending investments the hallmark of their midterm election campaigns next year.
The new poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that 36% of Americans say they approve of Biden's handling of the negotiations over the bill, while 41% disapprove and 23% say they neither approve nor disapprove. Fewer than half say they know a lot or some about the proposals.
"I don't place all the blame on him, but I think that, as a president, as a commander-inchief, I think he could be doing a lot more to get people on board with his plan," said Gary Hines, 65, a Democratic voter from Philadelphia who emphasized he supports the various elements of Biden's plan, from expanding the number of people with health insurance, to making child care more affordable, to doing more to curb climate change.
The findings come at a pivotal moment for Biden and his party. Compared with his spending bill efforts, Americans are more positive about his job performance overall, with 48% approving. Still, 51% disapprove. That split is similar to last month but a notable slump from earlier this year.
The new poll also gives Biden his first underwater approval rating for his handling of the economy and shows increasing pessimism about the direction of the country.
Still, the poll shows ratings of Republicans' role in the situation are even worse. Just 18% percent approve of how Republicans in Congress are handling negotiations over the spending package, while 49% disapprove. Republicans, who have been shut out from the talks over the bill, are expected to overwhelmingly, if not unanimously, oppose the Democratic package.
Democrats have pared back Biden's plans at the insistence of Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona. Still, they are struggling to reach agreement on a smaller framework of priorities and a means to pay for them.
Kristopher Bennefield, 39, of San Augustine, Texas, voiced frustration with Democrats "being so indecisive among themselves." And he said Biden bears responsibility, because "if he can't get his own party to do anything, how can he really do anything else?"
"He has great ideas, but he's having poor follow-through," said Bennefield, who described himself as an independent.
Meanwhile, some Americans skeptical of the effort remain so.
"I don't think we can afford it," said Greg Holman, 59, of Grants Pass, Ore., who is hoping for what he described as a "red wave" in next year's mid-term elections.
"It's ridiculous to turn the country into a socialist nation where the government is doing everything for the people," said James Solar, 78, of Houston. "The point is, these programs are not free."
Despite concerns about the progress being made on the spending package, or the lack thereof, most Americans support several of the broad priorities of the plan. The poll shows majorities say funding for health care and education programs should be high priorities, and close to half say the same about programs that address climate change.
Fewer say funding for child care (40%) or paid family leave (27%) should be high priorities, but majorities say they should at least be moderate priorities.
Halloween may look a bit different this year, but here are some ways you can still have fun.
Choosing costumes, decorating pumpkins, and trickor-treating brings joy to many children at Halloween. Some Halloween traditions may look different this year to keep everyone safe during the Covid19 pandemic. However, there are still plenty of ways families can have fun while avoiding the scare of being exposed to or spreading the virus. Here are a few ways to have a spooky blast at home.
What are some safe costume ideas for kids on Halloween?
• Enjoy choosing or making a Halloween costume and dressing up. Involve the whole family, where everyone makes a costume and dresses in it.
• Have a video chat with family and friends, showing off your costume. Grandparents and other family members who live miles away will love this.
• Host an outdoor parade in your neighborhood. Be sure to stay at least 6 feet apart and wear a face covering.
• A Halloween mask does not take the place of a fabric Covid mask unless it has several layers of fabric and snuggly covers the mouth and nose. Consider making your facemask part of the costume.
What are safety tips for trickor-treating during Covid?
• If you decide to go trick-ortreating in your neighborhood, consider setting up a one-way trick-or-treating where individually wrapped goodie bags are lined up for families to grab and go while social distancing.
• If you are preparing to hand out goodie bags, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after preparing the bags.
• Hand-out only wrapped candy or treats.
• Parents should make sure children use hand sanitizer often during trick-or-treating.
• Make sure you know the neighborhood you are trick-ortreating in. Avoid neighborhoods where you do not know the people who live there.
What alternatives are there to
trick-or-treating?
• Instead of trick-or-treating, have a family movie night. There are plenty of Halloween movies on TV. Choose one that is age appropriate for your children.
• There are some organized community events in the area. Consider attending one of these where hand sanitizer will be encouraged.
Covid-19 continues to impact
our holiday fun. With the rise in positive cases, consider alternative ways to have fun this year!
(Editor’s Note: If you need more information, contact Marla Lane (FCS Agent) St. Francis County office by calling 870-2611730. This research and information provided by Jean Ince, County Extension AgentStaff Chair, Howard County.)