WashPost/ABC Poll: Americans Don't Want to Change Medicare, Medicaid

Americans strongly oppose plans to change Medicare and Medicaid that House Republicans have put forward as a way to bring the national debt under control, a new Washington Post-ABC News poll shows. Among other remedies advanced, only President Barack Obama’s plan to raise taxes on the wealthy enjoys solid support.

The GOP plan, which House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin put together calls for major changes in Medicare and Medicaid. Obama’s plan does not call for restructuring but acknowledges future savings are needed. The poll found that 78 percent oppose cutting spending on Medicare and 69 percent oppose cuts to Medicaid, the Post reported.

Obama’s call to raise taxes on those with income over $250,000 garnered the support of 72 percent, with majorities of Democrats, independents and Republics approving. Almost 60 percent disapprove of the president’s handling of the budget, but 64 percent disapprove of the way congressional Republicans are handling the budget, the Post reported.

On the question of who has a stronger leadership role in Washington, congressional Republicans lead Obama 45 to 40 percent. However, Obama holds a double-digit advantage among independents when it comes to protecting the middle class, the Post reported.