Battling messages: the Democrats need to enter the fray
by digby
New polling with the same results:
As President Obama and Democrats in Congress prepare to square off at least one more time with Republicans over the federal budget, about eight in 10 Americans would like to see both sides strike a compromise rather than let the federal government shut down, according to the latest CBS News poll.
More than nine in 10 Americans call the federal budget deficit a serious problem, the poll shows - as many as seven in 10 call it very serious. However, just 7 percent named the deficit as the most important problem facing the country today. Most Americans, 51 percent, called the economy and jobs the most important problem, and most Americans agree Washington is not doing enough to create jobs.
I think what this comes down to is a messaging battle between the two parties. The Republicans need to convince the people that the way boost the economy and create jobs is to eliminate the deficit. The Democrats need to convince people that the way to eliminate the deficit is to create jobs and boost the economy.
It would probably be a good idea for the Democrats to actually make theirs if they hope to prevail. It's not too late.
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