Poll: Biden to be blamed for debt default

Will Biden Take the Blame for Debt Default?

The debt ceiling debate is heating up, and a new poll suggests that President Joe Biden may be the one to take the blame if the United States defaults on its debt. According to a recent Fox News poll, 47% of registered voters would blame the president in the event of a default, while only 44% would attribute it to Republicans in Congress. This marks a significant shift from the 2011 debt crisis, when only 32% of voters said they would blame then-president Barack Obama for a default.

But it’s not just the blame game that’s at stake. Americans also seem to align more with Republicans on how to avoid a default. Polls by both CNN and Fox have found that the majority of Americans only want the debt ceiling lifted if the government also cuts spending. Republicans have already passed a bill that would both raise the debt ceiling and cut spending by about 14% over the course of 10 years.

What’s at Risk?

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned that failing to raise the debt ceiling will cause an “economic catastrophe.” The Treasury estimates that the government has until early June to increase the debt ceiling and avoid a default. In the Fox poll, Americans across party lines agreed with Yellen, saying that if Biden and congressional Republicans fail to reach an agreement, it would be a “financial catastrophe.”

The Bottom Line

The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking. Will Biden and congressional Republicans be able to reach an agreement before it’s too late? Only time will tell.

• 47% of voters would blame Biden for a debt default
• 44% would attribute it to Republicans in Congress
• Americans want the debt ceiling lifted only if the government also cuts spending
• Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warns of an “economic catastrophe” if the debt ceiling is not raised

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.