Wealthy in Our Lifetime? Americans Say 'No Way'

Nearly half reject the notion of getting rich: poll
By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 16, 2012 6:09 PM CDT
Wealthy, in Our Lifetime? Americans Say 'No Way'
Nearly half of Americans say wealth is an impossible dream, according to a new poll.   (Shutterstock)

A new poll about taxes has stumbled on a sad fact: 47% of American voters say they'll never get rich, and only 37% say they could. After that, The Hill's survey of 1,000 likely voters found that 47% support President Obama's plan to extend the Bush tax cuts for families making less than $250,000, while 41% want the rates extended for all. At the same time, just 36% trusted Democrats on tax policy and 43% prefer Republicans.

People earning between $40,000 and $75,000 prefer Romney on taxes, with a sharp 34-point Romney advantage for those making $60,000 to $75,000. Once you top $100,000, though, likely voters prefer Obama, 51% to 44%. Interestingly, the poll stumbled on a debate over what constitutes wealth: 40% said you need $500,000 in annual income, 19% said you need more, and 31% said $250,000 is enough. (More President Obama stories.)

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