Americans Resent Wall St. Bailout

Poll shows 79% seek change of course

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 24, 2008 4:06 AM CDT

(Newser) – Most Americans, struggling unaided with their own financial problems, resent the Wall Street bailout, reports the Los Angeles Times. Taxpayers don't believe it should be government's responsibility to foot the bill for the collapse of America's financial goliaths, according to a Times/Bloomberg poll. But 57% in a separate poll believe Congress has no other option. Reluctance to use public money to rescue private firms cuts across party lines and income levels.

Alarmingly for John McCain, 79% of those polled say America is heading in the wrong direction under the Republican administration. "It sticks in my craw," said a retired office worker opposed to the bailout. "There should be some other solution. But I think the taxpayers are going to have to cover it."

A new poll says 79% of Americans believe the nation is on the wrong track. (AP Photo/The Saginaw News, Jeff Schrier)

Anger at Wall Street could translate into increased support or Barack Obama. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

American taxpayers are reluctant to to pay for the bailout of Wall Street's ailing institutions. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

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Americans Resent Wall St. Bailout

Poll shows 79% seek change of course

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Wall Street • Pew Research Center • bailout • Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll • financial crisis

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More Newser Stories

Dems May Cave on Consumer Agency

Proving they serve banks, not families, says Elizabeth Warren

Be Very Afraid: Goldman Sachs Is Smiling

High-risk model hasn't changed, could lead to new crisis, says Reich

Wall St. Looks to Skirt Bonus Limits With Padded Salaries

Attempt to skirt new rules could anger shareholders

Skirting Pay Cap Will Be a Piece of Cake

Obama proposal leaves wiggle room, and Wall St. usually good at finding it

Feds Let Lehman Fail—Then Loaned It $138B Anyway

Paulson & Co. say cash was to 'facilitate orderly wind-down' of trades, but questions persist

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Americans Resent Wall St. Bailout

Poll shows 79% seek change of course

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Wall Street • Pew Research Center • bailout • Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll • financial crisis

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Dems May Cave on Consumer Agency

Proving they serve banks, not families, says Elizabeth Warren

Be Very Afraid: Goldman Sachs Is Smiling

High-risk model hasn't changed, could lead to new crisis, says Reich

Wall St. Looks to Skirt Bonus Limits With Padded Salaries

Attempt to skirt new rules could anger shareholders

Skirting Pay Cap Will Be a Piece of Cake

Obama proposal leaves wiggle room, and Wall St. usually good at finding it

Feds Let Lehman Fail—Then Loaned It $138B Anyway

Paulson & Co. say cash was to 'facilitate orderly wind-down' of trades, but questions persist

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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More News

What is Newser?