Is a National Defense Sequester a Political Problem?

Although most Americans say they support cutting spending, when offered actual programs to reduce other than the minuscule foreign aid budget, it is nearly impossible to find a majority for cuts – hence, serious budget cutters may feign concern over the “meat ax” approach to cuts, but they are about to accept them as a necessary first step.

It is ironic that Republicans, most of whom will allow the sequester and its significant cuts in defense spending, are more in alignment with general public opinion than with their fellow Republicans.

Only 26 percent of the public believe we are spending too little on defense and 36 percent believe we are spending too much. Another third (35%) believe military spending is about right. With no consensus on defense spending, there is room for cuts.

Needless to say, there is a significant partisan difference among those who believe too much money is being spent on the military. Half (51%) of Democrats believe too much is spent on the military, but only 17 percent of Republicans. The problem for congressional Republicans is that 45 percent of their base believes too little is spent on the military. However, the good news is that 95 percent believe too much is spent on government in general. And, the sequester is the only tool available.

See:
Gallup: Americans divided in views of U.S. defense spending
Gallup: Americans see U.S. global standing as better, but not its best
Pew: As sequester deadline looms, little support for cutting most programs