Demagogue

The American people are full of surprises. As I looked back over the actual question-by-question breakdown of the latest ABC News-Washington Post poll (released Jan. 17), something bizarre emerged.

In the poll, a clear majority of Americans say that they disapprove of Bush's "handling" the issue of Social Security -- 55% to 38% (7% had "no opinion" or were too engrossed in the latest episode of "Desperate Housewives" to make a choice). But, when asked about the two major components that make up Bush's plan (see page 21 of the PDF), they were either evenly split or supportive.

Confused? You're not alone.

As ABC News-Post polling officials explained:

Some other surveys have posited a cut in (Social Security) benefits; this one instead posed the question as a reduction in the rate of growth, which is more specifically what's been proposed. This survey also specified the apparent size of the reduction, up to one and a half percent a year.

Asked whether they support the idea that the Bushies are floating to "reduce the rate of growth in guaranteed benefits for future retirees by up to one and a half percent a year," the response is a virtually deadlock -- 47% favor and 48% oppose.

Not exactly a stern rebuke to the benefit-cut idea.

When Americans are asked if they would support the approach of allowing workers to "put some of their Social Security savings into stocks or bonds if they wanted to," the approach gets the public's approval by a margin of 55% to 41%.

Yes, I suppose it's possible that Americans don't approve of how Bush is "handling" the issue because of the administration's talk of financing the conversion costs "off the books." But let's get real. How many Americans really know about that aspect of the debate? Maybe seventy-four?

I think the more disturbing explanation is also the more logical explanation. The average American opposes Bush's plan, but doesn't actually know what his plan is.