People want new programs, but are wary of 'Big Government'

By David Lightman | McClatchy Newspapers WASHINGTON — Whether it's over health care, climate change or most other big Washington battles this year, Congress keeps debating the same underlying issue — is the federal government getting too big and intrusive? The subject bitterly divides Republicans from Democrats, and the public's mood seems ambivalent. Polls show that public majorities think the government's rapidly growing cost is worrisome, yet most want better health care and curbs on global warming — but they're wary of giving government too much power to do either. The success of those ventures in Washington could depend on how leaders frame the question during debate, said John Geer, a political science professor at Vanderbilt University. "If you ask people, 'Do you want big government?' you get one answer," he said.... [read full story]                    

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