Whispers Poll: Americans Want to Pay Down Deficit

In our latest poll we ask Americans what they'd take if Congress were to offer them a bailout. Most pick gas, groceries, a mortgage payment, and even college courses. But a remarkable 27 percent reject any giveaway and tell us that Congress should use the money to pay down the debt. It's an answer that could have an impact on the debate over whether Washington should pass another citizen stimulus bill.

The Whispers Poll

Washington's latest drive to provide bailouts, special credits, and freebies to stumbling corporations hasn't dripped down to taxpayers so far. If Congress and the White House were to support individuals next, what form would you prefer?

Three months of free groceries 28%
Keep it to pay down the deficit 27%
Three months of gasoline 22%
A free monthly mortgage payment 16%
A free semester of college classes 7%

Source: The Synovate eNation Internet poll was conducted September 24-26 among 1,000 nationally representative households by global market research firm Synovate.