Obama's Jobs Bill Rejected by Senate but Favored by the Public

President Barack Obama can take solace in the fact that his Senate-rejected jobs bill is favored by the public, especially when specific elements of the bill are considered, according to the latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll.

It was just this past Tuesday when Obama’s jobs bill went down to defeat. Some viewed the defeat as the triumph of prudence over profligate spending, but now, according to the latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, when asked simply if Congress should approve the bill or not, 30 percent of respondents said yes, while 22 percent said no and 44 percent had no opinion.

Even more favorably for the legislation, when elements of the bill were itemized individually, respondents were even more enthusiastic.

Respondents were asked if they would be in favor of the bill if it were to cut payroll taxes, fund new road construction, extend unemployment benefits, and be paid for by increasing taxes on the wealthy - 63 percent said they would favor the bill, while just 32 percent said they would oppose it.

Additionally, 64 percent of respondents approved of the sentiment that it is a "good idea" to raise taxes on the wealthy and corporations, because they should pay their fair share and can afford to pay more to help fund programs and government operations.

By contrast, just 31 percent agreed with the opposing statement which claimed that raising taxes on the wealthy and corporations is a "bad idea," because higher taxes take away money that would otherwise be invested to help grow the economy.

According to CBS News, Obama told voters in Pittsburgh Tuesday that senators must be willing to explain their votes. He sad they "should have to look you in the eye and tell you what exactly they are opposed to."

The results of this latest poll perhaps indicate that the public might be seeking the same explanation.