In order to heal the wounded economy, the U.S. government could cut spending or spend more in an attempt to boost the economy. 70.7% of Americans would rather see Congress curb spending, according to the latestAmerican PulseSurvey of 5,296 respondents. 84.4% of Republicans, 73.2% of Independents and 58.6% of Democrats agree:

Which should happen first in order for recovery to happen quicker?

Cut spending to reduce national debt
Adults 18+: 70.7%
Republicans: 84.4%
Democrats: 58.6%
Independents: 73.2%

Spend more to stimulate the economy and job market
Adults 18+: 29.3%
Republicans: 15.6%
Democrats: 41.4%
Independents: 26.8%

With heated debt ceiling negotiations taking place in Washington and Americans’ eagerness to cut government spending, it should come as no surprise that the majority thinks a limit on debt is needed. 70.5% say a set debt limit is “Necessary.” 80.1% of Republicans, 72.2% of Independents and 65.3% of Democrats agree.

Further, 74.4% of Americans have little or no confidence that the government’s economic policies will get the economy back on track. 88.7% of Republicans, 77.6% of Independents and 57.9% of Democrats share this lack of confidence.

In a political game of “Would You Rather…?”, parties also appear to agree on some of the largest issues facing the nation.

7 in 10 Americans (70.4%) would rather pay more in taxes in order to have Social Security available to them when they retire. 80.6% of Democrats, 70.6% of Independents and 59.1% of Republicans agree. The other 3 in 10 Americans (29.6%) would rather sacrifice Social Security benefits and pay less in taxes right now.

83.0% of Americans would rather harvest domestic oil, and 92.0% of Republicans, 82.5% of Independents and 78.0% of Democrats agree. The other 17.0% prefer to preserve our resources and continue buying oil from overseas.

Other Key Findings among Americans:

• Nearly 2 in 3 (63.0%) sort of agree or fully agree with the beliefs of the Tea Party movement. 37.0% do not agree at all.
• The top 3 words used to describe the Tea Party movement: Good (3.6%), Conservative (3.5%), Crazy (2.7%).
• 55.5% of Americans agree with the Obama administration’s talking point that taxing “millionaires and billionaires” more could help save the economy.
• Almost half (49.1%) think it is not at all or not very likely that the government will be able to get the economy back on track before debt surpasses GDP, which the Congressional Budget Office projects will happen in 10 years.
• 60.9% would rather have Sarah Palin on their side in a street fight, but 54.6% would call Michele Bachmann for help if they were arrested. Want to know which of these women Americans would rather have serve as President?