Democrats seem to have the edge in the so-called fiscal cliff negotiations, if a new political poll is any indication.

When asked to choose between higher taxes and cutting entitlement programs, 35% of respondents to the new United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll said they’re more worried about reductions to Social Security and Medicare.

Only 27% said they were more concerned with their tax bill going up. Also, only 13% expressed worry over a budget deal resulting in the government spending too much money in the future.

Although it is congressional Republicans who are advocating greater entitlement cuts, it is the demographic that typically represents the staunchest Republican support—white males without a college education—that is more fearful of such cuts than increased taxes (33% to 26%).

The survey also asked whom respondents would blame if a deal is not brokered. Fifty percent said the fault would equally lie with President Barack Obama, congressional Democrats and congressional Republicans.

However, 27% would blame the GOP solely, while only 16% would blame Obama, and 5% fault congressional Democrats.

“Combined, the results should be welcome news for Democrats itching to take a hard line in the fiscal-cliff negotiations: They show the public is nervous, as they are, about entitlement cuts, and that Democratic lawmakers likely won’t be blamed if the talks go south,” wrote Shane Goldmacher at National Journal.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

To Learn More:

Poll Shows Americans Fear Entitlement Cuts the Most in 'Cliff' Talks (by Shane Goldmacher, National Journal)

New Taxes Kick in in January, including a Marriage Tax (by Noel Brinkerhoff, AllGov)

Would Taxing the Rich Really Hurt Economic Growth? (by David Wallechinsky and Noel Brinkerhoff, AllGov)

What Jobs will be Lost if Congress Can’t Settle the Budget/Debt Crisis? (by Matt Bewig, AllGov)