Krugman: "The Perils Of Government By Poll, 30s Edition"

Paul Krugman today:

In light of the way we actually got out of the Great Depression, it’s instructive — and depressing — to look at polling from that era. Two results from Gallup, in March 1938:

Do you think government spending should be increased to help get business out of its present slump?
Gallup Poll, Mar, 1938

37% Yes

63% No

In your opinion which will do more to get us out of the depression: increase government spending, or reduce taxes on business?
Gallup Poll
(AIPO), Mar, 1938

15% Increase government spending

63% Reduce
taxes on business

21% No opinion