Racial Resentment Is Impetus for Welfare Cuts but So Is Ignorance on Spending Levels

The Washington Post reported on new research indicating that racial resentment is a major factor in the political support for cuts to TANF, food stamps, and other social welfare programs. While this is undoubtedly true, it is likely that widespread ignorance about the amount of money going to these programs is also a major factor.

Polls consistently show that people hugely overestimate the amount of money that the federal government is spending on various welfare programs. People routinely an...