In November of last year, the Republican polling firm McLaughlin & Associates did a national poll for the National Review Institute that included this question:

Concerning the ongoing debate about fixing the American economy, with whom do you agree more? Congressman A who says that taxes should be raised on the wealthiest Americans so federal spending can be increased. These increases in spending would be used to help finance local government jobs, including teachers. OR Congressman B who says that raising taxes is bad for the economy and federal spending shouldn’t be increased to pay for the irresponsible budget decisions of local governments.

Results: Fifty-one percent picked Congressman B, 41 percent Congressman A. The cross-tabs show that majorities of married women, Hispanics, Catholics, Jews, and male independents picked Congressman B. So did a plurality of female independents, voters undecided about which party they would support in House races, and ticket splitters. At least a plurality of each income group picked Congressman B.

This poll doesn’t mean that Romney will pay no price for his remarks. But it suggests that he has a tenable position.