By Larry Kane

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — As the “fiscal cliff” negotiations trudge forward in Washington, DC, a new survey shows that Americans are not that encouraged.

In this new CBS News poll, only 50 percent think a budget-cutting, tax-stabilizing deal can be accomplished by Republicans and Democrats by New Year’s Day.  (Forty-four percent think “no.”)

But here’s the big number: 69 percent want to see the tax rate on people making over $250,000 go up, but at the same time 45 percent want to reduce spending to lower the deficit.  (Forty-eight percent say keep government spending the same.)

The bottom line?  The majority favors tax increases, while only 45 percent want to cut spending.