Fifty-six percent surveyed in a new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll say both sides would be responsible if a compromise is not reached. Nineteen percent would blame Obama and Democrats only, with 24 saying the GOP would be at fault.

Those numbers could suggest a shift in public opinion, as both parties work to find a way to prevent tax rate hikes and automatic spending cuts from taking effect in January.

Prior surveys have shown voters more likely to blame congressional Republicans if talks fail.