November 22, 2011
11/22: Optimism Grows About Future of the Economy
McClatchy/Marist National Poll
Although a majority of adults nationally say, when thinking about the future of the U.S. economy, the worst is still ahead, there has been a decrease in the proportion of residents who have this view. 53% of Americans believe there is more bad economic news ahead while 41% report the worst is behind us. Five percent are unsure.
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In McClatchy-Marist’s September survey, more than six in ten U.S. residents — 61% — thought the worst of the nation’s economic conditions were ahead while 35% said the worst was over. Three percent, at the time, were unsure.
Similar proportions of registered voters share these views. A majority of voters — 53% — report the worst is ahead, 41% say it is over, and 6% are unsure. Regardless of party, there has been a slight increase in optimism about the future of the U.S. economy.
However, 73% of residents believe the country is in a recession while 25% say it is not. Three percent are unsure.
Little has changed on this question since September. At that time, 75% thought the economy was in a recession, 22% said it was not, and 3% were unsure.
When it comes to family finances, overall, 59% think their financial picture will remain about the same in the coming year. More than one in five — 22% — believe their finances will get better, and 19% report they will get worse.
In Marist’s October survey, 55% thought their personal money matters would stay about the same, 28% said they would improve, and 17% reported they would get worse.
Table: U.S. Economy — Will It Get Worse?
Table: U.S. Economy — Will It Get Worse? (Over Time)
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Table: U.S. in a Recession Over Time
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Table: Your Personal Family Finances – Better, Worse, or the Same?
Table: Your Personal Family Finances – Better, Worse, or the Same? (Over Time)
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Obama Avoids Blame for Economy…Half See Good in Obama Jobs Plan
Politically speaking, many registered voters nationally do not blame President Barack Obama for the nation’s current economic conditions. In fact, six in ten voters — 60% — believe the president inherited the country’s financial situation. 32%, however, think the nation’s economy is a result of the president’s own policies, and 8% are unsure.
Little has changed on this question. In September, 60% reported Mr. Obama was handed the country’s economic conditions while 34% believed the president’s policies caused them. Six percent, at the time, were unsure.
When it comes to the president’s jobs plan, half of adults nationally — 50% — think his proposal will do more good than harm. 40%, however, think the plan will have the opposite impact, and 2% say it will make no difference. Nine percent are unsure.
A couple of months ago, 51% thought there was more good than harm in the president’s plan while 38% said it was more harmful than helpful. Only 1% reported it would have no impact on the jobs picture, and 11%, at the time, were unsure.
Who do Americans trust more to create jobs? Residents divide. 46% have more faith in President Obama while 42% trust the Republicans in Congress to create more jobs. 12% are unsure.
Similar proportions had these views in September. At that time, 45% put more trust in President Obama to create jobs while 41% had more confidence in Congressional Republicans. 14%, then, were unsure.
Table: Current Economic Conditions Inherited
Table: Current Economic Conditions Inherited Over Time
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Table: Impact of President Obama’s Proposal to Create Jobs
Table: Who Do You Trust More to Create Jobs, President Obama or the Republicans in Congress?