Gallup’s U.S. Economic Confidence Index was -9 for the week ending May 3 — its lowest weekly score since December. This reflects a six-point decline from the previous week, and is the largest week-to-week drop since last July. CONT. Justin McCarthy, Gallup Read more »
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index Retreats in April
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®, which had increased in March, declined in April. The Index now stands at 95.2 (1985=100), down from 101.4 in March. CONT. Conference Board Read more »
Left vs. Right: How Populism Plays in 2016 Race
The 2016 presidential campaign is just getting underway, but so far one message seems clear: populism’s moment has arrived. After years of tough economic times candidates are especially focused on “the little guy” – or at least the littler guy. … But expect very different brands of populism to be […] Read more »
Brown, Gray, and Urban
… In our era, the United States is experiencing two demographic transitions: It is growing more diverse, especially in its youth population, and it is also aging, as the predominantly white baby boomers move toward retirement. … These two giant blocks—what I’ve called “the brown and the gray”—have become the […] Read more »
A New Formula for a Real Democratic Majority
What is the biggest obstacle to Democrats truly winning a national election and pursuing a progressive agenda? What is the biggest obstacle to Democrats winning big enough, geographically broad enough, and deep enough to overcome the constitutional barriers to a governing majority in America? I posed that first question in […] Read more »
Confidence in Obama’s Economic Decisions Rises
Half of U.S. adults say they have “a great deal” or “a fair amount” of confidence in President Barack Obama “to do or to recommend the right thing for the economy,” a significant rebound from last year’s record-low 42%. Moreover, Obama continues to be the most trusted economic actor in […] Read more »