In 2014, four issues generated enough public concern over enough months for at least 10% of Americans, on average, to identify each of them as the nation’s most important problem. Complaints about government leadership — including President Barack Obama, the Republicans in Congress and general political conflict — led the […] Read more »
2014: The year in the polls
Polling in 2014 found Americans voicing a lot of worry and concern – and continued dissatisfaction toward Washington that managed to hit record numbers by some measures. Americans offered slightly more positive views of the economy overall then in recent years, but nothing like pre-crash levels. And the political year, […] Read more »
As Years Go, 2014 Gets Highest Marks Since 2004
Goodbye 2014. According to the latest Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll, you were one of the better recent years. The latest poll, out earlier this month, finds that 47% of Americans believe the past year was average or above average for the U.S. That’s a big jump from the 30% […] Read more »
What’s Ahead for Americans in 2015?
As 2014 ends, the attention of a nation turns to 2015 and how Americans’ attitudes and opinions may change in the months ahead. The political focus in 2015 will inevitably turn away from lame-duck President Barack Obama, and toward the maneuverings of the multitude of politicians who are in one […] Read more »
The Year in Charts
Although developments on the political front were certainly dispiriting, for the first time in years, the economic news was not all gloomy. But with the economy improving, there was less focus on the continuing need to address flagging incomes, rising inequality and unbalanced government spending. Below are 10 charts to […] Read more »
What’s Behind Obama’s Improving Poll Numbers?
As Barack Obama nears the halfway point of his second term, things appear finally to be looking up for the president after a difficult year. For the first time since September 2013, Gallup’s daily polling on Mr. Obama’s job approval rating shows it above water: 48% of Americans approve of […] Read more »