49% give poor or failing grade to President Obama for handling of Gulf Oil Spill. Economy, Healthcare and Deficit Top Concerns Regarding America’s Future. When it comes to issues that concern Americans regarding the future of America, the economy tops the list at 81.2%, followed by healthcare (67.6%) and the federal deficit (64.9%), according to the latest American Pulse™ Survey (N= 5,123). See the chart in the attachment box to the right.
The economy is also the #1 issue worrying Americans about their personal well-being (79.1%). Healthcare (66.6%) is #2 and terrorism (47.7%) is #3.
In both instances, national affairs outpace international affairs, indicating that matters closer to home are weighing heavy on the minds of Americans.
Top 5 Issues Concerning…
Future of America Americans’ Personal Well-Being
Economy (81.2%) Economy (79.1%)
Healthcare (67.6%) Healthcare (66.6%)
Federal deficit (64.9%) Terrorism (47.7%)
Job Creation (63.5%) Job Creation (46.1%)
Terrorism (60.6%) National Security (42.6%)
Source: American Pulse™, June-2010
It doesn’t appear that Americans believe the economy will recover soon. 68.8% have little-to-no confidence that government’s economic policies will get the economy back on track, compared to 31.3% who do. Similarly, 73.8% have little-to-no confidence that government policies will help lower unemployment (v. 26.2% who do).
Another issue on the home front is the Gulf oil spill, and Americans tend to score the Obama administration low on handling it. 29.3% gave it a “C,” 25.4% gave a “D,” and 23.4% assigned an “F.”
Uneasiness about domestic issues may be affecting how Americans would vote for president. If the election were today, 36.8% of adults would vote for a generic republican candidate versus 34.7% who would vote for Obama. 37.8% of registered voters would vote for a republican (v. 35.1% for Obama).
Other findings:
• 67.9% agree/strongly agree that Americans are consumed by technology…10% disagree/strongly disagree.
• 44.3% think technology overload is bad for Americans saying its changing behavior…31.8% think it’s good; Americans can never get enough technology.
• 71.9% say watching movies at the cinema is too expensive…19.7% say it’s worth it. Only 25.9% are waiting for a summer blockbuster to attend… 74.1% aren’t.
Our last report also stated: According to the latest American Pulse™ survey of 5,304 Americans, 69.3% say they don’t think BP knows what it’s doing when it comes to fixing the spill and 61.8% say the Obama administration hasn’t done enough.
7 in 10 Say BP Doesn’t Know What It’s Doing; 62% Say Obama Administration Hasn’t Done Enough For Oil Spill. Americans Weigh in On Middle East, Sestak, Greece and Facebook.
Regarding Gulf Coast Oil Spill… (Adults 18+)
Yes No I Don’t Know
Does BP know what it’s doing to fix it? 12.7% 69.3% 18.0%
Has Obama Administration done enought? 16.9% 61.8% 21.4%
With tensions escalating in the Middle East, President Obama also has big problems to grapple with overseas and many think it won’t be an easy road for him.
American’s on President Obama:
42.5% believe he has lost his influence in the region,
31.8% say he maintains authority and
25.7% don’t know.
Further, 44.7% say international leaders don’t respect President Obama and his administration, 32.9% say they do and 22.4% aren’t sure.
(source: About American Pulse™ – The American Pulse™ Survey is collected online by BIGresearch® twice a month exclusively utilizing Survey Sampling International’s (SSI) U.S. panel covering topics such as politics, pop culture and the economy. Over 5,000 respondents participate, providing greater insights and accuracy of +/- 1%. www.bigresearch.com )
See the chart in the attachment box to the right.
