Republicans All Alone in Viewing the Economy as in Good Shape

Gallup ^ | 3/21/06 | Frank Newport

[pissant]

PRINCETON, NJ -- Americans continue to resist giving the nation's economy positive ratings, regardless of what so-called "hard" economic indicators may show. Only about a third of Americans rate the current economy as excellent or good and 6 out of 10 say the economy is getting worse, not better. In general, these ratings are slightly worse than earlier this year, although still not as negative as they were early last fall after Hurricane Katrina and the rapid run-up in the price of gasoline. Views of the economy remain highly partisan, with Republicans the most positive, Democrats most negative, and independents somewhere in the middle. Independents in particular have become more negative in their views of the economy this year, and now are much closer to the negative attitudes of Democrats than to the more rosy views of Republicans.

Basic Indicators

Gallup routinely measures two basic indicators of consumer views of the national economy: ratings of current economic conditions, and views as to whether the economy is getting better or getting worse. The trends on both are presented in these graphs:

[hedgetrimmer]

People think the economy is bad because the cost of necessities is rising faster than the ability to pay for it.

The inflation numbers put out by the government very conveniently do not include the cost of home utilities, fuel or housing.

[pissant]

If not for the rise in petroleum prices, that too would show little inflation. It has a ripple effect. thank GOD we are finally going to build more nuke plants.

[headstamp]

If the Iraq war was under the Clinton administration, it would be classed as the most noble effort yet by mankind.

[driftless]

"listen to facts"

Don't feel alone. Americans in general are pretty ignorant about economics and quite willing to believe the lies of Big Media. I recently read a column by some lib who wrote about the "sluggish" economy. If the unemployment rate was at one percent, the stock market at twenty thousand, everyone owned their own home, and the average annual income was one hundred thousand dollars Big Media would still be talking about a "sluggish" economy...and they will continue to do so while a Republican is president.

[BlueNgold]

Once again the liberal/socialist mantra:
Tell a lie long enough and eventually it will be believed without question.

[headstamp]

You have a point. This administration in particular has one of the most poorly run communications offices I've ever seen.

There is also virtually no coordination with Republicans in Congress when trying to get a message out or across.

[TXBSAFH]

Sad truth is your are right. Most of the people I know are worried about their personal economy and have ben so for years. It is a mixture of hype and reality. Prices have gone up (see gas), wages are going up slowly if at all for some, taxes are up (come to Houston and find out, the tax cut I got a few years ago has been swallowed up and then some by local taxes, debt is up for many, and many do not think they are secure in their jobs.

How much is truth and how much is hype depends on the person's situation. But most of the people I know are startign to worry and play their cards close to the vest.

[in hoc signo vinces]

Their (Bush Admin) too busy working rather than running a PR campaign that would fail (since Big Media would just step up the lieing to counter it).

As opposed to Billy Bob Clintoon, who never worked as POTUS just managed a PR campaign with the help of Big Media...

So, this administration...just decides to work, and let the chips fall as they may.

[hedgetrimmer]

thank GOD we are finally going to build more nuke plants.

In CHINA. A so-called US company which is really owned by foreign agents gets US taxpayer dollars to build nuclear plants in China. Yes, those plants are going to do us a lot of good. NOT.

[pissant]

No. Here as well.

[headstamp]

I know a guy who is a retired trade unionist. He thinks of himself as Independent/Liberal. To him in some areas the Dems aren't Liberal enough, hence his "Independent" label.

He sure as hell isn't going to vote Republican.

Most other "Independents" I know are of the same bent albeit not as heavily.

Independent is code for either left leaning or total moonbat territory. I've never seen a right leaning Independent. Well in my area anyway.

[rattrap]

That just shows how stupid they are as a whole, they should shut up about all that garbage and start talking gas prices(not that pols can really do anything about it but that's what campaign promises are all about, right?)

Novemeber seems like it may be a contest of who can shoot themselves in the foot the most without blowing it off.

[Tarpon]

You have to wonder why. If the R's coordinated, and in essence stuck to the talking points, the message would get out. It's the greatest story never told.

[headstamp]

Not necessarily. Notice I stated "communication" not PR.

In this day and age of instant media, the President and his administration must communicate to the American people far more often and better than they have been on a host of issues. They typically let something snowball until it is far too late to counter in virtually every circumstance

Reagan did it in a far more left media heavy time. I know President Bush is no Reagan but his administration could do a way better job getting the message out in coordination with Republicans in Congress.

[in hoc signo vinces]

I live in Houston, wages seem to be going up pretty good to me...just depends on which industry segment you work in.

Yes, I agree, it depends on the individual's fact pattern.
But, those I know...are happy, doing better than they've ever done, and are optimistic.

It may just be that they manage their money well, and they work for companies that are in cyclical upturns, but most I know agree...the economy, in it's totality, is doing well.

[Rippin]

So much for the thought that the media should be informing people of what the facts are rather than asking them if their feelings match reality and making a story out of it.

[TXBSAFH]

Maybe, but the of those I know their property taxes (Through valuations) have gone through the roof. Case in point my brothers has gone up 20% in the past three years. His and his wife's wages have not gone up as much. Not to mention the cost of living increase from energy costs. Half of those I know are like me and my wife. We are scrutinizing spending, paying off debts and putting money back just in case. It is the general take of most I talk to that the economic numbers look good but they feel like they are getting squeezed.

[in hoc signo vinces]

Ahhh..I gotcha. Agreed.

IMHO, McClellan (though a nice guy) wasnt a good choice as Whitehouse press secretary.

[TXBSAFH]

The truth is a three edged sword. There is the truth as you see it, the truth as I see it and usually the truth as it really is. Ones perceptions is ones reality.