According to the Gallup Poll, the only people who are admitting that the economy is in good shape are Republicans.
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.
We've covered economic news quite a bit here at Blogs For Bush and at GOP Bloggers, and so many of the indicators that pundits and lay-persons alike have depended on for years to judge the economy have been positive. The economy has shown solid growth over the past few years, and the unemployment rate is in the low 5% range.
What is clearly happening is liberals are letting their politics influence how they view the economy. Naturally, the rebuttal to that comment would be "Well, maybe Republicans are letting their politics influence how they view the economy," The only problem with that claim is that economic indicators have been good, therefore, a majority of people should be able to objectively conclude that the economy is in good shape. It's pretty sad when people let their party affiliation influence how they perceive the economy.
The poll also shows a decline in the ratings of current economic conditions, and views as to whether the economy is getting better or getting worse. That, however, can be attributed to the fact the poll is skewed. The party breakdown of the poll was as follows, 28% Republican, 36% Independent and 33% Democrat. Since January, the polling sample for their polls on the economy have show a regular decrease in Republicans samples, (-6 since January) and an increase in Democrats and independents (+2 each)...
So not only do we have biased perceptions of the economy, but we also have bias polls on the economy... Sad isn't it?
UPDATE: More at Rep. Kingston's blog...
Posted by Matt at March 21, 2006 08:32 PM
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Comments
Matt, I'm flat out not buyin' those "economy polls" anymore. Wasn't it just last week cnn's bill schneider said that their most recent "poll" showed 60% rated the economy in "excellent or good" shape... and how the Prez "doesn't get credit... blah blah blah..."
Also, there hasn't been a hint of any real slowdown in consumer spending....
There are just too many disconnects. I'm not buyin' their msm crap on this one.
Posted by: johnnn at March 21, 2006 10:03 PM
"What is clearly happening is liberals are letting their politics influence how they view the economy.
Some of us realize that our prosperity (and president's popularity) are paid for with borrowed money, that others will have to pay back.
Posted by: shortz at March 22, 2006 12:21 AM
Matt, I don't understand why these polls are always so weight heavy on dems. Is it like required by law that all polls be weighted 50 percent dems, 20 percent republicans and 30 percent "independents". All I can say personally, is that my business had its best year last year and is doing well this year as well.
Posted by: james allegro at March 22, 2006 12:43 AM
Why would Americans believe the economy is in great shape?
After all, they are constantly told by the liberal media and the Democrats how really bad everything is in and with America. When's the last time you heard a Democrat say anything good about America?
All day long, day after day, Americans are told how bad President Bush is, how bad the economy is for "some" people, how bad the environment is, how badly the war is going in Iraq, how bad things are in New Orleans, how bad Wal-Mart is, how bad security is, how much America is hated throughout the world, etc., etc., etc. Even if all of these aren't directly related to the economy, one can only take so much "bad" news before he or she begins to think everything really must be bad about America.
Gas prices are up which also contributes to more American dollars being sent overseas. This hurts Americans both directly and indirectly and also worsen our balance of payments. But the liberal Democrats continue to block all efforts to increase America's own oil supply by drilling in Alaska, claiming President Bush wants hurt some caribou (who continue to increase in numbers!). And of course, we can't drill off the coast of California or Florida because it might spoil the view of some of their elite and financially well off contributors and voters! The Democrat's answer: President Bush doesn't have an energy plan (which they blocked), and they can do better if only we will let them back in control of our lives and taxes!
Electricity costs are up, but the Democrats block efforts to build additional nuclear generators which could help reduce these costs. We have hundreds of years of coal reserves that could help bring energy costs down, but again the liberal Democrats and environmentalists block efforts to use these resources because they "might" hurt some environmentalist's pet project - never mind about the average American being hurt by the higher energy costs.
Medical costs are up, but Democrats block efforts to stop the ridiculous court settlements that raise costs and decreases benefits to everyone. Democrats don't want to do anything that might reduce the income of lawyers, especially those who make large contributions to their political campaigns. And not only do the medical related lawsuits and settlements need to be reduced, but so do the other ridiculous court settlements. Everyone is paying the costs for these and they don't even realize it! The costs and threat of these lawsuits even contribute to the loss of more American jobs overseas! And of course, liberals must continue to "use" the courts and those extreme settlements and judgments to "legislate" and "impose" restrictions that our legislatures won't!
And the list goes on and on, as does the negative rhetoric and propaganda from the liberal media and Democrats!!! Even if the average American believes they are doing pretty well, they constantly hear how "bad" things are for everyone else, so... it must be bad for them too, at least if they are responding to another in those never ending polls!
And when is the last time we heard any "positive" poll results about anything. Even if we "think" they are positive, the liberal media analysts and Democrats quickly "explain" how they really weren't good and how we were mistaken to believe they were.
Another factor that affects America's economy and growth is Consumer Confidence. It's a wonder American's have any confidence in America or its economy after hearing Democrats and the liberal media constantly tell them how really bad it is!!!
It's a real shame Democrats can't find something good to say about America!
AAR
Posted by: AAR at March 22, 2006 01:59 AM
Ya know... did anyone here think that those polled are speaking from their own personal experience?
People see gas prices going thru the roof. The price of a gallon of gas has gone up 16 cents in the last week where I live. People are struggling to put gas in the car and heat their houses.
I am searching for the article I read last week that reported the number of late payments on Mortgages is at an all-time high.
Before saying it is the MSM or skewed polls, think that most people are going to answer a question on the economy based on what they see in effecting their own life.
Personally, I think parts of the economy are moving forward, but still a long way to go.
Personally, I despise the fact that the national debt that will seriously effect my children and my children's children is out of control. The debt limit at 9 TRILLION!
Posted by: Sick of Lies at March 22, 2006 11:16 AM
Man I have just printed out Sick's latest post. His crocodile tears over the national debt are priceless. I absolutely LOVE IT when people who support the likes of Ted Kennedy, Kucinich, Dean and the rest of the socialist cabal self-righteously puff out their chests, throw pepper in their own eyes for the fake tears and then decry the increasing debt.
God the irony is so rich...
BTW Sick, this is the one thing I will agree with you on. The GOP's spending has been profligate and shameful. It is for this reason that W’s support among Conservatives has fallen from the High 80’s to the mid 70’s. I, for one, will continue to support them for the simple reason that the GOP has proven that it is committed to doing whatever is necessary to ensure terrorists will not kill me or my family.
I am also always going to support the party that is committed to protecting the innocent lives of the unborn.
Please, please tell me, without using the typical lefty dogma, one POSITIVE agenda item the democrats currently propose. Is it possible for you to give me, a GOP'er, one good reason to vote for your side? See if you can do it without saying something negative about your opponents.
Posted by: GOP 4 ME at March 22, 2006 12:11 PM
"Matt, I don't understand why these polls are always so weight heavy on dems."
With both the presidential approval numbers and the approval numbers of the republican controlled congress in the basement, maybe it is getting harder to find enough people to admit publicly to remaining republican, to keep the sample balanced?
and GOP4ME:
In your first paragraph, you ridicule SICKOFLIES:
"Man I have just printed out Sick's latest post. His crocodile tears over the national debt are priceless. I absolutely LOVE IT when people who support the likes of Ted Kennedy, Kucinich, Dean and the rest of the socialist cabal self-righteously puff out their chests, throw pepper in their own eyes for the fake tears and then decry the increasing debt."
then you suddenly about face and . . .
"Sick, this is the one thing I will agree with you on. The GOP's spending has been profligate and shameful."
so your position is that you agree with SICK, even though you accuse him of faking his position?
all I can say to that is "God the irony is so rich..."
and then there's.. . .
"Please, please tell me, without using the typical lefty dogma, one POSITIVE agenda item the democrats currently propose."
ok, fair enough.
1.a reasonable timetable for stopping the sensless killing of amercia's finest men and women in uniform in IRAQ's civil war.
2.an increase in expenditures for Port security(voted down by republicans)
3.increasing expenditures to first responders (voted down by republicans)
4.increased oversight of all spying programs (not ELIMINATION)
5. an economic policy that benefits ALL citizens, regardless of income.
6. affordable health care for ALL.
7. regulation of the voting machine industry. (add a paper trail. this one kills me because Republicans are against it, but none of them can explain to me how having the additional paper trail could possibly HURT election credibility.)
btw. .. your double standard is showing. You want me to answer your post without "saying something negative about your opponents", yet you couldn't make it thru your first paragraph without doing just that! tsk, tsk!
Posted by: dav at March 22, 2006 02:30 PM
Dav,
Such a facile response… Surely you can do better than this.
I suppose I need to be clearer. I am ridiculing Sick’s position because he is being disingenuous. The only reason he has suddenly converted to fiscal conservatism is because it gives him a chance to criticize the president. Like most leftists, there is no doubt Sick would give a toss about the debt and deficit. Read much Galbraith or Keynes?
If you could read with a modicum of comprehension Dav, you would be able to ascertain the fact that while I question Sick’s motivation I certainly agree with the basic contention that spending is out of control.
Clear now?
As for your reasons why I should vote Donkey:
1. Timetable to end the war? Tell our enemies when we are going to leave so they can lie low and wait us out? Naïve at best.
2. Spend More
3. Spend More
4. More bureaucracy
5. Economic policy that benefits all Americans? What the heck does that mean? Do you mean one similar to the current policy that produces an unemployment rate below 5%?
6. Are you referring to Socialized medicine or Health Saving Accounts? If you mean single payer I’ll pass based on my experience of living in Canada for 26 years. If you mean HSAs then I am interested. What is the likelihood of a Donk proposing HSAs?
7. More regulation? Oh man what a tired argument. Perhaps if Democrats didn’t oppose voter identification legislation at every turn I would be more open to accepting the fact your side is actually interested in reforming the voting process. If the system is broken then let’s fix it but you can’t just point to one broken area while ignoring another. By the way, how many dead people voted for the current democrat governor of Washington? Would regulated voting machines have fixed that? Come on, grow up.
Posted by: GOP 4 ME at March 22, 2006 03:39 PM
I was expecting many more replies to this post by the time I got back here.
GOP, as expected, you don't like any proposals just as I don't like what has gone on the last 5 years.
1 -- Timetable to end war would be great. How about at least a plan to end the war? How about setting expectations? How about setting some parameters to define success? How about any of the above?
2 -- How can you be against port security, but claim your party is the strongest on Homeland Security? That makes no sense.
3 -- No on the First Responders? (Now we can turn around when you say Dems are against the Soldiers and for the Terrorists).
That must mean you are AGAINST Policemen, Firemen and EMTs. You know, if they get called to an emergency, they don't ask if you are Dem or Repub. You must be FOR fire and against the firemen!
4 -- No on oversight?? So we should all just assume this President and all future Presidents will never abuse this? We should just accept the fact they are acting legitimately? I think not. There is a purpose for checks and balances. You must be against the constitution!
5 -- Policy benefiting all. Unemployment under 5% but not great jobs. Unemployment is down, but so is median income. What does that tell you?
6 -- There is no reason so many shouldn't have healthcare. Government is supposed to be there to take care of these things. I am assuming we can come up with a better way than the Canadians.
No. HSAs are not a good thing, but you knew I'd say that.
7 -- This would be nice and wouldn't be much to implement.
How about #8. Fix Social Security the right way and not by privatizing it. I'm not getting into too many details because I've had posts on this the other day on Social Security.
Tell me why I should vote GOP? What have they done for me? Oh yes... they held hearings on steroids in baseball where they were under oath, but held fake hearings for the Oil Execs and Attny General and refused to place either under oath.
Posted by: Sick of Lies at March 22, 2006 04:55 PM
Post a comment
Matt, I'm flat out not buyin' those "economy polls" anymore. Wasn't it just last week cnn's bill schneider said that their most recent "poll" showed 60% rated the economy in "excellent or good" shape... and how the Prez "doesn't get credit... blah blah blah..."
Also, there hasn't been a hint of any real slowdown in consumer spending....
There are just too many disconnects. I'm not buyin' their msm crap on this one.
"What is clearly happening is liberals are letting their politics influence how they view the economy.
Some of us realize that our prosperity (and president's popularity) are paid for with borrowed money, that others will have to pay back.
Matt, I don't understand why these polls are always so weight heavy on dems. Is it like required by law that all polls be weighted 50 percent dems, 20 percent republicans and 30 percent "independents". All I can say personally, is that my business had its best year last year and is doing well this year as well.
Why would Americans believe the economy is in great shape?
After all, they are constantly told by the liberal media and the Democrats how really bad everything is in and with America. When's the last time you heard a Democrat say anything good about America?
All day long, day after day, Americans are told how bad President Bush is, how bad the economy is for "some" people, how bad the environment is, how badly the war is going in Iraq, how bad things are in New Orleans, how bad Wal-Mart is, how bad security is, how much America is hated throughout the world, etc., etc., etc. Even if all of these aren't directly related to the economy, one can only take so much "bad" news before he or she begins to think everything really must be bad about America.
Gas prices are up which also contributes to more American dollars being sent overseas. This hurts Americans both directly and indirectly and also worsen our balance of payments. But the liberal Democrats continue to block all efforts to increase America's own oil supply by drilling in Alaska, claiming President Bush wants hurt some caribou (who continue to increase in numbers!). And of course, we can't drill off the coast of California or Florida because it might spoil the view of some of their elite and financially well off contributors and voters! The Democrat's answer: President Bush doesn't have an energy plan (which they blocked), and they can do better if only we will let them back in control of our lives and taxes!
Electricity costs are up, but the Democrats block efforts to build additional nuclear generators which could help reduce these costs. We have hundreds of years of coal reserves that could help bring energy costs down, but again the liberal Democrats and environmentalists block efforts to use these resources because they "might" hurt some environmentalist's pet project - never mind about the average American being hurt by the higher energy costs.
Medical costs are up, but Democrats block efforts to stop the ridiculous court settlements that raise costs and decreases benefits to everyone. Democrats don't want to do anything that might reduce the income of lawyers, especially those who make large contributions to their political campaigns. And not only do the medical related lawsuits and settlements need to be reduced, but so do the other ridiculous court settlements. Everyone is paying the costs for these and they don't even realize it! The costs and threat of these lawsuits even contribute to the loss of more American jobs overseas! And of course, liberals must continue to "use" the courts and those extreme settlements and judgments to "legislate" and "impose" restrictions that our legislatures won't!
And the list goes on and on, as does the negative rhetoric and propaganda from the liberal media and Democrats!!! Even if the average American believes they are doing pretty well, they constantly hear how "bad" things are for everyone else, so... it must be bad for them too, at least if they are responding to another in those never ending polls!
And when is the last time we heard any "positive" poll results about anything. Even if we "think" they are positive, the liberal media analysts and Democrats quickly "explain" how they really weren't good and how we were mistaken to believe they were.
Another factor that affects America's economy and growth is Consumer Confidence. It's a wonder American's have any confidence in America or its economy after hearing Democrats and the liberal media constantly tell them how really bad it is!!!
It's a real shame Democrats can't find something good to say about America!
AAR
Ya know... did anyone here think that those polled are speaking from their own personal experience?
People see gas prices going thru the roof. The price of a gallon of gas has gone up 16 cents in the last week where I live. People are struggling to put gas in the car and heat their houses.
I am searching for the article I read last week that reported the number of late payments on Mortgages is at an all-time high.
Before saying it is the MSM or skewed polls, think that most people are going to answer a question on the economy based on what they see in effecting their own life.
Personally, I think parts of the economy are moving forward, but still a long way to go.
Personally, I despise the fact that the national debt that will seriously effect my children and my children's children is out of control. The debt limit at 9 TRILLION!
Man I have just printed out Sick's latest post. His crocodile tears over the national debt are priceless. I absolutely LOVE IT when people who support the likes of Ted Kennedy, Kucinich, Dean and the rest of the socialist cabal self-righteously puff out their chests, throw pepper in their own eyes for the fake tears and then decry the increasing debt.
God the irony is so rich...
BTW Sick, this is the one thing I will agree with you on. The GOP's spending has been profligate and shameful. It is for this reason that W’s support among Conservatives has fallen from the High 80’s to the mid 70’s. I, for one, will continue to support them for the simple reason that the GOP has proven that it is committed to doing whatever is necessary to ensure terrorists will not kill me or my family.
I am also always going to support the party that is committed to protecting the innocent lives of the unborn.
Please, please tell me, without using the typical lefty dogma, one POSITIVE agenda item the democrats currently propose. Is it possible for you to give me, a GOP'er, one good reason to vote for your side? See if you can do it without saying something negative about your opponents.
"Matt, I don't understand why these polls are always so weight heavy on dems."
With both the presidential approval numbers and the approval numbers of the republican controlled congress in the basement, maybe it is getting harder to find enough people to admit publicly to remaining republican, to keep the sample balanced?
and GOP4ME:
In your first paragraph, you ridicule SICKOFLIES:
"Man I have just printed out Sick's latest post. His crocodile tears over the national debt are priceless. I absolutely LOVE IT when people who support the likes of Ted Kennedy, Kucinich, Dean and the rest of the socialist cabal self-righteously puff out their chests, throw pepper in their own eyes for the fake tears and then decry the increasing debt."
then you suddenly about face and . . .
"Sick, this is the one thing I will agree with you on. The GOP's spending has been profligate and shameful."
so your position is that you agree with SICK, even though you accuse him of faking his position?
all I can say to that is "God the irony is so rich..."
and then there's.. . .
"Please, please tell me, without using the typical lefty dogma, one POSITIVE agenda item the democrats currently propose."
ok, fair enough.
1.a reasonable timetable for stopping the sensless killing of amercia's finest men and women in uniform in IRAQ's civil war.
2.an increase in expenditures for Port security(voted down by republicans)
3.increasing expenditures to first responders (voted down by republicans)
4.increased oversight of all spying programs (not ELIMINATION)
5. an economic policy that benefits ALL citizens, regardless of income.
6. affordable health care for ALL.
7. regulation of the voting machine industry. (add a paper trail. this one kills me because Republicans are against it, but none of them can explain to me how having the additional paper trail could possibly HURT election credibility.)
btw. .. your double standard is showing. You want me to answer your post without "saying something negative about your opponents", yet you couldn't make it thru your first paragraph without doing just that! tsk, tsk!
Dav,
Such a facile response… Surely you can do better than this.
I suppose I need to be clearer. I am ridiculing Sick’s position because he is being disingenuous. The only reason he has suddenly converted to fiscal conservatism is because it gives him a chance to criticize the president. Like most leftists, there is no doubt Sick would give a toss about the debt and deficit. Read much Galbraith or Keynes?
If you could read with a modicum of comprehension Dav, you would be able to ascertain the fact that while I question Sick’s motivation I certainly agree with the basic contention that spending is out of control.
Clear now?
As for your reasons why I should vote Donkey:
1. Timetable to end the war? Tell our enemies when we are going to leave so they can lie low and wait us out? Naïve at best.
2. Spend More
3. Spend More
4. More bureaucracy
5. Economic policy that benefits all Americans? What the heck does that mean? Do you mean one similar to the current policy that produces an unemployment rate below 5%?
6. Are you referring to Socialized medicine or Health Saving Accounts? If you mean single payer I’ll pass based on my experience of living in Canada for 26 years. If you mean HSAs then I am interested. What is the likelihood of a Donk proposing HSAs?
7. More regulation? Oh man what a tired argument. Perhaps if Democrats didn’t oppose voter identification legislation at every turn I would be more open to accepting the fact your side is actually interested in reforming the voting process. If the system is broken then let’s fix it but you can’t just point to one broken area while ignoring another. By the way, how many dead people voted for the current democrat governor of Washington? Would regulated voting machines have fixed that? Come on, grow up.
I was expecting many more replies to this post by the time I got back here.
GOP, as expected, you don't like any proposals just as I don't like what has gone on the last 5 years.
1 -- Timetable to end war would be great. How about at least a plan to end the war? How about setting expectations? How about setting some parameters to define success? How about any of the above?
2 -- How can you be against port security, but claim your party is the strongest on Homeland Security? That makes no sense.
3 -- No on the First Responders? (Now we can turn around when you say Dems are against the Soldiers and for the Terrorists).
That must mean you are AGAINST Policemen, Firemen and EMTs. You know, if they get called to an emergency, they don't ask if you are Dem or Repub. You must be FOR fire and against the firemen!
4 -- No on oversight?? So we should all just assume this President and all future Presidents will never abuse this? We should just accept the fact they are acting legitimately? I think not. There is a purpose for checks and balances. You must be against the constitution!
5 -- Policy benefiting all. Unemployment under 5% but not great jobs. Unemployment is down, but so is median income. What does that tell you?
6 -- There is no reason so many shouldn't have healthcare. Government is supposed to be there to take care of these things. I am assuming we can come up with a better way than the Canadians.
No. HSAs are not a good thing, but you knew I'd say that.
7 -- This would be nice and wouldn't be much to implement.
How about #8. Fix Social Security the right way and not by privatizing it. I'm not getting into too many details because I've had posts on this the other day on Social Security.
Tell me why I should vote GOP? What have they done for me? Oh yes... they held hearings on steroids in baseball where they were under oath, but held fake hearings for the Oil Execs and Attny General and refused to place either under oath.