The politics of economic optimism

[Benny B]

The politics of economic optimism

By Steve Benen -  Wed Oct 3, 2012 12:44 PM EDT.We talked last week about Americans' improving optimism about the economy, and the new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll bolsters the thesis.As the report noted, "57 percent think that the U.S. economy is recovering, versus 39 percent who disagree with that notion. And four in 10 now say the country is headed in the right direction, which is the highest percentage on this question since June 2009."

Republican pollster Bill McInturff, who conducted this survey with Democratic pollster Peter D. Hart, added, "We have a different feeling about the economy than we did this summer."



This chart reflects the last few months of polling on a straightforward question: "Do you think the U.S. economy is recovering or is not recovering?" I'm sure President Obama's re-election team would like to see an even higher number, but 57% is a majority, which appears to be growing.

For that matter, the best right-track/wrong-track numbers in more than three years is evidence of progress as well.

The results coincide with Gallup's report on "Monthly U.S. Economic Confidence," which was also up "sharply" in September, and the Associated Press reported yesterday, "The U.S. economy is looking more resilient, thanks in part to encouraging signs for the two most expensive purchases most Americans make: cars and homes."


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To reiterate last week's piece, this is not to say Americans suddenly consider the status quo "morning in America," but Republicans hoped frustration and pessimism would be the predominant public attitude at this point in the 2012 race, and there's increasing evidence of the opposite.

When coming to terms with Obama's advantage at the polls, and the disappearance of Romney's "are you better off" question, this very likely explains a lot.
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[Shockwave]

And four in 10 now say the country is headed in the right direction, which is the highest percentage on this question since June 2009.

Thread backfire.

[Emmortal]

Until we see actual positive job creation, not just job creation that isn't even keeping up with new individuals entering the work force, and the real unemployment dropping below 10%, anyone in their right mind wouldn't believe that things are getting better.

It's amusing to see things like this pop up the closer we get to the election even though the numbers don't add up.

[Shockwave]

Until we see actual positive job creation, not just job creation that isn't even keeping up with new individuals entering the work force, and the real unemployment dropping below 10%, anyone in their right mind wouldn't believe that things are getting better.

It's amusing to see things like this pop up the closer we get to the election even though the numbers don't add up.

Its all about perception for them, not reality. They just need to make the people believe in their numbers. And for people in this country, perception is reality. 

[Voice of Doom]

we should WISH our way to prosperity.  That's much better than a sound economic plan but it does help people think they should be borrowing and spending. 

As we continue to be "happy" we should enjoy the 90Billion increase in the national debt that happened yesterday.  That puts our debt at 103% of GDP!   Yay...I'm so happy!