Source: Prosper Business Development

American Pulse(TM): if Economy Is "Getting Better," Why Do Over Half of Voters Feel Bad?

Voters May Opt for Change; Generic Republican Leads Obama in 5 Key States

WORTHINGTON, OH--(Marketwire - February 22, 2011) - 53.0% of Registered Voters somewhat/strongly agree: "If everything with the economy is getting so much better, why do I feel so bad?" according to the latest American Pulse™ Survey of 5,214 respondents.

Further, more than 7 in 10 Voters have little to no confidence that economic policy will help lower unemployment (76.2%) or get the economy back on track (72.4%). These sentiments could be swaying Voters to opt for new leadership in 2012:

If the Presidential Election were held today, who would you be more likely to vote for?       
  Registered Voters   
  April June August October December   February
President Obama 37.1% 35.0% 34.3% 35.7% 35.8%   35.4%
Generic Republican 38.8% 38.8% 40.3% 38.8% 40.0%   40.3%
Undecided 24.1% 26.2% 25.4% 25.5% 24.2%   24.3%
Source: American Pulse™, Apr-10 - Feb-11              

Since April 2010, someone from the Republican Party has been leading President Obama, and 69 electoral votes are now in the Republican column in 5 key states. For the full trend starting in March and President Obama's current standing in key states: http://www.formsite.com/prosper/ss022211/

In addition to high rates of unemployment, issues such as healthcare, multiculturalism and the crisis in Egypt could explain why so many Registered Voters feel "bad":

  • According to the Congressional Budget Office, the Health Care Reform Act would decrease the labor force by an estimated 800,000 workers. With this in mind, 52.9% indicate they oppose the new healthcare legislation (26.0% support it and 21.2% aren't sure).
  • 46.6% don't think multiculturalism is a failed concept, while 34.0% of American Voters (and many European leaders) believe it is (19.5% don't know). However, 42.1% think America should abandon multiculturalism to promote its own traditions (38.4% don't feel the same and 19.5% don't know).
  • Was the outcome of the crisis in Egypt good? 42.6% say the Obama Administration handled the crisis the right way (vs. 27.9% who don't agree and 29.6% who don't know). 42.9% don't think the Middle East will be any safer with Mubarak gone (vs. 19.2% who think it will and 37.9% who don't know). Further, 57.9% believe the U.S. is losing influence in the Middle East.

For complimentary report segmented by political parties: http://www.formsite.com/prosper/ampulse022211

American Pulse™
The American Pulse™ Survey is collected online by BIGresearch® twice a month exclusively utilizing SSI's U.S. panel covering topics such as politics, pop culture and the economy. 5,214 respondents participated in the 2nd February American Pulse conducted 2/14-2/16/2011. Margin of error is +/- 1.4%. www.bigresearch.com

Survey Sampling International (SSI)
Survey Sampling International (www.surveysampling.com) is the premier global provider of sampling solutions for survey research. SSI reaches respondents in 72 countries via Internet, telephone and mobile/wireless. Client services include questionnaire design consultation, programming and hosting, and data processing. SSI serves more than 2,000 clients, including 48 of the top 50 research organizations. Founded in 1977, SSI has 17 offices in 15 countries.

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BIGresearch
Chrissy Wissinger

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