Harris Poll: A Majority of Americans - Across Party Lines - Feel the Country is on the Wrong Track
Monday, January 16th, 2017
2016 has come to a close and, both politically and otherwise, 2017 sees a lot of changes on the horizon for the American people. Thinking of the country as a whole, nearly seven in 10 Americans say that things in the country have pretty seriously gotten off on the wrong track (68%). Regardless of political party affiliation, a majority of Democrats (70%), Independents (71%) and Republicans (60%) feel this way. This sentiment is also particularly true among women (73% vs. 62% of men) and older Americans, ages 55+, compared to those 18-44 (65+, 73%; 55-64, 72%; 45-54, 69%; 35-44, 63%; and 18-34, 62%).
These are some of the results of The Harris Poll of 2,192 U.S. adults surveyed online between January 9 and 11, 2017. Complete results of the study can be found here.
The economic outlook
Turning to a broad look at the economy, Americans are largely split on where things will go in the coming year. Over one third each say the economy will stay the same (37%) or improve (36%), while more than one in four are expecting it to get worse (27%).
Economic optimism is highest among men (40% vs. 32% of women) and higher income households ($100K+, 41%; $75K-$99.9K, 43%; $50K-$74.9K, 35%; less than $50K, 31%). Republicans are also significantly more likely than both Democrats and Independents to believe the economy will improve this year (56%, vs. 20% and 37%, respectively).
The future at home
Looking at a micro level – their own households – a slight majority of adults say they expect their household's financial condition will remain the same in the first six months of 2017 (52%). One third, however, are optimistic that their financial situation will improve (36%), while just 12% say it will get worse. Generational differences are apparent as 70% of Matures expect their condition to remain the same while nearly half of Millennials expect things to get better (48%). Men are also more likely to expect improvements (38% vs. 33% of women).
