A Disconnect Among Americans Regarding the Economy

10/26/2009, by Proloy Bhatta

HIGHLIGHTS

• Approval of Obama's handling of the economy has reached an all-time low.
• The percent of Americans believing we are in recession has reached an all-time low.
• Obama's overall job approval rating has jumped 7% since last month.

American Research Group polled 1,100 adults, October 17-20.

On the surface, there appears to be a disconnect between Obama's overall job approval rating and his rating for handling the economy". Second, how is it possible to feel that the economy is getting better yet be ever more critical of Obama on the economy?

Focusing on Health Care

One possible reason for this was alluded to by Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal in a recent interview with Sean Hannity. He said that as the economy continues to toil, the Obama administration is focusing too much attention on health care.

If that is true, then all Obama needs to do is up his discussion on the economy with the American people.

Personal Experiences Versus Media Reports

On October 23, we wrote an article entitled, "Most Americans Are Not Feeling an Economic Recovery" because 82% of adults did not believe the recession was over when based on their own personal experiences.

So if they are not basing an economic recovery on their own personal experiences, what are they basing it on? Perhaps they are basing it on what they hear on television.