As the economy slowly improves, Americans are starting to look around at other problems facing the nation. And they’re focusing on the federal deficit more than they have in 15 years, says a new Gallup poll.
Tell us what you think then read what Gallup respondents said:
What is the most important issue facing U.S?
The economy still worries Americans more than other subjects suggested by Gallup. More than one in four (26%) rate the economy the nation’s top problem, compared to 31% in April 2010. But healthcare, which came in second a year ago, has dropped to 5th place, the top concern of only 9% of respondents. (Click on the chart below for a larger view):
Clik here to view.
Source: Gallup
Concern about unemployment is second, but those naming it Worry Number One has declined to 19% from 22% a year ago.
Other surveys find pessimism among Americans. The New York Times/CBS poll says the nation’s view of the economy and direction is the lowest since early 2009.
In the Gallup monthly polls the federal deficit hardly made a blip during the 2000s until 2009 and it’s been on the rise since, Gallup reports. (Click on the chart for a larger view):
Clik here to view.
Source: Gallup
Here’s Gallup’s explanation:
“Americans’ increasing likelihood to cite the federal budget as the most important problem could be a function of its status as a dominant issue in the news media. Gallup has historically found that it ranks low on the most important problem list, but it has risen at times when the president and Congress make it a major focus. This occurred during the 1990 negotiations on the budget between President George H.W. Bush and congressional Democrats on a plan to reduce the deficit that led to Bush’s breaking his campaign promise not to raise taxes. It also happened during the budget standoff between President Bill Clinton and the Republicans in Congress in 1995 and 1996.
“Even though President Obama and the Republicans in Congress have agreed on a budget deal (for the 2010-2011 budget) to avert a government shutdown, the issue will remain in the news now that the president has outlined his plan for addressing the deficit. In addition to that, the two sides will be grappling with legislation to raise the federal debt ceiling, which is projected to be exceeded in the coming weeks, in addition to working on the fiscal year 2012 budget.
“Thus, the budget is likely to remain a top concern for Americans in the coming months, and could very well be a key policy issue in the 2012 presidential election campaign.
The April 7-11 poll was conducted in the final days of negotiations that led to a budget agreement late Friday night that averted a government shutdown, and in the initial days after the deal was reached. Gallup polls 1,077 American adults in all 50 states.
Click here to read more about Gallup’s findings.
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