![]() The vast majority of those who believe the global economy affects conditions in the United States say it is having a negative impact. economy, and 35% say it has a great deal of influence. Eight-in-ten say the global economy has at least a fair amount of influence on the U.S. ![]() The survey finds that, amid increased public skepticism about the benefits of free trade, the public takes a decidedly negative view of the impact of the global economy on the United States. (For more information, see Jreport: Obama’s Trip a Top Campaign Event for Public.) Globalization Faulted A narrow majority (52%) says they learned not much or nothing at all about his approach to foreign policy as a result of the trip. Nearly half (48%) of those who heard about his trip say they learned at least something about Obama’s foreign policy, but only 15% feel like they learned a great deal about his approach. Overall, 62% said they heard a lot about his trip to Europe and the Middle East, which is among the highest measures of public awareness of any campaign event to date. The weekly News Interest Index showed that Obama’s tour drew considerable public attention. As was the case in June, independent voters split evenly between McCain and Obama (43% McCain, 42% Obama). At 47% to 42%, his lead is about what it was in late June (48% to 40%). However, the survey shows no overall gain for Obama in the presidential horserace. These opinions may reflect some positive reaction for Obama’s recent visit to the Middle East and Europe. In September 2004, George Bush held a 16-point lead over John Kerry on foreign policy. Moreover, Obama runs about even with McCain as the candidate better able to handle foreign policy (43% McCain vs. This is a slightly narrower advantage for Obama on the economy than in June (51% to 31%) however, the survey also finds that McCain’s advantage on terrorism is a bit smaller than it was a month ago. In this regard, far more voters say that Barack Obama, rather than John McCain, can do a better job of improving economic conditions (47% to 32%). The latest national survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press, conducted July 23-27 among 1,503 adults, finds that nearly nine-in-ten voters (87%) say that when it comes to the economy, it matters who is elected president 64% say it matters a great deal. And while most Americans say that the global economy is having an impact on the way things are going in the U.S., only a minority (26%) expresses the view that the government is powerless to fix the economy as a consequence. Nearly three-quarters (72%) believe that “something can be done to deal with the problem of rising prices.” This is virtually identical to the number who held this opinion in the fall 1980, when inflation was much greater than it is today. Nor do they believe that the government is incapable of fixing the economy in an era of global economic interdependence. ![]() Yet despite the worsening economic perceptions, the public does not see the economy as beyond repair. About half of Americans (51%) expect their personal financial situation to improve over the next year, down from 55% in March and 60% in January. The multiple economic concerns are taking a toll on public optimism. The proportion saying that local real estate prices are declining has jumped since February, from 41% to 56%. More than seven-in-ten (73%) say good jobs are difficult to find, compared with 55% a little more than a year ago (June 2007). While rising costs are clearly the top economic problem in the public’s view, it is far from their only concern. The number saying it is difficult to afford food has followed a similar upward path 38% say that now, compared with 27% five months ago. Nearly two-thirds (64%) now say their incomes are not keeping up with the rising cost of living, which also is up substantially from February (58%). The percentage of Americans who cite rising prices as the nation’s most important economic problem has nearly doubled since February – from 24% to 45%. Beyond widespread anxiety about energy costs, a growing number of Americans say it is difficult for them to afford food. On a personal level, concerns about rising prices have surged. Just 10% say the economy is in good shape, while 72% say the economy is either in a recession (54%) or a depression (18%). The public continues to be extremely downbeat about the national economy.
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