American Pulse(TM): Economy, Healthcare and Deficit Top Concerns Regarding America's Future

49% Give Poor or Failing Grade for Handling of Gulf Oil Spill


COLUMBUS, OH--(Marketwire - June 10, 2010) -  When it comes to issues that concern Americans regarding the future of America, the economy tops the list at 81.2%, followed by healthcare (67.6%) and the federal deficit (64.9%), according to the latest American Pulse™ Survey (N= 5,123). The economy is also the #1 issue worrying Americans about their personal well-being (79.1%). Healthcare (66.6%) is #2 and terrorism (47.7%) is #3. In both instances, national affairs outpace international affairs, indicating that matters closer to home are weighing heavy on the minds of Americans.

Top 5 Issues Concerning...

Future of America Americans' Personal Well-Being
Economy (81.2%) Economy (79.1%)
Healthcare (67.6%) Healthcare (66.6%)
Federal deficit (64.9%) Terrorism (47.7%)
Job Creation (63.5%) Job Creation (46.1%)
Terrorism (60.6%) National Security (42.6%)
   
Source: American Pulse™, June-2010  

It doesn't appear that Americans believe the economy will recover soon. 68.8% have little-to-no confidence that government's economic policies will get the economy back on track, compared to 31.3% who do. Similarly, 73.8% have little-to-no confidence that government policies will help lower unemployment (v. 26.2% who do).

Another issue on the home front is the Gulf oil spill, and Americans tend to score the Obama administration low on handling it. 29.3% gave it a "C," 25.4% gave a "D," and 23.4% assigned an "F."

Uneasiness about domestic issues may be affecting how Americans would vote for president. If the election were today, 36.8% of adults would vote for a generic republican candidate versus 34.7% who would vote for Obama. 37.8% of registered voters would vote for a republican (v. 35.1% for Obama).

Complimentary trended data and report: http://americanpulse.bigresearch.com.

Other findings:

  • 67.9% agree/strongly agree that Americans are consumed by technology...10% disagree/strongly disagree.
  • 44.3% think technology overload is bad for Americans saying its changing behavior...31.8% think it's good; Americans can never get enough technology.
  • 71.9% say watching movies at the cinema is too expensive...19.7% say it's worth it. Only 25.9% are waiting for a summer blockbuster to attend...74.1% aren't.

About American Pulse™
The American Pulse™ Survey is collected online by BIGresearch® twice a month exclusively utilizing Survey Sampling International's (SSI) U.S. panel covering topics such as politics, pop culture and the economy. Over 5,000 respondents participate, providing greater insights and accuracy of +/- 1%. http://www.bigresearch.com

About Survey Sampling International (SSI)
Survey Sampling International is the premier global provider of sampling solutions for survey research. SSI offers access to more than 6 million consumer and business-to-business research respondents in 54 countries via Internet, telephone, and mobile. Additional client services include custom profiling, survey programming and hosting, data processing, sampling consulting, and survey optimization. SSI serves more than 1,800 marketing research clients, including nearly three-quarters of the top researchers worldwide. Founded in 1977, SSI has an international staff of 400 people representing 50 countries and 36 languages. The company is based in Shelton, CT with 14 additional offices worldwide. http://www.surveysampling.com

Contact Information:

BIGresearch
Chrissy Wissinger

203.567.7236