May 2, 2008
Posted: May 2nd, 2008 04:05 PM ET

From
New poll results show that voters think the Democratic candidates have a better handle on economic issues.
New poll results show that voters think the Democratic candidates have a better handle on economic issues.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – The vast majority of Americans think things are going badly in the country, according to a new poll.

Seven in 10 people questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Friday say things are going badly, with only 30 percent saying things are going well.

"It's been 16 years since the public gave the country's condition such a bad rating: January 1992, to be precise, in the last year in office of the last president named Bush," CNN pollster Keating Holland said.

"Seventy percent is a lot worse than two years ago, when 48 percent thought times were bad and the Republicans lost control of Congress," CNN Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider added.

The poll indicates that presumptive Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain fares poorly against either Democratic candidate when it comes to most domestic and economic issues but has a big advantage on terrorism and a narrow edge on Iraq.


Full story

Filed under: Polls


susie   May 2nd, 2008 8:59 pm ET

Obama doesn't care about middle income people, he let us know how he feels about us when he was in San Francsico. PLUS, having a baby is a punishment, I don't think so.

Tony B B.C.Mich   May 2nd, 2008 8:38 pm ET

AND THE OTHER 30 PERCENT................. WHAT ? ARE THEY NOT LIVING ING IN THE UNITED STATES?.......................... STEP INTO THE LIGHT YOU OTHER 30 PERCENT.........................................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brian   May 2nd, 2008 8:27 pm ET

Things are going badly lets vote for the people with the experience that got us here. McCain/Clinton '08

Esoxslayer   May 2nd, 2008 8:16 pm ET

McCain can't remember what he said a few days ago. You better have him tested for Alzheimers.

Esoxslayer   May 2nd, 2008 8:13 pm ET

"Thirty Percent are totally ignorant."

Lois in CA   May 2nd, 2008 8:09 pm ET

For those who thought the United States was invinsible, please consider the fall of the Soviet Union. That nation entered a protracted and unwinable war in Afghanistan, and despite pouring funds, troops, and resources against an enemy they considered technologically inferior, the war wound up basically bankrupting the USSR and was a contributing factor in the fall of that regime.

How much do Americans think they can afford to squander in a foriegn invasion based on lies? How much will it take to backrupt this country? And then what?

Tony, Miami   May 2nd, 2008 8:08 pm ET

Instead of focussing on the economy Hillary and the press prefer the distractions and the DNC will have to pay the high price.

Why do you think people like Rush Limbaugh, Shaun Hannity etc...all now support Hillary so obviously and only attack OBAMA. Do you believe she is the one who they think can beat the republicans.

Doesn't make sense. Obama will win

Charlotte   May 2nd, 2008 7:56 pm ET

Obama has taken over a million dollars in donations from sub-prime lenders. Citigroup,Washington Mutual,Countrywide,Credit Suisse, Centex and Goldman Sachs. He is beholden to them and their tatics. He talks out of both sides of his mouth. He is a typical politician who will say what he thinks you want to hear. Rev. Wright said it all, Obama is a politician who says what a politician needs to say to win."

Ike DeLong   May 2nd, 2008 7:52 pm ET

Sorry to say it took two terms of BUSH, for some Americans to realize just what a big mistake they made! (McBush SAME DEAL)
GO HILLARY 08!!

Paul   May 2nd, 2008 7:51 pm ET

Not to worry. They will be sure to get worse if Hillary gets elected. She fooled us once, shame on her. If she does it again, it'll be shame on U.S.

tell the truth   May 2nd, 2008 7:49 pm ET

I guess Obama was telling the truth people are bitter. He always speaks the truth. Vote Obama if you believie in the truth.

Walt, Belton,TX   May 2nd, 2008 7:44 pm ET

All because a lot of greedy bankers and lenders gave ridiculous loans to buyers who didn't qualify or shouldn't have qualified and now the Congress is going to bail them out like a good socialist country should.

kathy in ohio   May 2nd, 2008 7:43 pm ET

Mr. Obama

It could be more than $30 for the whole summer, with my mileage it would be a savings of $32.00 a month. I am sure you have never heard of Aldes. It is a grocery store, you pay a quarter to use a cart and you bring your own grocery bags.Bread.79cents, peanut butter 1.29. jelly .99, macaroni and cheese .49cents,boneless chicken breasts 3# for 5.99 , canned veg. .39 cents, hot dogs .69 cents, milk 2.79 gal , sliced cheese ,79 cents, I am right around $15.00 , so for a single mom or a struggling family, or a senior citizen it could give them several lunches. This might be the reason you are labeled as an elitist .

Franky   May 2nd, 2008 7:40 pm ET

There's no question guys that in my lifetime, this election is not going to be one of the most important elections in my era, but arguably in the beginning of this century. I'm not lying guys, this election will determine how much we have evolved as a nation.........of course the candidates are important but let's face the facts, this election will determine how we as a nation understand our world..........it is going to be a unique election especially since the Dems are continuing the race....

GoHillary   May 2nd, 2008 7:32 pm ET

...and if they vote for OBAMA they can only expect things to get worse. Ditch the puppet – vote for someone with real balls:

Hillary Clinton!

TC   May 2nd, 2008 7:22 pm ET

...and who would have "thunk" it...

Chief   May 2nd, 2008 7:21 pm ET

Well what do you know? After months and months of the media telling the American people the economy is just terrible they take a poll and what do people think; the econmy is just terrible. If the government was doing the same thing the media would can it brain-washing.

Griff   May 2nd, 2008 7:19 pm ET

A Country Divided! Let them eat Cake? Unless you elect an Independant.. There only is Two Piece's.. One a Democrat, the other Republican... Recession? Or, Depression.. Bickering goe's nowhere..
Whoever is Elected in November. America will be even more Divided in 2009....

annie   May 2nd, 2008 7:09 pm ET

Things are going badly with our economy and special interest groups like oil companies and people like obama who takes bundled funds from oil companies to supply his campaign

If you want our country back on the right track vote for Hillary! She is the only one with the strength and intelligence to get our country going again!!

Brandon NC Voter   May 2nd, 2008 7:06 pm ET

Of course it is thats why we need someone in the white house competent enough to handle it not some pup

Hillary 08

58 white old ladies for OBAMA   May 2nd, 2008 7:05 pm ET

WELL. WELL HOW IS IT WORKING FOR YOU.

BILL & HILLARY, BUSH, & THE MCCAINS ARE DOING

JUST FINE. YOU CAN THANK THEM & THEIR WAR POLICIES

WHILE YOU TRY TO FIGURE OUT WHETHER TO GAS HER UP

OR BUY FOOD.

Freida, PA   May 2nd, 2008 7:05 pm ET

Yeah, I hope November will be a blow out fo the Dems. We need a new path to follow, not the same old Bush tactics.

We can do it America, let's take back our country.

Obama 08

the right nut   May 2nd, 2008 7:00 pm ET

it all started to go down hill after the democrats to control of congress!!!

David Goldman for OBAMA   May 2nd, 2008 6:59 pm ET

EVERYBODY THAT VOTED FOR BUSH, WARBUCKS,

& HILLARY SHOULD BE VERY HAPPY. THEM'S THE

FOLKS WE HAVE TO THANK. SEND THE MONEY TO

IRAQ INSTEAD OF AMERICA. THAT MAKES SENSE?

HOW MANY REFINERIES WONDER COULD WE HAVE

BUILT WITH THAT MONEY.

crownsy   May 2nd, 2008 6:59 pm ET

in other news, sky still blue.

It doesn't take a poll to know that the republicans are running this country into the ground...

JohnLahai   May 2nd, 2008 6:56 pm ET

Hillary is NOT tearing apart the democratic party. Hillary is doing just what any Clinton does— take advantage of any situation given to them (e.g., Monica L., Sniper-fire; NAFTA, Michigan and FL votes etc.).

The real people splitting this party are the "bilnd" and uneducated supporters of Hillary. How can Hillary, with more negatives than any politican (except Gov. Bush), ever run a successful general election in this nation? The Republicans and Independents are praying for that day to come!!! We will have to thank, not Hillary (because she will be off somewhere with her $109 million), but her "bird-brain" supporters

JDR   May 2nd, 2008 6:56 pm ET

Meanwhile, all the dem fighting is going to ensure another republican presidency, rendering these polls worthless!

Get Shorty   May 2nd, 2008 6:55 pm ET

Not true. It could be a lot worse. Let's hope we get the right president this time.

scott   May 2nd, 2008 6:48 pm ET

BUSH number one was the last time things were this bad Clinton fixed it and we all made Money. Bush 2 has followed daddy back to the hole where in now. tHIS ELection is to important to let all the kids that were for the clinton years given everything they wanted. Lets all really think about it I said it over a year ago this country is not in the need of a rookie (with conserning judgment) to be running it. We did that already it was BUSH 2

AZM   May 2nd, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Dang... I mean things aren't that bad for me because I keep a close eye on my lifestyle, budget, debt, etc... but am curious what the other 30% are thinking... I'd think 100% could see things aren't going well?

Interested Reader   May 2nd, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Stock market over 13,000 again. Dollar rising. Credit crunch coming under control. Housing market stablizing.

Yeah... but "victims" will always cry and stick their palms out in an election year saying "gimme gimme gimme".

Eugene   May 2nd, 2008 6:42 pm ET

CNN do not want you to know that Hillary Clinton campaign manager has cause millions to lose there home do to targeting young back and poor white home owners. By pushing faulty subprime loans from delta.

Why is that that CNN is not talking about this?

ANTI CLINTONS   May 2nd, 2008 6:42 pm ET

one in 198 people that has mortgages are facing forclosure issues, you media freaks have nothing better that to make things worse that what they really are. No the lib freaks can't do a better job for the economy either, they will tax us all to death, screw the libs.

Dave   May 2nd, 2008 6:40 pm ET

I guess the media has been successful with advancing their agenda. Congratulations!

GL   May 2nd, 2008 6:38 pm ET

Stop with the incessant polls already. Perhaps try reporting some news- some news we don't know already that doesn't require a poll.

Not sure who this dragged out primary is doing more damage too- The democratic party or the credibility of the media that is covering it....

Maybe you should poll that question.

RHP   May 2nd, 2008 6:37 pm ET

Yes,, and 30% percent are politicians or employed by the govt or work for KBR/Halliburton.

4Hillary   May 2nd, 2008 6:32 pm ET

The other 30% must be in Oblahmaland!!

WE NEED HILLARY NOW!!!!

Carrie   May 2nd, 2008 6:32 pm ET

Don't sweat it people, the Hill-McBush team are swooping to your rescue with a gas tax plan that will put 30 bucks in your pocket....problem solved!

Time for seriousness, it's time for Obama!

John Smith   May 2nd, 2008 6:24 pm ET

Hillary is NOT tearing apart the democratic party. Hillary is doing just what any Clinton does— take advantage of any situation given to them (e.g., Monica L., Sniper-fire; NAFTA, Michigan and FL votes etc.).

The real people splitting this party are the "bilnd" and uneducated supporters of Hillary. How can Hillary, with more negatives than any politican (except Gov. Bush), ever run a successful general election in this nation? The Republicans and Independents are praying for that day to come!!! We will have to thank, not Hillary (because she will be off somewhere with her $109 million), but her "bird-brain" supporters

hillaryskank on myspace   May 2nd, 2008 6:24 pm ET

Ever notice how the economy started tanking the minute Hillary started running for President. It will continue to tank until she gets her cellulite pants suit off the campaign trail and back to what she does best....adding millions of pork to legislation for those that supported her campaign.
The FEC needs to investigate that now.

Tjaye   May 2nd, 2008 6:23 pm ET

Duuh?

Judy   May 2nd, 2008 6:22 pm ET

HillBilly to the rescue with her 18cent tax cut!!!

LOL

Stupid lady, you sound like that OLD FART McCain.

John   May 2nd, 2008 6:21 pm ET

Bush is a sell out who offered personal friends contracts paid for by American taxpayers. He lost money for himself and others with his hair-brained economic genius, and the only place he made money was when he sold his share of a Texas baseball team. He didn't have the money to invest $600K himself, so he borrowed it from papa's buddies. The man we voted into the presidency is truly an idiot, and I'll bet papa George says the same thing everyday. Bush has created a third world nation in less than 8 years, it's named America.

Kim   May 2nd, 2008 6:17 pm ET

Indeed , this is what twenty years of the Bush/Clinton Dynasty has brought us. War, poor economy,high gas prices,dishonest greedy Government and the selling of our good paying jobs to China. Want 4 to 8 more years of this ruin. Just vote for McBush or Hillary (Bush lite) Clinton.

Greg   May 2nd, 2008 6:15 pm ET

What % of these same people would rather be in some other country, say Ethiophia for instance?

Kudos to the media for its honorable attempt to thoroughly convince each and every American that they face a terrible future.

Congrats for contributing nothing to society.

Susan MO   May 2nd, 2008 6:10 pm ET

This sums it up:

"Rich people, God bless us. We deserve all the opportunities to make sure our country and our blessings continue until the next generation."

Hillary on Bill O'Reilly :(

Go Obama '08

Skip   May 2nd, 2008 6:07 pm ET

When someone has purchased a home with a "variable rate" mortgage and can no longer afford it the blame is two-fold. Predatory lending practices and an ill advised purchase. Quit trying to live outside of your means and quit waiting for someone to clean up your mess. If the next administration negates a legally binding contract then the cost of every loan in this country will skyrocket because "risk" is part of the cost of every loan.

KMAN   May 2nd, 2008 6:07 pm ET

One must be rather obtuse to not see a direct connection between our poor economy and Bush's Iraq War ... you cannot merely look at the economy in a vacuum … his ill-advised war has greatly harmed the value of the US Dollar BECAUSE we are paying for it all by incurring additional (record-breaking) national debt.

Amy Jacobson   May 2nd, 2008 6:05 pm ET

God help this country if 70% of it's people think 5% unemlpoyment is bad.

Chris in Va.   May 2nd, 2008 6:04 pm ET

So I guess it's fair to say that Americans are bitter?

Billy G in Las Vegas   May 2nd, 2008 6:01 pm ET

a worker voting Republican is like a Chicken voting for Col Sanders. the current state of the US economy is the direct result of almost 30 years of Republican administrations. I include the 8 years of Bill Clinton in that statement because NAFTA and deregulation of financial markets were "pure Republican".

the next President needs to be a combination of Theodore Roosevelt, the Progressive Republican, and Franklin Roosevelt, the Liberal Democrate, who hopefully has a overwelming Democratic majority in both the House and Senate, in order to turn this country's economy around.

Choate   May 2nd, 2008 6:00 pm ET

This poll shows how important it is that a Democrat is our next president. Weither it's Obama or Clinton. Hopefully the chicken little super delegates cast there vote the day after the Indiana and NC elections.

Ted:Canada   May 2nd, 2008 5:59 pm ET

Things are going more badly than you think

CNN you missed the top international story of the day!

IRAN DELCARES WAR ON HILLARY CLINTONS words...
May 2 Today!

Check CBC radio to get the story. The world knows what happened today but not America!

Good work Hillary pick a fight with everybody and put us ALL in danger. You are right up there with Bush and McCain

wow! how stupid can you get

Festus, Montana   May 2nd, 2008 5:52 pm ET

The other thirty percent are the ones who are causing it.

Mike from Westchester   May 2nd, 2008 5:52 pm ET

No S- Shirlock! January 20, 2009 can't come fast enough!

Next time anyone out there wants to vote for the guy, "They would like to have a beer with", just remeber George W. Bush.

Take the elitist, please! Intelligence, judgment, and integrity are what matter.

Peter Paul   May 2nd, 2008 5:51 pm ET

The other thirty percent are the ones who are causing it.

Julian - Los Angeles, CA   May 2nd, 2008 5:50 pm ET

Hmm…the last time that it was this bad was Bush Sr's final year in office…

Tied for worst rating right now…Bush Jr is in office in his last year…

Took a Clinton to fix the first Bush problem…

It will take another Clinton to clean up the mess the 2nd Bush made.

COINCIDENCE?! I THINK NOT!!!

HILLARY 08!!!!!!!!!!

James   May 2nd, 2008 5:49 pm ET

McCain and Bush would not see the economy going bad. They are only concerned about the war.

Julian - Los Angeles, CA   May 2nd, 2008 5:49 pm ET

Hmm...the last time that it was this year was Bush Sr's final year in office...

Worst rating right now...Bush Jr is in office in his last year...

Took a Clinton to fix the first Bush problem...

It will take another Clinton to clean up the mess the 2nd Bush made.

COINCIDENCE?! I THINK NOT!!!

HILLARY 08!!!!!!!!!!

Jesse - San Antonio TX   May 2nd, 2008 5:48 pm ET

People should not be buying houses they can't afford in the first place.

Truth Be Told   May 2nd, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Ohhh Reallly?? When Sen. Obama made a statement of fact and they twisted 1 word 'bitter' I guess yall aint bitter over these gas prices uh?!?!
Keep it up folks... It's the same 'old politics' that Hillarious Clinton is giving you which is why we are right here!!!
Hillarious 'Liar' Clinton could never get my vote!
Out with the old politics I've had enough! AND IM PAYING FOR IT NOW!!!!!

Stacy Clarks   May 2nd, 2008 5:43 pm ET

not suprised.....

Bush took this country down the drain, and McCain plans to do the same!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TheRightNut   May 2nd, 2008 5:41 pm ET

NOT FOR HALIBURTON

And the oil companies
And corn farmers
And for Al Qaeda

Darth Vadik, CA   May 2nd, 2008 5:40 pm ET

Yes, now go vote for McSame, because of a crazy pastor and sniper fire.
Some people are pathetic.

Disgusted in Canada   May 2nd, 2008 5:39 pm ET

This is digusting.

Move to Canada.

Mike   May 2nd, 2008 5:38 pm ET

Of course they are. I see foreclosures behind me and around my subdivision everywhere.

And imagine with all that is at stake right now, people actually are considering gambling their futures on a rookie like Obama.

Vote real, vote Hillary.

Pam   May 2nd, 2008 5:37 pm ET

Duh

Veterans for Obama   May 2nd, 2008 5:36 pm ET

Precisely why democrats need to unite once a nominee is named....before then actually.

Jed in Texas   May 2nd, 2008 5:36 pm ET

If the voters only knew that this is all being done on purpose to rig the vote.Nothing is happening that hasnt been planned.How does it feel to be nothing more than pawns on a chess board?

Vince - Phoenix (WHY AM I IN "MODERATION HELL"???   May 2nd, 2008 5:34 pm ET

um..... DUH!

lynn   May 2nd, 2008 5:33 pm ET

Vote Hillary Clinton......vote experience........fix our economy....
vote Hillary....best/most experienced of three candidates........

DAN   May 2nd, 2008 5:33 pm ET

Hillary, Hillary, bring back the Clintons experience and get back on track, with HILLARYS health care for everyone, jobs + green jobs, freeze on forclosures with fix rates for 5 years, affordable education, prosperity for everybody and a plan for a better envirorment

Billy J Austin,TX   May 2nd, 2008 5:33 pm ET

Endless war for oil that we are paying twice as much for. Education shot. Economy Shot. Our Brothers and Sisters in the armed forces, shot.

I dunno.... do you REALLY think things are that bad? Oh, I know... we need more upstanding righteous hard core conservatives, that'll fix things. I mean everyone knows that giving tax breaks to rich people will put all of America on the fast track to financial independence. And of course we know that bullying other countries with unilateral pre-emptive strikes will keep our citizens safe (because we are soooo afraid of some guys that hi-jack planes) It's not for the war profiteering, it's for our safety. And only a fool would think that teaching to a test, and closing schools down, wouldn't raise the IQ of and get every child into a great affordable college.

We need more conservatives in charge!!! That'll fix stuff.

Griff   May 2nd, 2008 5:30 pm ET

The "Melting Pot", is lined with too much Old Iron... More Multi Cultural than ever. Getting to be like Europe.... Stagnant!

fred   May 2nd, 2008 5:29 pm ET

Duh...we the people down below 100,000 know that and have known it for sometime now.

enomisa   May 2nd, 2008 5:28 pm ET

Yes and Hillary can work us out of this mess.

I copied this:
Frank
May 1st, 2008 4:08 pm ET
An interesting position for the Democrats to be in.
The early string of caucus victories allowed a relatively small number of Obama supporters to drastically magnify their impact on the nominating process.
There are reports from several states that Obama folks shouted down Clinton supporters and overwhelmed local party officials who, in many instances, simply didn't want to argue with zealots.
Now that Obama is being defined by his opponents (both Republican and Democratic) he's having a much harder time of it and his weakness are becoming more obvious.
But you know what? That's why we have super delegates.

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

twitter
@wolfblitzercnn: New SitRoom start time. Beg. mid-Jan, we're on 5-7p ET. Our excellent team can focus on 2 solid hrs. Less becomes more.
Updated: Tue, 22 Dec 2009 06:45:58 -0800
@psteinhauserCNN: New CNN Poll: Tiger Woods' standing with Americans takes a big hit but there appears to be a big racial divide - http://bit.ly/6dW44s
Updated: Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:28:45 -0800
@wolfblitzercnn: Trifecta -- NOT. My Redskins, Bills and Packers all lose this weekend. Very sad.
Updated: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:40:09 -0800
@HornickCNN: RT @andersoncooper: Interactive: The top 10 Health-Care-Reform Players http://bit.ly/6C3OlX
Updated: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:47:50 -0800
@HornickCNN: RT @cnn_oppmann: CNN.com: Mexico City approves same-sex marriage. http://bit.ly/5RyMnk #mexico
Updated: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:46:26 -0800
Categories
Powered by WordPress.com VIP