CNN Political Ticker
1026 days ago

Poll: Country's mood rivals historic low

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A new poll Thursday finds 76 percent of Americans are not happy with how things are going in the country.
A new poll Thursday finds 76 percent of Americans are not happy with how things are going in the country.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - A new poll out Thursday indicates that less than quarter of Americans think things are going well in the country.

The CNN/Opinion Research Corp. Poll showed that only 24 percent have a positive outlook for the country, while 76 percent say things are on the wrong track.

That figure is the lowest number on record since 1980, and the third time in four decades that the number has dropped so low.

Recent CNN/Opinion Research Corp. polling has shown a steady drop in the country's mood. In April 2007, 51 percent said things in the country were going badly. A year later, 70 percent felt that way.

"Only three events - Watergate, the Iran hostage crisis, and the economic downturn of 1992 - have driven below 30 percent the number who think things are going well," CNN's polling director Keating Holland said. The mood of the country has been assessed since 1974.

The poll sampled 1,041 adult Americans by telephone on July 27-29, 2008. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points.


Filed under: CNN Polls • Congress • President Bush
soundoff (115 Responses)
  1. NoMcSame

    Race,race race we can't seem to get past it for nothing in the world. It raelly can drag a person down. Poor Obama wants to do the right thing and what is best for America but his race is going to keep him from the nWhite House.

    July 31, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  2. al

    ***********************************************

    ORIGINALLY YOU SEEM TO BE RUNNING AGAINST A FORGETFUL OLD MAN.

    NOW IT SEEMS YOU'RE RUNNING AGAINST A 10 YEAR OLD.

    REPUBLICAN MACHINE IS NOW AT THE HELM, WITH THE BACKING OF BIG OIL COMPANIES THEY ARE IN FULL FORCE.

    DON'T GET SUCK IN WITH ALL THE BS GOING AROUND. IT'S TIME TO BE SMART.

    STOP THE DECEPTION
    STOP THE LIES
    STOP THE MANIPULATION

    STOP THE MADNESS. VOTE OBAMA.

    July 31, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  3. PC

    There's a reason why things are so dismal in the U.S.; we elect individuals to Congress and the White House who are either weak-minded idealogues or cynical hacks who are beholden to special interest groups . Our country faces a series of problems and we need more than simplistic, cookie-cutter ideologies or back slapping cronyism in order to solve them. Wake up America, wake up, please.

    July 31, 2008 04:51 pm at 4:51 pm |
  4. Dan

    Ya, the Idea of a people voting for McCain to keep this all going, just makes my mood even lower....

    July 31, 2008 04:52 pm at 4:52 pm |
  5. Not An Idiot

    "76 percent of Americans are not happy with how things are going in the country" .. and yet these idiots are going to vote for the same failed policies ... ONLY IN AMERICA .. LMAO

    July 31, 2008 04:52 pm at 4:52 pm |
  6. Larry Buchas

    We have a long way to go be proud again in this country.

    Electing Barack Obama the next President will go a long way toward that goal.

    July 31, 2008 04:53 pm at 4:53 pm |
  7. Kelby from Houston, TX

    I think it's that whole "mental recession" Senator Graham was talking about. A mental recession will put your mood in the dumps.

    CHEER UP AMERICA!

    WHY SO SERIOUS?

    let's s put a smile on that face

    July 31, 2008 04:54 pm at 4:54 pm |
  8. Xango

    i still after years wonder who does CNN calls for their polls, may be the clintons?

    it is mid sumemr, we will all talk later, and will have a say,
    wait and see but dont trust CNN

    clinton national news and strong supporter of McBush..

    hahahha

    July 31, 2008 04:54 pm at 4:54 pm |
  9. lucas

    i think people need to try being positive every once in a while.

    July 31, 2008 04:58 pm at 4:58 pm |
  10. Bob Indianapolis, IN

    Yes and those 24% are the same Kool-aid drinkers who voted for Dumbya twice and are planning on voting for his pal, McSame...

    July 31, 2008 04:59 pm at 4:59 pm |
  11. Griff

    That is because CNN, and Borack Obama; has divided it.
    No Security!!!! None...............

    July 31, 2008 05:00 pm at 5:00 pm |
  12. Jeff Denver CO

    Congress approval numbers are even lower than ...single digit...don't the Democrats run Congress? Seems to me if the Dems pick up more spots this election year I would have to disagree with the patronizing pat sound bites spewed by most Dem politicians that the American people are smart. All you have to do to see how smart Americans are is watch the Jay Leno show when he does his Jay walk spots.

    July 31, 2008 05:00 pm at 5:00 pm |
  13. Richard

    WE AMERICANS HATE OUR PRESIDENT. HE HAS IGNORED THE PEOPLE FOR 7 YEARS.

    July 31, 2008 05:01 pm at 5:01 pm |
  14. Tom in CA

    Fortunately we're doing okay because we have our personal fiscal house is in order. We bought our house in 2003 (so far it's still worth $90K more than our purchase price), we haven't used it as an ATM (it'll be paid off in August 2009) and we pay off our credit card balances every month.

    My wife and I are learned our fiscal responsibility lesson during the stagflation period from 1980 – 1983. We just hope and pray that our 26 and 28 year old children will be able to make their ends meet.

    The current housing debacle is worse than the S&L bailouts that started during Bush 41's Presidency.

    July 31, 2008 05:05 pm at 5:05 pm |
  15. Dave

    what puzzles me is, knowing what we know now there will be some that will still VOTE for McCsame. INSANE

    July 31, 2008 05:05 pm at 5:05 pm |
  16. judy, Wisconsin

    I wish they had called me, I'm feeling gloomy too. We have a corrupt party in power with a dimwit for a leader, and now McCain and Co. are running inane ads. The "liberal" media doesn't hold McCain accountable for his many gaffs. Who wouldn't be down?

    July 31, 2008 05:05 pm at 5:05 pm |
  17. Obama Supporter from FL

    Maybe they should just start putting antidepressants in the water like flouridation. Since if McCain gets in, I shudder to think where we'll be in 2012 . . .

    July 31, 2008 05:06 pm at 5:06 pm |
  18. fafa

    and you want to elect John McCain?

    July 31, 2008 05:08 pm at 5:08 pm |
  19. California Gold

    Wrong track? That implies moving forward: progress. Believe we are going backwards and downhill at record speed. Gee Mr. McCain, does that mean it's only a mental recession, just an imaginary "low" and that's why I'm a whiner?

    July 31, 2008 05:08 pm at 5:08 pm |
  20. Lisa

    Polls show Obama up by 1 point in the Gallup Poll

    Change we can all believe in!!!

    July 31, 2008 05:10 pm at 5:10 pm |
  21. Disgusted American

    25% really think things are going well?

    July 31, 2008 05:11 pm at 5:11 pm |
  22. Sherry, Atlanta

    What do you expect? Does it send a message that, each of the 3 different periods-who was in control of the White House!

    July 31, 2008 05:11 pm at 5:11 pm |
  23. Enlightened Voter

    And the fact that one or two people are even considering voting for mcsurge is just truly unbelievable and scary. This country is scary, there are some backwards people living here.

    July 31, 2008 05:12 pm at 5:12 pm |
  24. Ian MacIsaac

    Good for Obama.

    July 31, 2008 05:12 pm at 5:12 pm |
  25. Ken

    The [R]s have screwed-up this country royally in the past 7 years. They held the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and drove this country nose-first into the ground. And many of the [R]s who polled with the 76% cannot even admit it. And, my God, what about the 24% - there is a significant level of political retardation in the American public! .......and these peole will be voting again in Nov. Quite sad.

    July 31, 2008 05:13 pm at 5:13 pm |
  26. Sherry, Atlanta

    Congress taking a MONTH VACATION!

    Maybe they won't return...

    July 31, 2008 05:14 pm at 5:14 pm |
  27. Whats left in your wallet?

    Even the Romans would laugh at us.Most corrupt and short lived empire EVER.

    July 31, 2008 05:15 pm at 5:15 pm |
  28. Drew from Green Bay, WI

    I don't think this figure means much. Yes, we know that Americans have been unhappy with the Bush administration, but at the same time I don't think people are paying attention anymore. I think that because new elections will be coming up this year that people say they are unhappy now; their waiting to cash in thier hope on the next president.

    Obama/Hagel '08!

    July 31, 2008 05:17 pm at 5:17 pm |
  29. Robert Wooller, West Yorkshire England

    Well, what do they expect after eight years under Bush???

    July 31, 2008 05:18 pm at 5:18 pm |
  30. Tejano

    Americans are like a bunch of spoiled brats. They have everything they could possibly want and still want more. What a bunch of whiners

    if they think that it is going to get better with Obama they will be sadly disappointed. The Socialist Democrats will take from everyone that works and give it to the ones that won't.

    July 31, 2008 05:18 pm at 5:18 pm |
  31. charles

    cnn you rae racist and you have always bn racist. you specified that a black woman asked mccain abt a clean campaign. wat was the point there. why not just say a woman asked him like you always do if its a white person. you are a disgrace to the evolution of the human race. l FEEL SO ANGRY WHEN MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WHO READ AND WATCH YR CHANNEL LET YOU GET AWAY WITH SUCH NONSENSE.WE ARE ALL THE SAME REGARDLESS OF COLOUR. ARE PEOPLE SO STUPID THAT THEY DONT GET YR POINT BY SPECIFIYING THE "BLACK WOMAN". YOU ARE PATHETIC CNN YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YR RACIST MINDS.

    July 31, 2008 05:20 pm at 5:20 pm |
  32. Ed Ward

    Goodbye, GOP.

    You're gotten us into this mess, and now it's time for someone else to straighten it up.

    "The Democratic Party, cleaning up GOP messes since 1933".

    July 31, 2008 05:21 pm at 5:21 pm |
  33. v.a.

    yeah, thanks to bush's post 9/11 management. he had an opportunity to unite this country that is rarely given and he flushed it down the toilet. now it's red versus blue more than ever.

    thanks, ya dumb hick.

    July 31, 2008 05:21 pm at 5:21 pm |
  34. Independent-woman-4-Obama

    Look our nation's unemployment rate IS AT A 5-YEAR HIGH! People are losing their jobs and those who have them are afraid!

    Our nation is in debt (thanks to Bush/Cheney) $10 TRILLION!

    Since the IRAQ WAR STARTED FUEL PRICES HAVE INCREASED 121%~ THANKS BUSHCHENEY!

    ADD this to the FACT that Americans as they lose their jobs LOSE HEALTH INSURANCE.......... AND HOW WILL THEY PAY FOR AN EMERGENCY?????????

    THE NUMBER ONE REASON FOR BANKRUPTCY IS MEDICAL BILLS!

    PLEASE, AMERICA, WAKE-UP AND SEE THAT WE MUST CHANGE THE WAY THINGS ARE DONE!

    CAN YOU IMAGINE ALL THE PEOPLE WITHOUT HEALTHCARE WHO WOULD HAVE BEEN HELPED WITH THE ............ $650 BILLION WE HAVE SPENT IN IRAQ IN 2007???????????????????

    July 31, 2008 05:22 pm at 5:22 pm |
  35. Lesley

    I hope this means good news for the Obama campaign. McCain is another four years of the last eight years and with his low-road politics he is bringing himself down. How can you expect people to believe that you will change things for the better when all you do is mount negative campaign ads and talk very little about your positive hopes for the future. McCain is negative and will bring more negativity to the WH if he gets there. Plus his campaign is a mess. We don't need another mess in the White House. If this is an example of how he runs things, how can anyone vote for him and expect a turn around for our country?

    July 31, 2008 05:22 pm at 5:22 pm |
  36. R

    It will take a democrat to get us back out of this mess once again!

    July 31, 2008 05:23 pm at 5:23 pm |
  37. are you done yet?

    with issues like economy and war, gas and environment and we have McCain with only attack adds ...how would you feel

    July 31, 2008 05:25 pm at 5:25 pm |
  38. Gary of El Centro, Ca

    8 years of Bush would put anyone in a funky mood. I still wonder how he got elected twice to the highest office in the land. Heck, you can't find anyone these days that will admit to having voted for him.

    July 31, 2008 05:28 pm at 5:28 pm |
  39. fred

    blame it on the fact that government is too big. It's funny that an entire 500 some people can determine what 300 Million Americans think of this country. It's time that we elect for smaller government, so that when something goes wrong in government, it doesn't hurt much more than the government itself. It's time that the 300 Million people in America become America itself, and not give all the power to 500 some corrupt people in Washington (not saying they are all corrupt, but many are).

    Right now, congress isn't doing anything. I say that if they make a new program, and spend more money, they get rid of what isn't working first. The government should stop funding planned parenthood and all of these other organizations that don't do us any good at all.

    If only congress spent like the Huckabee campaign spent. His name got out there, but he had the second to least amount of money, out of any democrat or republican. In last place was Duncan Hunter, who is relatively unheard of. Implement the fair tax and cut government spending, and our economy will do sooooooooooooo much better, and everyone will start to be happy again.

    July 31, 2008 05:30 pm at 5:30 pm |
  40. David

    Are we realy that slow to learn, I was part of the 76% 7 years ago. I don't think the other 24% will ever wake up.

    July 31, 2008 05:30 pm at 5:30 pm |
  41. Elly

    this is why its so important to vote for Obama and bring about the change the country needs
    there is not much the dems can do unless the voters realize they
    NEED a majority to push votes through the two houses
    An election does not start and end with a good leader it takes a majority to get votes thru the house
    this is your time to change the status Quo and it means voting in the dems in every electorate starting with Barack Obama for president
    Ask yourself where the last 8 years with Bush and MCSame have got you
    the answer is simple for change Obama 08

    July 31, 2008 05:32 pm at 5:32 pm |
  42. Mainely Carol

    And yet there are people still deluding themselves that another Republican led President will change this . They whine then vote in the same old GOP.. duped again by low Rove style campaigns.

    The leader who is offering new solutions and saying we can again be proud in the golbal world to be an American, and have some HOPE for any change is Sen. Obama. So keep it in mind America.

    You know if you put spoiled milk back in the refrigerator it doesn't get any better sitting there aging... That is what McCain offers the same old spoiled policies. Nothing new, just repackaged old stuff.

    July 31, 2008 05:33 pm at 5:33 pm |
  43. norml

    we've had 8 years of bush,and looking at 4 more.i think i'll vote for the smart guy.

    July 31, 2008 05:35 pm at 5:35 pm |
  44. the new idea!!!!

    while McCain and Obama are fighting for POTUS...American people are fighting for their lives....MR. McCain since you have decided to take the low road...SO SHALL WE!!!! you thought PUMA had claws, well Mr. Mccain you ain't seen NOTHING yet! we will expose you for everything you truly are....

    July 31, 2008 05:38 pm at 5:38 pm |
  45. McCain is too old

    Go figure...and according to CNN polling, McBush is statistically tied.

    Either CNN polling is flawed or the American people are so stupid they want more of the same...

    I BLAME CNN

    July 31, 2008 05:40 pm at 5:40 pm |
  46. Bonnie Perry

    In a nation sitting on the edge of a historical election year, where the first black president could take office, Congress, more than ever, needs to try to resolve, some of the problems that are weighing heavily upon the nation as a whole. Record low investment returns, record high foreclosure numbers, a president who makes his mark on the history books as being the lowest in public support, a war which seems to be at a stall, and gas prices which put even more Americans into debt. All of these are issues which need to be taken care of NOW!! The Democrats cheered when they gained the upper hand in the Congress, now they are talking about going on vacation and walking away from a situation which has been in dire need of change since Bush took the office for his second term. We are on the edge of a precipice which could make or break this nation as a whole. Just to gain control of the Congress is not enough. The Democrats need to take off and keep the ball going to try to solve some of the mistakes which have been allowed to take place in our nation since the Republicans were allowed to put their hand puppet in office, meaning Bush. We need to make changes in our nation now. Border patrols strengthened, lower fuel costs, alternative fuel sources, and an end to a war which has dragged on much longer than is necessary and cost us more money which should be brought back into our nation and used to fix our own problems here. DO NOT CONTINUE TO DRAG OUT OUR NATION'S PROBLEMS!! MAKE CHANGES FOR OUR COUNTRY NOW!!!!!!!!!

    July 31, 2008 05:40 pm at 5:40 pm |
  47. Terri

    The mood should be at all time low people are hurting and feeling stressed and the people elected to be in charge don't seem to understand or care.

    NO Empathy

    That is why we need to elect BO someone who cares and can relate to the average everyday hardworking person.

    some one who climb out the gutter to become the man that he is not born with a silver spoon in his mouth or married into money.

    July 31, 2008 05:42 pm at 5:42 pm |
  48. jp/michigan

    No things are not going well for Americans'. The Democrats on the Hill are not making it better, since taking over the Hill. American want to be self sufficient, not depended on foreign countries for energy or goods. The Democrats are stopping that from happening, 70% or more Americans' want drilling to continue and the Democrats are tell the American people , we don't care what you want , we know best. Socialism, Marxism in the making.

    July 31, 2008 05:42 pm at 5:42 pm |
  49. JIM...TX

    I'd like some of whatever those 24% are drinking:) Must be the Rove's, Halliburtons, KBR's and that bunch with opinions like that!

    July 31, 2008 05:44 pm at 5:44 pm |
  50. bill for barack

    Why shouldn't our mood be low ?
    We're living in danger of having President McBush.
    My father fought AGAINST Hitler in World War 2.
    Now the Republicans are trying to make him president.

    July 31, 2008 05:46 pm at 5:46 pm |
  51. deepintheheart

    You know whats funny? Here we are at the end of one of the worst administrations the country has ever known with the economy in tatters, our good name in shreds across the world, in a war that should have never been started in the first place and no easy out from, and yet there are still way too many people who want to keep this party inside the White House!!! How can any sane person vote for a man who shares the same party as Bush? I don't care if you are Republican or PUMA or Independant, how can you continue with the same old, same old and expect different results?

    This just proves that our American education system needs to fixed.

    July 31, 2008 05:49 pm at 5:49 pm |
  52. Chris from NY

    If the country's mood is this all time low why is the media not holding the campaigns accountable to how they plan to motivate it's citizens?Rather you guys are fanning the flame of divisiveness. You divide America in to race, sex, and age. For what? Just for ratings. Shame on the American media.

    July 31, 2008 05:55 pm at 5:55 pm |
  53. LeMonton

    "only 24 percent have a positive outlook for the country, while 76 percent say things are on the wrong track"

    And who do you think brings more hope to this nation, Obama or McCain with his old politics and same failed policies as Bush.

    Obama represents the future. Give hope a chance. Turn the page and vote for Obama.

    July 31, 2008 05:56 pm at 5:56 pm |
  54. Marge Hibbing Mn

    And the reason people's mood is low is because they have no hope. obama with the help of the DNC has been shoved down peoples throats. Most real Americans don't want him.

    McCain is not the best but he is what people who are disgusted with the democrats and their "walking on water" candidate have to vote for him so we don't have four more years of actions worst than bush.

    I didn't think there was any chance we would get a whiny, crying egotistical candidate like bush, but what we dems have got is worst.

    July 31, 2008 05:56 pm at 5:56 pm |
  55. Ian

    And yet we'll re-elect 99% of the same "representatives".

    Ron Paul '08

    July 31, 2008 06:00 pm at 6:00 pm |
  56. grandma

    John McCain is angry and old nothing help him he need to go home and chill out. He is winning and gallous of Obama 's trip and love that people have for him. I still remember his interview that he had and said we do not want negative Campaign HA HA HA . McCain may have experience, too much experience as a solder, but I worry about his judgment in coming years as president

    July 31, 2008 06:01 pm at 6:01 pm |
  57. Veterans for Obama

    Duh...the country is being run to the ground by greedy Republicans!

    July 31, 2008 06:10 pm at 6:10 pm |
  58. Progressive Progressives for Progress in Progressive Progression

    How much of this "unhappy mood" is real and how much is a media created perception, designed to get Obama in office, the same way the media did with Bill Clinton in 1992?

    In a time of 5.5 percent unemployment, traditionally considered nearly "full employment"... a time when 96 percent of all American home owners are paying their mortgages on time and are not in fear of losing their homes... a time when a million iPhones were sold in it's first weekend of sales... a time when a Batman movie is set to earn over $400 million dollars in a mere two weeks of play...

    Yes, these are awwwwwful economic times in which we live... can't the Democrats save us by requiring me to pay even MORE of my paycheck in taxes? Oh, where is the humanity?! Is it hidden underneath the pile of your three iPods or the billions of dollars we spend each year on house pets? This is a mental recession indeed.

    July 31, 2008 06:13 pm at 6:13 pm |
  59. Tom

    With these two candidates I'm with the 76%. I guess that is how it is going to be for the next 4 years. My choice – who will do the least damage and that will be the one to vote for.

    July 31, 2008 06:14 pm at 6:14 pm |
  60. Texan in Colorado

    Of course everybody thinks the world is coming to an end.... the media keeps telling us that over & over & over, so people eventually begin to believe it. Is your cup half empty or half full??? You decide which way you want it.

    July 31, 2008 06:16 pm at 6:16 pm |
  61. Ron

    America realizes that we have been and are being dumped on by our elected 'Royal ' leaders. And yet half the country is prepared to vote for McSame, fully knowing that he is the problem, not the solution. Bogles the mind.

    July 31, 2008 06:23 pm at 6:23 pm |
  62. Neal

    Yup and its all in our head, just ask Bush and Gram and other rich guys.

    July 31, 2008 06:24 pm at 6:24 pm |
  63. Mike

    The Republicans keep dragging us through the dung while they get richer and richer. And yet we still vote for them. No wonder they do not respect us.

    July 31, 2008 06:26 pm at 6:26 pm |
  64. mike

    isn't that 24% percent close to the number of voters who say they would vote for Bush again? Don't you think this group is getting exactly what it wants from Bush policies?

    July 31, 2008 06:29 pm at 6:29 pm |
  65. bulldog

    The Bush administration is most responsible. This country is more more divided and is filled with more hate because of them. They have spread so many hateful messages for seven years now and it's been hammered down everyone's throat. The 24 percent who think this country is going well are likely those rich people who gotten richer under Bush. They are living the high life while most Americans are suffering.

    July 31, 2008 06:31 pm at 6:31 pm |
  66. Lynn

    The mood would be alot better if Obama would stop all this Greast Black leader in History Trash!! Obama need to drop out of race for lieing his way to the top!!

    July 31, 2008 06:33 pm at 6:33 pm |
  67. irish

    It's because we do not hold our politican's responsible for the promises that they make to the american public. They say whatever they want to get elected. Bottom line. We let them get away with murder. When are we as a peole going to stand up and hold them accountable? When are we as a people going to demand that they do the job that they are being paid for with the blood, sweat and tears of the American peoples hard earned dollars. Must be nice to take a month long vacation CONGRESS!!!!!!. There are people in this country that can't even put food on the table and your taking a month long vacation and we are letting them get away with it !!!!! . Our goverment is suppose to be for the people, by the people and of the people. What happened? Have we all become that sleepy and tiried that we don't care anymore ? We give them the power and we take it away. This do nothing congress of ours needs to be thrown out on there heads !!!!!

    July 31, 2008 06:34 pm at 6:34 pm |
  68. S. Boatman

    Its All Mccains Fault! His Negative Ads Are Bringing Down The Entire Country! I Mean If Obama Is The Cause Of My High Has Prices Surly Mccain Is To Be At Fault For This!

    July 31, 2008 06:34 pm at 6:34 pm |
  69. Texas Trail Dog!

    NO WE ARE NOT GOING WELL. HEAVEN FORBID IF OBAMA GAINS THE CONTROLS. THEN WE WILL BE IN A NOSEDIVE.

    July 31, 2008 06:34 pm at 6:34 pm |
  70. Will in Richmond, VA

    Yet and still, McCain continues to be competitive with Obama.

    The real question is why?

    July 31, 2008 06:37 pm at 6:37 pm |
  71. Denise Groves

    i agree with the political commentators. this campaign is about the conomy, stupid! This is Obama's campaign to win.

    If he looses (which I doubt), it will because he didn't make this campaign about Bush/McCain.

    July 31, 2008 06:38 pm at 6:38 pm |
  72. It Be Me

    and some people want to vote for McCain and have 4 more years of this??? I don't get it.....

    July 31, 2008 06:42 pm at 6:42 pm |
  73. I have to say this

    Those 24% must have been paid to say that things are positive, or they are the big wigs of big companies.

    Everyone else, time to get a pitchfork and start a revolution. It starts in Minnesota with Ron Paul leading the way.

    All other candidates out there are typical established liars.

    July 31, 2008 06:43 pm at 6:43 pm |
  74. Martha in Lake View, SC

    The 76% number is probably those who have been negatively affected by the last eight years of policies that favor the rich at the expense of the American worker. Hopefully, in this November election, the American workers will vote in their own economic interests.

    July 31, 2008 06:46 pm at 6:46 pm |
  75. William Courtland, Waterford, ON

    Because the mentality is... If I can make you guilty of it to: then it is less painful or even comes as a release to me.

    Who does this, who creates the low... the occult criminal and their secret guilt complex of commune-ism.

    July 31, 2008 06:47 pm at 6:47 pm |
  76. Ron in Los Angeles

    Yes, the country's mood is down, disgusted, and anxious for good news. We're so tired of being manipulated, monitored, sampled, and treated like we are simple, insignificant, and gullible.

    We are Americans and by nature optomistic. We are the most wonderful nation that there ever was, and we are barely 200 yars old. We know things could be better. It's never too late for a true leader to grab hold of everyone and make things right again.

    China says we are in decline, and that the 21st Century is their century. We found them in poverty and illiteracy, living behind a big stone wall. They'd be nothing without the US market place.

    Where is that great leader who is supposed to arise at times like this?

    July 31, 2008 06:50 pm at 6:50 pm |
  77. REALLY proud now

    With Hillary trashed out of the race by the lying, cheating, self-impressed, race-baiting, celebrity pop star- we are left with NO good choice for president.

    Of the two- McCain is less devious, evil, self-centered and power hungry.

    So Obama- it ain't gonna be.

    July 31, 2008 06:53 pm at 6:53 pm |
  78. Demagogue

    Obama will be the nail in our coffin.

    July 31, 2008 06:54 pm at 6:54 pm |
  79. Marj,Paso Robles, Cal

    I guess when you have brilliant comments like 'if you keep air in you tires and keep your car tuned up, we won't have to drill for more oil'
    (Dumbama comment 7/30/2008) one probably wouldn't have a favorable outlook.

    July 31, 2008 06:57 pm at 6:57 pm |
  80. Maggie, ND

    I agree with that 25% of the country–we're in the toilet. Why? George Walker Bush, the Commander In Cheek without a brain. Yes, I know it's easy to blame Bush, but it's also true. What has he done? Keep us safe from the terrible Al Qaeda? Yes, they are terrible but how do we know what George did? You can't prove a negative, anybody could have done what he did. He also broke the laws, over and over again.

    George Walker Bush is the WORST PRESIDENT IN MODERN HISTORY. And the only thing we have to be grateful for as far as his presidency is the fact that he's leaving. Yes, in 5 months–thank God. We will be rid of the stench of the Bush mediocrity. We will have a chance to take our country back and move forward.

    I love America and hate George Bush.

    July 31, 2008 06:58 pm at 6:58 pm |
  81. Mike

    Given this poll, how in the world can John McCain be running in a dead heat with Barack Obama? If race were not an issue McCain would be 20-25 points behind right now.

    July 31, 2008 07:00 pm at 7:00 pm |
  82. Ding Dong...

    AMERICA IS FINALLY WAKING UP TO THE FACT THAT THE EMPORER HAS NO CLOTHES. Thank goodness we can all see clearly. We can vote for a problem solver and get the country back on track. We can be civil to each other, and talk about issues before moving forward.

    We want a president, not a king.

    Ding, Dong...the king is almost dead (figuratively).

    July 31, 2008 07:01 pm at 7:01 pm |
  83. DIZIZI31

    Should there be any doubt/question when CA STATE WORKERS reduces their Wage to the Federal Minimum? Better yet, wives of young Marines turn up dead, 25% of the treasury's reserves would be taken if they bailout the banks in the mortage crisis. 2 fighting "Presidential Candidates" not nominated as president busy dividing the country between black and white and women. Gas @4.00 Milk @4.00 Bread @ 4.00. We're clearly in the time of the end.

    Wake up CNN. USA once greatest country in the world going downhill quickly.

    July 31, 2008 07:13 pm at 7:13 pm |
  84. Ron Nebraska

    Right, it's almost unanimous that republican control has run the country into the dirt but this election between a standard republican and a progressive democrat is dead even. I can not believe that!

    July 31, 2008 07:13 pm at 7:13 pm |
  85. john williams san diego, ca.

    pelosi and reid will drive this nation into chaos. those two are absolutely clueless partisans, but they did profit from their liberalism at the poors expense.

    July 31, 2008 07:14 pm at 7:14 pm |
  86. Ridgeway

    Until the Cowboys win the Super Bowl, the Cardinals the World Series and Ronald Reagan comes back from the grave the mood will be down.
    Unless of course I win the lottery in which case none of that matters.

    July 31, 2008 07:16 pm at 7:16 pm |
  87. McCain We Want More than You Are Offering!

    And the negative McCain campaign is not helping.

    July 31, 2008 07:17 pm at 7:17 pm |
  88. Marilyn

    The upcoming election is one reason why people are so pessimistic. We really have no one to vote for!! Obama is a definite NO and McCain is not much better. We will again be voting for the lesser of two evils, only this time the evils are much worse.

    July 31, 2008 07:17 pm at 7:17 pm |
  89. Ellie, MD

    DAH.... WHY in the world would we need a poll to tell US that we think the country is going in the WRONG direction!!!!

    I mean Jesus, give the American people a LOT more credit. We are not all George Bush and John McCain's here. Many of us do have some level of intelligence, even if this Administration clearly does not.

    This country HAS been headed in the WRONG direction since we went into an UNNECESSARY WAR over WMDs !!! It has snowballed since then....AND we can clearly trace the problem back to George W. Bush and all his greedy buddies and Senators like John McCain who supported all his STUPID policies.

    Let's call it like it is people. This country NEEDS a UHAUL and it needs it FAST. We can't AFFORD another 4-8 years of FAILED POLICIES under the leadership of Sen. McBush.

    Vote for the OLD man if you want...but be prepared for the WORSE and more of it.

    July 31, 2008 07:22 pm at 7:22 pm |
  90. Biffington, Biff

    Report: McCain Received $881,450 From Big Oil Since He Announced Support For Offshore Drilling

    In Texas alone, June oil and gas-connected donations to McCain’s Victory ’08 Fund, his hybrid fundraising venture with the RNC and state committees, reached $1,214,100.

    Of that total, $881,450, or 73 percent, came after June 15. McCain announced his position in favor of offshore drilling on June 16.

    July 31, 2008 07:25 pm at 7:25 pm |
  91. Tennisguypitt

    This REALLY doesn't surprise me.

    We need change! Who has it? Barack Obama. Who cares that he is the opposite of the worst president in modern History? He has a funny middle name and his last name is somewhat similar to Osama. He must be bad!

    Grow up, America

    Obama '08

    July 31, 2008 07:26 pm at 7:26 pm |
  92. adam

    things are bad b/c we have not lived up to our potential in the new millenium

    July 31, 2008 07:27 pm at 7:27 pm |
  93. joe kiloz

    Why don't you develop a poll which asks very simply: do you believe CNN and other media outlets are doing a good job in covering the presidential race ?

    July 31, 2008 07:28 pm at 7:28 pm |
  94. David, Silver Spring, MD

    Thank you John McCain, George Bush, and the Republican Party.

    July 31, 2008 07:34 pm at 7:34 pm |
  95. irma

    For me, in my lifetime, this Democratic Primary was a new low. Bashing women and Hillary supporters in order to win in a liberal party? I am now an Independent and as of today, knowing Hillary will not be VP but some other unknown female is being considered, well too insulting for my vote. No way BO. McCain 'O8 from a DEM who hates the Republicans, but I hate being betrayed as a twenty five year DEM volunteer by BO and the DNC more! Yes there are important issues to consider and this is one of them!

    July 31, 2008 07:38 pm at 7:38 pm |
  96. Glenn

    And some Americans consider McCain a real American hero…..what a phony! McCain is a shameless liar, who lacks honesty, character and integrity. He is a hypocrite! A vote for McCain is simply a continuation of the eight years of Bush. McCain has a 95% support agreement rating with Bush.

    July 31, 2008 07:40 pm at 7:40 pm |
  97. Another grumpy old white woman for Obama

    And yet they will consider voting for McCain? Please CNN. These polls are ridiculous and contradictory.
    1000 out of how many million?
    Give me a break!

    July 31, 2008 07:45 pm at 7:45 pm |
  98. Frank Canada

    I don't understand how 24% of intelligent adults in the U.S. could think things are going good in their country. Are there that many oil moguls and munitions magnates in America? Oh I forgot about the private contractors and mercenaries which might bump the total up.

    July 31, 2008 07:46 pm at 7:46 pm |
  99. Another grumpy old white woman for Obama

    I agree with the 76% who think we are circling the drain.
    Obama '08

    July 31, 2008 07:47 pm at 7:47 pm |
  100. Ron democrat turned independent

    we had a dove (bill clinton) in the office followed by an militarily inexperienced man this led to 9-11 that led to the begining of the down fall of the economy. the opposition helped defeat many good bills that would have helped the economy, bush did not do it alone. the public is starting to see that. what they need now is an EAGLE to again bring pride and strenght to america that person is john mccain not another dove

    July 31, 2008 07:52 pm at 7:52 pm |
  101. Dr.Mimi De La Cruz for OBAMA

    THE INTERESTING THING IS THAT 70% OF AMERICANS

    KNOW WE ARE IN THE CRAPPER. MOST ALSO KNOW

    HOW WE GOT HERE. & MOST OF THAT 70% VOTED FOR THE

    MAN THAT WALTZED US INTO THE CRAPPER.. & MOST DON'T

    LIKE IT. BUT MOST OF THOSE VOTERS WANT MORE OF IT, BY

    SUPPORTING A GERIATRIC VERSION OF GEORGE BUSH.

    ISN'T THAT SELF HATE? IT JUST DOESN'T MAKE SENSE!!!

    July 31, 2008 07:58 pm at 7:58 pm |
  102. Kenny

    The approval ratings of our Congress are so low right now that if these Congressmen and women were down there with the ratings, they would have to look up to see the belly of a rattle snake. Now that is low. Now I know that by voting for these people, we "hired" them to do the job of running our country, however, as part owner of the business, it is all but impossible to remove one of them prior to the next election. As a business person, I would not wait until time for evaluations to let go an employee that was hurting my company. The same should apply with respect to our elected government officials. And while I am sitting here mad at the dismal state of our economy I must say I am appalled at the fact that these "employees" can come together and vote themselves a pay raise. You would think they should have to come to the Boss or The Board to request a pay raise.

    Well since our economy is at it's worst or close to it and our government is all but rotten to the core, it seems this is the time to start at the foundation and rebuild it with all new materials (Gov. Reps.) It couldn't hurt. It already does.

    July 31, 2008 08:09 pm at 8:09 pm |
  103. Vig

    Now you know why someone like Obama who chants change looks so good – because the mood is so down. American's just want to believe in something better – Obama knows this and is exploiting it. He's nothing more than an opportunist.

    July 31, 2008 08:14 pm at 8:14 pm |
  104. Jonathan, Hartford, CT

    We have two wars we don't want.

    We have an economy that is collapsing.

    We are looking ahead at a winter with no money for food and heat and gas.

    We have a crumbling infrastructure.

    We have the elitist celeb and the mummy to chose from for president.

    We can't pay the rent or the mortgage.

    We have a government that is not working, and officials who reject their oaths of office.

    We are earning no more, but everything is costing more.

    July 31, 2008 08:15 pm at 8:15 pm |
  105. Independent

    John McCain just had a town hall meeting Tuesday in NV and yesterday in CO.

    It was absolutely pathetic. All this guy says is "my friends I know how to fix that" but then he gives not even the slightiest solutions to the problem he was asked about.

    Wake up America! Not again, not again!

    YES WE CAN!

    July 31, 2008 08:21 pm at 8:21 pm |
  106. ashe

    With McCain's poll number improving, country's mood may take a further dip....

    July 31, 2008 08:24 pm at 8:24 pm |
  107. fred

    yeah right! They're all just whiners! right MCsame?

    July 31, 2008 08:24 pm at 8:24 pm |
  108. Phil, FL

    Hey – I want to vote too – it's the worst in 65 years. When Bush loads up that UHaul in January, we'd better all hope he takes the other fear-mongering, hate-mongering repubs with him – McShame included.

    July 31, 2008 08:40 pm at 8:40 pm |
  109. Tony on Cape Cod

    I am 85. I lived through the Great Depression, served in WWII and have lived through all the wars and economic ups and downs since. And, thanks to the Republic Party and Bush/Cheny, this country has never been in worse situation than now: Folks, we are in Depression. But the cost of living is at prosperity levels and continually rising. And now we are presented a terrible choice for president: McCain continuing Republic policies and principles would be a economic disaster. Obama so arrogantly preaching empty words. I'd like to live a little longer, but really don't look forward to the coming years.

    July 31, 2008 08:42 pm at 8:42 pm |
  110. RJ, CA

    There are always highs and low in our country - Obama doesn't have it "locked up" here - he's just a BLIMP on the latest up/down screen - with NO real solutions other than rhetoric!

    The AOl Straw Poll – REAL people voting REALTIME (without “sampling errors”): July-24-August 4: 131,871 total votes cast: McCain 64%, Obama 36%,

    So much for photo ops, slogans, and posturing, Obama - we're NOT impressed!

    July 31, 2008 08:46 pm at 8:46 pm |
  111. Rave

    The remaining 24 percent must be either stinking rich (or) completely out of their mind like McCain
    OBAMA (2008 -16)

    July 31, 2008 08:48 pm at 8:48 pm |
  112. P. D.

    The economic health of ourcountry is dying. Bush and his enablers have destroyed our reputation, our fiscal health, our military, our grandchildrens future, shall I go on?

    July 31, 2008 08:48 pm at 8:48 pm |
  113. Amber Godden

    half a century of unjust wars record profits and we elected these demons .We reap what we sow.

    July 31, 2008 08:49 pm at 8:49 pm |
  114. Scott L

    Not sure what people do not understand. Democrats have OWNED the house and senate for two years and things are at an all time low? NO WONDER!!!!! And you want Obama to win?

    July 31, 2008 08:52 pm at 8:52 pm |
  115. michael minorgan

    I REALLY cant believe the Americans would even think about electing another Republican after Bush and a guy no less who wants to continue his legacy more or less????!!!!!!. If McCain is elected, so goes the world and you deserve what you get..more war. trillions of dollars in debt..no health care for all..lower education standards..no social security etc etc. OH MY GOD..I COULDNT BELIEVE BUSH GOT IN THE SECOND TIME,,,BUT THIS REALLY SCARES ME MCBUSH AGAIN????!!!!!!! (I know you wont publish this either CNN, but here's hoping)

    July 31, 2008 08:55 pm at 8:55 pm |