November 6, 2009
Posted: November 6th, 2009 06:20 AM ET
The number of Americans who say the economy is their top issue is on the rise, according to a new national poll.
The number of Americans who say the economy is their top issue is on the rise, according to a new national poll.

Washington (CNN) - The number of Americans who say the economy is their top issue is on the rise, according to a new national poll.

Forty-seven percent of people questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Friday morning say the economy is the most important issue facing the country today. That's up 6 points from August.

Health care, at 17 percent, remains second on the list. But the issue is down a few points from August, indicating that the furor caused by the late summer town hall meetings may be fading somewhat on the minds of most Americans.

Full results (pdf)

"Third on the list are the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, with indications that more Americans are concerned by that issue as President Barack Obama continues a lengthy debate over whether to send more troops into combat," says CNN Polling Director Keating Holland.

The federal budget deficit also makes it into double digits, followed by education, terrorism and energy in single digits.

The poll suggests a geographic divide on the economy. In southern and western states, roughly half say that the economy is their biggest concern. In the Northeast and Midwest, the economy remains the number-one issue, but only four in ten say it is their top priority.

The survey's release comes as the Labor Department unveils the unemployment report for October. It also comes as the president plans to quickly sign legislation just passed by Congress that will offer up to 20 additional weeks of unemployment insurance, according to senior administration officials.

CNN polling released earlier in the week indicated that 47 percent of Americans approve of how Obama is handling unemployment, with 52 percent disapproving of the job the president's doing on the issue.

The CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll was conducted October 30-November 1, with 1,018 adult Americans questioned by telephone. The survey's sampling error is plus or minus 3 percentage points.

–CNN Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.

Filed under: CNN poll • Economy


wolfgangpitbullingtgonIII!   November 6th, 2009 10:51 am ET

For the good of the country, the inept, anti-American, Socialist Obama should "RESIGN"!

Reaganomics Leads To Feudalism   November 6th, 2009 10:45 am ET

If there is ONE thing that I hope the American people will learn from all of this, is that tax cuts for the wealthy, deregulation, and costly interventionist wars ultimately lead to economic disaster.

I sincerely hope that these are mistakes that we will NEVER repeat again.

fools and their freedoms are soon parted   November 6th, 2009 10:41 am ET

While on this lengthy debate....Obama is continuing to place our soldiers at risk...just make a decision by not making a decision you are showing us how uncaring you are about the lives of servicemen all dry eyed photo ops aside

Randy, San Francisco   November 6th, 2009 10:40 am ET

If the GOP makes major political gains in 2010 and 2012, it will the result of a continuing weak economy and not a strategy of staying true to conservative values. Democrats had better hope the economy will make a rebound before the 2010 elections.

Mike in Dallas   November 6th, 2009 10:39 am ET

All the Obstructionists Repubs ought to be tried for Treason. They will evaporate soon. GO DEMS we are with you. NJ's crazy. I am voting STRAIGHT DEM TICKET in the next elections. OBAMA- BIDEN 2012

Suzan   November 6th, 2009 10:32 am ET

The message Obama gave in his speeches about the Economy when he was campaining to become President and even after he became President was "It was not going to be easy, and it would take a time" the economy is recovering (slowy) and it has always been after a ressecion or depression that the Job Market is the last to recover........I am surprised that some of you out there think that this president could get this economy back on it's feet in 10 months of being in office when it took Bush 8 years to get us in this mess.........so come on, those who voted for Obama give him some time a chance to accomplish these things.......don't give up on him, you voted for him, now you have to support him......and not let the other side distract you from your vision of CHANGE FOR THIS COUNTRY......because he has more vision for this country than the GOP........They don't know what their party stand for anymore or who to support in their own party, their fighting among themselves about what their party stands for, so how can they know what to do foryou or me or for this country?

Annette   November 6th, 2009 10:31 am ET

It's amazing; all of the issues current did not happen over night. This economy was mismanaged by the previous administration. The cost of that is the result of what we see now, high unemployment, financial bailouts, government stimuling the economy, government spending. No one from democrat,. independent, or republican really knew what to do about recovering the economy. The current President knew all the risk, but had to do something, or nothing. At the end this President, realizes he will be held responsible for the success or failure.Afghanistan and Iraq wars were started by the Bush administration mismanaged by the Bush administration and the spending that went with that war BILLIONS!!, where were the so called " Tea Baggers" then??? We all need to get serious and realize it will take all of us to work to get this economy healthy again. Get Real!

Geoffrey   November 6th, 2009 10:25 am ET

This President is rapidly failing to fulfill what he promised the nation and the world the last election. He's terribly failed in the middle east and Afghanistan. He thought the Mideast crisis could be solved by mere speeches in Arab Capitals.

He should stand warned by the defeats in Virginia and New Jersey. People want jobs not speeches.

Geoffrey

Brenda   November 6th, 2009 10:11 am ET

Of course concerns about the economy are on the rise.

That is why the voters of New Jersey and Virginia voted for the Republicans.

Concern for the economy-–and many other things--will also be on voters' minds during the 2010 elections--which is why the Democrats are going to get clobbered in 2010.

seebofubar   November 6th, 2009 10:10 am ET

Asking Obama and the Democrats to fix the the economy is like asking demolition expert to build a house. They know how to destroy but how to build. We made a wrong turn in '08, it's time to accept it, fix it, and learn from our mistake.

Mark   November 6th, 2009 10:07 am ET

Do you think the country realized they just elected an intern to run the country?

Not to mention one who will spend us into bankruptcy?

Debby   November 6th, 2009 9:48 am ET

Obama and his goon squad don't care they are in such a rush to pass this healthcare bill so they won't look politically bad. We don't have enough of regular flu vaccines for people never mind swine flu and this is all because of this administration.

jp,michigan   November 6th, 2009 9:48 am ET

NO! One is listening to the American people. Those on the Hill are interested only in their own agenda. Well the American people to to stand up a show our power the power of the voting booth. Take those individuals who zero in on party and private agenda instead of the peoples needs, vote them out of office before America is bankrupt.

angel   November 6th, 2009 9:39 am ET

Actually, my main concern is that President Obama doesn't has the experience to do his job, and that's on the top that it looks that he is not working at all.
Basically, he has spent all his time on traveling oversea, golfing, fund rising, TV interviews, etc, etc.
That's what concern me the most, because if he acts like that then nothing can get done right.

Drew   November 6th, 2009 9:39 am ET

People who are polled should realize their politican didn't or don't want to help the President make this a better place to live. The GOP's only want this country to fail. If you stupid people who support the GOP keep this up then hey we will but only because they are fighting back the progress of the United States. If the GOP's really want to fight go overseas and let the military personnel come home and then you will see how hard it is to see your stupid politican fighting to keep things in the United States at a level head. People the GOP's are stupid and if they really want the United States to fail then they are sad people and don't have any morals or respect for the United States.

SLM   November 6th, 2009 9:37 am ET

Great job America, voting in the biggest Tax and spend liberal of all time. Jimmy Carter #2...............we got it! Next time cast your vote on substance, not rock star image with great teleprompter speeches......we got a naive, inexperienced, job/business killing empty suit.......Great Job!

Chris D.   November 6th, 2009 9:35 am ET

This too shall pass.....Unemployment is at 10.2 percent.......I can't logically blame the President now.Unlike many Americans, I didn't expect anything less than what is occurring now. We came from a whole year of 500,000 jobs being lossed every month.Now, we are losing 190,000 per month. Things will get better. I will say this though, when things get better, give the President as much props, as the hate, and judgement you throw at his feet now.............However, by
this time next year, if things have'nt changed, the President will be in real trouble.
Republicans must also remember their favorite President in all of USA history Ronald Reagan, had an unemploment rate of 10.3, for two years. After that he was able to proclaim victory during his reelection, as unemployment dropped to 8.0, and proclaimed that it was morning in America........America will survive, thrive and revive.
Obama/Biden 2012.

charlotte0757   November 6th, 2009 9:35 am ET

I think I is obvious that the most important issue is the economy. If the economy is slow and jobs are hard to get and money is becoming close to scarce then everything eles is going to be affected by this. It may be odd to some people that the war in Afganastan was voted only number 3, following health care, as the mos timportant issue of the moment. This doesn't surprise me considering people, especially Americans are concerned only for them selfs primarily. They come first- meaning things going on over seas or in other countrys, such as the was going on right now, are less important than what is going on in the lifes of the people back home right now. It is a scarey issue which should be reconzie and changed as soon as possible. America needs to keep it's head up and see the tunnel at the end of the road.

Terry, TX   November 6th, 2009 9:29 am ET

CNN polling is like MSNBC polling....no clarity there....no TV media is a national polling. Get over yourselves....you are not America's watchdogs.

JP   November 6th, 2009 9:20 am ET

Few people would argue that a large stimulus was necessary. Clearly there are elements of the stimulus that are working. The problem is the majority of the stimulus is about advancing a very left leaning social agenda. The 787 billion dollar bill came out at 10:00 at night and was voted on the next morning it was filled with crap that would never have survived the budget process. The taxpayers were ripped off to support the UAW's uncompetive contract and now the taxpayers are getting ripped off in the health care bill so the trial lawyers can keep sucking the system dry. Lets get rid off all other wastes of money like ACORN.

Marry   November 6th, 2009 9:15 am ET

The economy is a concern! It will stay that way until every one that can work has work! Contrary to what all the GOP “experts” are sounding off about, the Bush administration showed that they have no idea about economy except for pushing it to the brink. They also do not know anything about “fiscal restrained”. The just hid the gigantic sums they spend, not even putting them into the budget. Now they are screaming about the future of kids...doing nothing for them wile they where responsible! However, I do not even want to imagine what the economy would look like had McCain made it into the White House! NO jobs, NO healthcare bill, No new Afghanistan concept…NO, NO, NO…

Tina   November 6th, 2009 9:05 am ET

Of course the economy is the top concern. Without good paying jobs, nothing else matters.

obummer, 1 and done   November 6th, 2009 9:03 am ET

It's the economy stupid!

And they claim obummer is intelligent. does he know that 10.2% is greater than the 8% high he promised?

how does he spin that fact?

Oh yeah, it's Bush's fault.

Eleanor   November 6th, 2009 8:49 am ET

Former President George W. Bush, former Vice President Dick Cheney and their whole cadre must be so very, very proud of themselves for the wonderful state their policies have left our nation.
Why is it that there is no accountability for former presidents?

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   November 6th, 2009 8:44 am ET

Having a way to pay for things will always be on people's minds. Without a way to get what you need, people have and will be concerned about what to do. I am assuming people know what life was like in the Great Depression based on a history class or information in the news so they have some understanding of what could happend. That worries many people; without jobs being created or being restored, some people fear that we could go through another depression.

Mark, Bham   November 6th, 2009 8:42 am ET

It is the Economy Stupid! With American turning from an Industrial to a Service Economy in the 90's we hurt ourselves. Also with the increasing debt this administration/congress and the previous administration/congress created our economy will be hit with high inflation with the dollar devaluation hurting too.

Albo58   November 6th, 2009 8:42 am ET

Unemployment has now reached 10.2% and this administration and lacky Congressional leadership is focussing on passing an ill-conceived health care reform bill with an infinite number of flaws! To borrow from the Democrat Part motto: it's the economy stupid!

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA   November 6th, 2009 8:40 am ET

There is reason for concern. Unemployment is at 10.2%.

Jason   November 6th, 2009 8:37 am ET

I think the numbers are skewed. That is not an accurate representation of the feelings I have seen. Americans I have spoken to want no part of a socialistic health care, that promotes mediocre health care much like the ineffective type you can find in countries that have adopted such policies. Government ran health care will do nothing more than destroy an already fragile industry. Maybe the Senate could do more by exerting energy on issues that could benefit America as a whole, rather than promote another socialistic policy brought forth by the executive office.

Gerald   November 6th, 2009 8:34 am ET

Just remember who has been in control of congress since 2006, the democrats. Over three years of hope and change, how is that working for you folks.

AstroTurf This   November 6th, 2009 8:32 am ET

It is ridiculous that the Democrats are focused on taking over the healthcare industry and raising taxes and the cost of healthcare at a time when our economy is on the fence. The deficits that are rising because of government spending...not George Bush...but this administration cannot be sustained. The policies of this president WILL destroy our economy and the value of our dollar. This is socialism straight up. The liberal media needs to stop licking the feet of these socialists and do the job the American people expect them to do and call out these policies and report the news...not censor it. It is just beyond comprehension that for political ideology the liberal media would protect this administration.

Richp   November 6th, 2009 8:31 am ET

You all can't be too concerned, after all we still have working printing presses and we can use the to manufacture more money for pay for pork loaded health care bill, more illegal aliens, whats to worry about.

ran   November 6th, 2009 8:30 am ET

How is it that some people (republicans/independents) want the government to do something about jobs; but cry socialism when the government tries to do something about health care/ energy etc.

These are the same people who say keep Government out of my life except when it comes to: abortions, gay rights, religion, immigration; then they want the government to be involved.

Fear/hate/obstructionism will not work any more. Maybe try to work with others instead of trying to bully them into always thinking your way: Republicans.

southerncousin   November 6th, 2009 8:29 am ET

Obama, one and done.

Liberals are the American Taliban   November 6th, 2009 8:25 am ET

Do you think, CNN???
You don't have to take a poll to figure this one out, genius!

This is why CNN sucks so badly.

The woodstock democrats are doing all they can to install a socialist government in America! It won't work and they will be defeated in BIG ways very soon!

Thank God for Pelosi and obama. They're exactly what this country needs to wake us up and get our lives and our country straight again!

JB   November 6th, 2009 8:24 am ET

CNN- Where are the stories on all the lies the Dems are telling. Most recently, Pelosi said "I am committed to make any bills available on line for 72hrs prior to vote". Now, she says she will not do that. There are plenty more lies that are being told, and CNN continues to blow smoke up the dems butt by printing story after story about Sarah Palin. WHY? She has no bearing on anything right now. But, I am sure CNN sees it as a way to embarass the GOP. So sad CNN. You used to be the goto netword for me. Now I have to go to FOx, and weed outthe right wing bias. Which I feel is less than the slanted left wing bias on CNN. So sad.

Dominican mama 4 Obama   November 6th, 2009 8:20 am ET

Polls do tell one story.

Meanwhile....
How do these Rethugs find the time to organize and protest, but WILL NOT show up at their assigned seats to do what they were elected and hired to do? Then they come out with lunatic claims like "We were LOCKED OUT of the meeting room"?

Second question: Do you have someone assigned to keep track of all of the lying you do? You probably don't because you keep contradicting and tripping all over yourselves. Truly pitiful, and you want to get back in and run our country...into the ground....AGAIN?! NOT!!!!!!!!!!

Bob in Kansas City   November 6th, 2009 8:17 am ET

Gee- Lunatic Bachmann is it beyond you to realize that if the Democrats have control they push thier agenda when your party had the majority it pushed it's agenda, incidently, look at the results of GOP control for 16 years an entire economy tanked as a result. You are a reflection of your constituancy a lunatic fringe racist mob!

Aunt Bea and Opie   November 6th, 2009 8:17 am ET

The economy will make a good comeback next year as was said and expected.The republicans ran the bus off the road and into the lake.It will take time to pull it out and restart the engine.We are more worried about the rightwing brown shirts,masquerading as patriots as they did in Germany many years ago.

Carole   November 6th, 2009 8:15 am ET

Bush, like Reagan, inherited a surplus with the country in the Black.....they both left with massive deficits for cleanup.

President Carter amd President Clinton left a surplus.

Give it time people, I am old enough to know it takes a few years to cleanup Republican spending.

Doug   November 6th, 2009 8:14 am ET

Nice spin CNN! Healthcare concerns are dropping and CNN concludes that means "tea partier" furor is receding. I'm sure it couldn't mean that the majority of Americans don't actually see "health care" as being an issue (like the exist polls in New Jersey and Virginia showed)? Naaaaah. The drop must be attributed to the "other side." Classic.

STILL unemployed in Iowa   November 6th, 2009 8:10 am ET

Obama dont care about the economy, Obama only cares that he is the next dictator of the world. Obama does not care, obama only cares about his private agenda of racism.

impeach Obama.

Tom in Delaware   November 6th, 2009 8:10 am ET

From your 'Tea Partiers Arrested' headline...the people arrested were not Tea Party movement protesters, but Anti-Abortion protesters.

I know how much you want to print a disparaging story about them after they humilated Susan Rosegens and your whole networkin Chicago during the Tax-Day Tea Party...the truth will set you free, but it might sting like h3ll first.

BTW-Where's the headline about the 'Pro-Reform' demonstrators arrested in Joe Lieberman's office...did you just forget that one, or did you have to find room for your mandatory Palin post.

Yeah, I thought so....

T'SAH from Virginia   November 6th, 2009 8:07 am ET

Everything is ALWAYS on the RISE!!! CNN says "Forty-seven percent of people questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Friday morning say the economy is the most important issue..."

DOGGONE IT!!! During the campaign last year, it was more than 75% who felt the economy was the most important issue. Jeez!

An idle mind brings the devil... But in this case, it's "an idle mind responds to his environment". I bet if you do the survey NOW, the shootings in Ft. Hood would reflect in everyone’s answer and TERRORISM would be the most important issue.

CNN – Please stop reporting every time someone passes gas!!! Good Grief!!!

Scott L   November 6th, 2009 8:04 am ET

Um, you think? VA and NJ sent a warning shot across the bows of the Dems up for election in 2010. They vote yes to health care, they are sealing their loss at the polls. HA HA!

Ken in NC   November 6th, 2009 7:54 am ET

I have figured out how to get rid of our debt and eliminate the threat from the Taliban and al quiada. Take the American debt and place it squarely on the mountains of Afghanistan and Pakistan and it will crush those enemy forces.

John of NY   November 6th, 2009 7:21 am ET

Anyone who actually believes the nonsense put out by the administration and the media is in for a bad surprise. Flooding the country with monopoly money is not the answer. It may be fun for a while but some day reality will have to be faced.

jules sand-perkins   November 6th, 2009 7:20 am ET

If polled Americans are concerned about education, the solution is singular and simple:
RETURN THE RESPONSIBILITY TO THE STUDENT, where it was when our educational system functioned.
The current system's failure is not the fault of teachers, textbooks, or school boards.
A child should be told, "you have to learn this. I can help you and explain it to you, but YOU have to work and learn it. If you don't, you'll end up in the poor house."
The educational philosophy of William James has been taken to a perverted extreme since the social revolution of the 1960s.
If you're not aware of what James said about teachers and students, it's easy–too easy, these days–to find out.
Just WARN the student that it's HIS responsibility to learn, then LEAVE HIM BEHIND if he doesn't.

david   November 6th, 2009 7:19 am ET

as usual your news source doesn't say a word about the pro-health care group that had to be removed from Sen. Leiberman's office what's up with that???

Reilly, MO   November 6th, 2009 7:08 am ET

It should be the concern of the American peopple, but make no mistake as to whom to blame–George Worst President Bush. There is a reason GW was voted the 7th Worst President in history, and we are experiencing that reason with today's economy.

I for one, will be voting for President Obama in the next presidential election. He is a solid, brave man to take on GW's mess.

The Lonely Libertarian of Liverpool NY   November 6th, 2009 6:51 am ET

Well Duh...What happens when the ARRA money runs out next year? 12.1 trillion dollars of debt, who is going to pay for this? And what will be the cost? I know the cost is our freedom and our liberty!

RufusVonDufus   November 6th, 2009 6:35 am ET

Yea, the economy is in the tank and going down the drain but not to worry, the Dem's want to spend more trillions of dollars on a health care bill which pays for abortions, a democrat form of birth control, and all of the illegals who are flocking to this country and sinking us further into oblivion. If the dems or rep's passed legislation kicking them out and not covering democrat birth control I might support their health care bill.

TCM   November 6th, 2009 6:25 am ET

You think? Gee, Obama and his cronies are killing the economy, our constitution....and you feel "Concern is on the rise?" Talk about covering up and downplaying a problem...as usual with CNN

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