News / Society

Americans' satisfaction with direction of US falling: Poll

Monday, 18 May 2015 6:21 PM [ Last Update: Monday, 18 May 2015 6:22 PM ]

A homeless man in New York City (AFP photo)

Americans' satisfaction with the direction of the United States continues to fall as they remain worried about government dysfunction and the country’s economic problems, according to a new poll.

Just 26 percent of Americans said they were satisfied with the way things are going in the nation in May, according to the latest data from Gallup's May 6-10 poll.

Since February, satisfaction with the direction of the US has dropped slightly each month, but these small drops have resulted in a six-point decline since the beginning of the year.

Satisfaction remains below the 36 percent historical average for Gallup's trend dating back to 1979.

“Majorities of Americans were typically satisfied with the direction of the US between 1998 and mid-2002 -- including a record high of 71 percent in February 1999. But satis declined steadily in the latter half of President George W. Bush's presidency as the public grew disillusioned with the war in Iraq and the national economy suffered,” Gallup said.

Satisfaction has averaged no higher than 27 percent in any full year during President Barack Obama’s time in office, the longest stretch of low satisfaction of any of the past four two-term American presidents.

The decline in Americans' satisfaction with the country’s direction closely reflects the recent drop in economic confidence and dissatisfaction with the US government.

The latest poll found that 14 percent of Americans name the dysfunction in Washington as the top problem facing the US. The economy is mentioned by 12 percent as the top issue while unemployment was mentioned by 10 percent.

Race relations and racism, immigration, a decline in moral, religious and family ethics, the state of the healthcare system and terrorism were also among the most frequently cited problems facing the nation.

AHT/HRJ

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk