AMERICANS THUMBS DOWN ON THE FUTURE – A new survey shows a remarkable level of pessimism among the American people.  It reminds us of American attitudes in the late 70s, during the presidency of that great visionary and spiritual leader, Jimmy Carter (choke). 

(Reuters) - Americans are deeply pessimistic about the future as economic concerns rise and White House talks on raising the U.S. debt limit sputter, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Wednesday.

The number of Americans who believe the country is on the wrong track rose to 63 percent this month, up from 60 percent in June, with stubbornly high unemployment and prolonged gridlock in Washington dashing hopes of a swift economic recovery.

But voters do not appear to be holding President Barack Obama responsible for the problems so far. Obama's approval rating held relatively steady at 49 percent, down 1 percentage point from June. His approval rating among independents -- a group Obama needs to win re-election -- fell to 39 percent from 44 percent.

That 49% overall approval rating, as opposed to Obama's 39% approval among independents, reflects the president's almost fanatically loyal base, whose support for Obama is cultural.

Obama's standing could deteriorate quickly if the economy does not begin to generate jobs and if Washington cannot show it is capable of solving problems, Ipsos pollster Julie Clark said.

COMMENT:  One of Ronald Reagan's greatest accomplishments, not mentioned enough, is that he restored the national morale.  Maintaining faith was also one of FDR's great gifts.  (FDR was actually Reagan's role model.)  Both men were incurable optimists, which may tell us something about the kind of person the GOP must nominate next year.  Americans admire what I like to call the honest optimist – someone who tells them bluntly what conditions actually are, but also tells them that it's always morning in America, that we can do whatever we are challenged to do. 

July 14, 2011