Gloomy Americans adjust to economy: Reuters poll

[UpInArms]

Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Americans remain gloomy about the future but feel marginally better this month as they adjust to high gas prices and a faltering economy, according to a Reuters/Zogby poll released on Wednesday.

The Reuters/Zogby Index, which measures the mood of the country, climbed slightly to 90.4 from 87.9 in May as five of the 10 measures of public opinion used in the index rose and three remained steady.

Optimism about personal finances and the future, and approval ratings for U.S. President George W. Bush and the administration's economic and foreign policies all gained slightly in the last month.

But much of the improvement can be attributed to a readjustment of expectations rather than a boost in personal fortunes, pollster John Zogby said.

"People are settling in to the idea that these are tough times," Zogby said. "They are hunkering down."

The index is still down nearly 10 points from its July 2007 benchmark score of 100 after nearly a year of public worries about a struggling housing market, rising fuel and food prices, job losses and unstable markets.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN1737048020080618?sp=true

[MichiganVote]

1. Gloomy is the word. Americans are downhearted.

[Squatch]

12. But not bitter.

Bitter is bad.

:eyes:

[MichiganVote]

13. Bitter is for the bars and the backyard discussions, downhearted is for the church set.

I'm both altho' I don't go to church.

[Squatch]

14. So you're not clinging to religion.

How 'bout guns?

[MichiganVote]

15. Never shot one. But my father used to keep a loaded shotgun under his bed.

I did have complete and total faith that he would cream me if I ever touched that gun. More faith than I ever had in religion.

[bdamomma]

2. when will Americans knock these SOB's to the curb.

[AndyTiedye]

8. They've Been Trying, But They Keep Getting Knocked to the Curb Instead

[melody]

10. Backdate this board eight years -- we're trying n/t

[Mist]

3. Right now, on CSPAN, the call-in segment has the title:" The Economy--

Are We Too Gloomy?". As if people are over-reacting. The callers
are united (so far) in pointing out, that yes, in fact, the economy sucks.

[Amonester]

4. and 40%+ still want to vote against their own interests (for McSame)

what the heck is wrong with them??

[bdamomma]

5. total willful ignorance on their part.

it's getting to the point now, if they want to vote for mc cain they better live with the consequences of their choice. Damn when will people wake up???

[Zorra]

6. The only reason most people are optimistic at all is that Bu*h and a

whole lot of republicans will be out of office in January.

Because the economy is going to dive until then.

[bdamomma]

7. this is just want this filthy administration wants us to do just adjust

whats next??? adjust to next pre emptive attack??

so far we have adjusted to pre emptive attacks, torture, spying, foreclosures...and the list goes on and on when will it stop.

[babydollhead]

9. if you've been poor, like us

it's interesting hearing other people complaining about "no money"

[OhioChick]

11. "Gloomy" is putting it mildly. n/t