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Americans' Confidence in Government Hits New Low

Two-thirds think the Afghanistan war isn't worth fighting

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 15, 2011 12:05 PM CDT

(Newser) – The economy, rising gas prices, and the Afghan war have Americans in a foul mood about their government, according to a new poll from ABC and the Washington Post. Some highlights:

  • Only 26% are optimistic about "our system of government and how well it works," the lowest since the surveys began in 1974; about 23% are pessimistic, and a record high are "uncertain."
  • Gas prices present a financial hardship for 71%, with 44% calling it a "serious" hardship.

  • A record high 64% say the Afghan war isn't worth fighting, and 73% want a substantial reduction in troops over the summer.
  • President Obama's job approval is at 51%, with 45% disapproving, figures that have been generally constant since late 2009. On the unrest in the Mideast and North Africa, 45% approve of the way Obama is handling it, and 44% disapprove.
  • Congress' approval rating continues to be lousy: 27%.

A gas station in Tempe, Ariz.
A gas station in Tempe, Ariz.   (AP Photo/Matt York)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 55 comments
gilgordan
Mar 17, 2011 11:37 AM CDT
It is rapidly coming time for all citizens regardless of political interest to rise up, and create a new government as once visioned by the founders. The government, and our elected leaders have become, over the years corrupted by self interest; their own and those who cater to them, while the masses carry the water. As the 'Declaration of Independence" was written.... 'When in the course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands......... along with the "Constitution" first paragraph,..' in order form a more perfect Union'.............end. Note, Union meaning one People, not the Political and self interest Bands we have become. Our founders started as Unionist, and now the rant is anti unionist. It is easy to foretell that this current course of human affairs must stop, and the people form a new oneness for the land of opportunity to recreate itself with a leader Brave, and Believes we can and will have Freedom and Opportunity once again.
MakeBelieve
Mar 17, 2011 1:26 AM CDT
Gotta say, with all the bad stuff hap'n, the White House seems strangely quiet. No explainations, not even words of encouragement.
Ucantusethatname
Mar 16, 2011 1:35 PM CDT
How could Barry's approval rating be 50%? Are half of our citizens morons?
Politics • US

 
Americans • gas prices • approval ratings • Afghanistan war • opinion polls

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