Polling from ABC News/IPSOS on July 23-24 shows that optimism has fallen dramatically in the last three months. Polling in April 2021 found 64% of Americans were optimistic about the year ahead. That number is now underwater by almost 20 points, with only 45% now expressing optimism for the way things are going in the country. The staggering drop demonstrates an important and large shift in public opinion.
The same poll also shows a decline in approval of the Biden Administration’s response to coronavirus, gun violence, and the economic recovery. It coincides with increasing concern over the prevalence of the COVID delta variant, spikes in violent crime across America, and rising gas and grocery prices.
Slightly less than half of respondents gave a negative rating to President Biden’s follow-through on campaign promises, with 47% rating his execution as “not so good” (20%) or “poor” (26%).
After Democrats failed to pass their federal takeover of local elections, are moving slowly on their sweeping and expensive American Jobs Plan, and face growing concerns about inflation, the Biden Administration desperately needs a policy win. Continued failure to deliver is draining the public’s optimism.
As Republicans look to 2022, the prospects of regaining at least one chamber of Congress seem to look brighter and brighter. Presenting the case for change is an important key for Republicans winning next year’s midterms.
