The Disconnect Between the Administration and the American People

Strategic Insights -

The U.S. economy is perceived as thriving by President Bush and his administration, yet a Gallup poll reveals that only a third of Americans believe it's improving, while a majority think it's getting worse. This disconnect between the administration's ideology and the public's concerns is attributed to their narrow focus on catering to their base, comprising corporate interests and the religious right, while ignoring the needs of the broader population. As a result, social programs like Social Security privatization have been met with backlash, and the administration's handling of the Iraq war has eroded public trust.

Key Takeaways:

  • The administration's optimistic view of the economy is contradicted by Gallup polls showing that only 33% of Americans believe it's improving, while 59% think it's getting worse.
  • Over the past three years, profits grew at an annual rate of 14.5% after inflation, while wage and salary income grew less than in any other postwar recovery.
  • The administration's prioritization of Social Security privatization has been met with low confidence, with only 25% of Americans having faith in President Bush's ability to make the right decisions.
  • A Gallup poll shows that 70% of Americans are "uneasy" about President Bush's handling of Social Security.
  • The Iraq war has lost public support, with 53% of Americans saying it wasn't worth it, and 50% believing the administration deliberately misled the public about WMDs.
  • Americans are worried about a weak job market, soaring health care costs, rising oil prices, and a war with no end, leading to a sense of dread and a crisis of confidence in the Republican direction.

Statistics:

  • 33% of Americans believe the economy is improving (Gallup)
  • 59% of Americans think the economy is getting worse (Gallup)
  • 14.5% annual growth rate of profits after inflation over the past three years
  • 10% or less growth rate of wage and salary income over the past three years
  • 25% of Americans have confidence in President Bush's ability to make the right decisions about Social Security (CBS)
  • 70% of Americans are "uneasy" about President Bush's handling of Social Security (CBS)
  • 53% of Americans say the Iraq war wasn't worth it (poll before recent violence resurgence)
  • 50% of Americans believe the administration deliberately misled the public about WMDs (poll)
  • $80 billion requested by the administration for additional funding in Iraq

Sources:

  • Gallup
  • Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
  • CBS
  • Democracy Corps
  • Various Gallup and CBS polls mentioned in the article