Americas

Obama Honeymoon Continues; 7 Months Is Recent Average

Earlier honeymoons lasted an average of 26 months

July 3, 2009

Barack Obama’s recent job approval ratings have hovered around 60%. Since they remain above the historical average of 55% approval, he is arguably still in the honeymoon phase of his presidency. Recent presidents have averaged just seven months above this benchmark, much less than those from 1945-1974.More ...

Americans’ Worry About Terrorism Nears 5-Year Low

But most think security measures put in place after 9/11 should remain

July 2, 2009

Americans’ level of worry about terrorism is near a five-year low -- with 36% saying they are very or somewhat worried that they or a family member will become a victim. However, 83% think the security measures put in place after 9/11 are still needed.More ...

Americans Expect Security in Iraq to Worsen After Pullout

While 58% say security will worsen, only 27% expect it to get “a lot” worse

July 2, 2009

A majority of Americans (58%) expect security in Iraq to worsen now that U.S. forces are leaving major cities and towns there and turning security over to the Iraqis. However, only 27% say security will get a lot worse. Most doubt the U.S. will fully withdraw, as agreed upon, by the end of 2011.More ...

“Thriving” Eclipses “Struggling” for Third Straight Month

Improvement continues to mirror standard-of-living perceptions

July 1, 2009

The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index finds more Americans “thriving” than “struggling” for the past three months. The 51% who were thriving in June is greater than the 44% who were thriving at this time last year.More ...

U.S. Investor Optimism Tumbles in June

Investors are optimistic about their portfolios, pessimistic about the economic outlook

July 1, 2009

The Gallup Index of Investor Optimism -- a broad measure of investor perceptions -- tumbled 20 points to -21 in June 25-27 polling, giving up May’s gain and essentially returning to its April level.More ...

Many in Honduras Saw Political Situation as Unstable

In 2008, 29% said the country was headed toward a military coup d’etat

June 30, 2009

As political turmoil grips Honduras, a Gallup Poll survey reveals that 47% of Hondurans perceived their political situation as unstable in September 2008. About one in two respondents said government was most responsible for the country’s political tensions.More ...

More Americans See Democratic Party as “Too Liberal”

More believe Democratic Party’s, rather than Republican Party’s, views are about right

June 30, 2009

Currently, 46% of Americans say the Democratic Party is “too liberal,” up from 39% last year and slightly more than the 43% who say the Republican Party is “too conservative.” Still, more Americans say the Democrats’ views are “about right” (42%) than say this about the Republicans (34%).More ...

Weekly Economic Wrap: No Improvement in Spending

Consumer spending remains 40% below that of a year ago

June 30, 2009

While the percentage of Americans saying the economy is getting better is up 25 percentage points from a year ago, job creation is down 14 points and consumer spending is down 40%.More ...

Spending Cutbacks Common; Daily Money Worries Less So

New normal seems to be less spending

June 29, 2009

While 71% of Americans say they are cutting back on their spending, a much smaller 21% say they worried “yesterday” about their spending, and 78% say they have enough money to buy the things they need.More ...

Drinking Habits Steady Amid Recession

Sixty-four percent drink, unchanged; beer is still the preferred beverage

June 29, 2009

Despite some talk that the recession could be changing Americans’ drinking patterns, Gallup finds no real shift in the prevalence of drinking alcohol among U.S. adults (now 64%) or in how much Americans say they drink. Beer beats out wine, 40% to 34%, as drinkers’ preferred beverage.More ...

Americas

Obama Honeymoon Continues; 7 Months Is Recent Average

Earlier honeymoons lasted an average of 26 months

Americans’ Worry About Terrorism Nears 5-Year Low

But most think security measures put in place after 9/11 should remain

Americans Expect Security in Iraq to Worsen After Pullout

While 58% say security will worsen, only 27% expect it to get “a lot” worse

“Thriving” Eclipses “Struggling” for Third Straight Month

Improvement continues to mirror standard-of-living perceptions

U.S. Investor Optimism Tumbles in June

Investors are optimistic about their portfolios, pessimistic about the economic outlook

Many in Honduras Saw Political Situation as Unstable

In 2008, 29% said the country was headed toward a military coup d’etat

More Americans See Democratic Party as “Too Liberal”

More believe Democratic Party’s, rather than Republican Party’s, views are about right

Weekly Economic Wrap: No Improvement in Spending

Consumer spending remains 40% below that of a year ago

Spending Cutbacks Common; Daily Money Worries Less So

New normal seems to be less spending

Drinking Habits Steady Amid Recession

Sixty-four percent drink, unchanged; beer is still the preferred beverage

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Americas

Americans OK With Fewer Mail Days to Fix Postal Budget

Argentines’ Faith in Leadership Down Ahead of Elections

Sharp Differences in Partisan Views of Economic Problems

In U.S., 6 in 10 Expect Rise in Unemployment, Inflation

Ambassador to Syria Will Face Negative Views of U.S.

Extramarital Affairs, Like Sanford’s, Morally Taboo

Economy Still Trumps, but Declines Further as Top Problem

Americans’ Confidence in Military Up, Banks Down

Congress’ Approval Rating Drops to 33%

Weekly Economic Wrap: Mood Down; Spending Weak