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As Election Day approaches, a recent study indicates that many Americans feel they are in a worse situation compared to four years ago.
The latest Gallup poll, published on Friday, reveals that 52% of respondents believe they and their families are worse off today than they were four years prior. This survey was conducted from September 16 to 28, involving 1,023 participants, with a margin of error of ±4 percentage points.
In contrast, 39% reported feeling better off now, while only 9% felt their circumstances had remained unchanged.
Gallup highlighted that these sentiments closely mirror those recorded in their survey from 1992 when then-Governor Bill Clinton triumphed over incumbent President George H.W. Bush.
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The responses varied significantly based on party affiliation.
Around 72% of Democrats indicated they felt better off in the current year compared to 2020; however, this figure dropped dramatically among independents at just 35%, and only a mere 7% of Republicans shared the same sentiment.
Gallup noted that individuals’ perceptions regarding whether they felt “better off” were often linked to the state of the U.S. economy.
The Economic Confidence Index (ECI) from Gallup currently stands at -26, with nearly four out of ten respondents stating they were financially better off four years ago.
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This organization has been monitoring the ECI since its inception in 1992; historically, it peaked at +56 in January 2000 and plummeted to -72 during October 2008’s financial crisis.
Gallup observed that former President Trump’s defeat by current President Biden in the previous election signified that non-economic factors played a crucial role for voters during that period.
The ECI has predominantly shown negative trends over the last four years.
In fact, throughout much of last year, scores reflected some of the lowest levels since the recession between 2007 and 2009 as inflation surged dramatically.
Over recent years, inflation has consistently been identified as the primary financial concern for American families according to surveys—indicating an underlying anxiety about economic conditions despite relatively low unemployment rates and steady economic growth.
An estimated46% describe their current economic situation as “poor,” while approximately29% consider it “only fair.” Only about25% rate it as ”good” or “excellent.”
Additonally ,62 % believe that economic conditions are deteriorating , whereas32 % think things are improving according to this survey . p >
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< p > The research identified critical issues dominating voters’ concerns leading up to Election Day.< / p >
< p > A more recent < a href = " https : // www . fox news . com / category / columns / fox-news-poll " target = "_ blank " rel = " noopener "> Fox News poll,< / a > conducted between October11and14 , foundthat40 % viewthe economyas themost pressing issue influencingtheir presidential choice.< / p >
< p > In comparison , fewer than half prioritize immigration or abortion issues , with even less attention givento matters like election integrity , healthcare , climate change , gun control , crimeand foreign policy.< / p >
< p >< a href =" https : // www . fox news . com / elections "< span style =" font-style: italic ; font-weight:bold ; text-decoration:underline ; "> Getthelatest updatesfromthe2024campaigntrail exclusiveinterviewsandmoreatourFoxNewsDigital electionhub span > strong > i >< br />
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< i > ContributionsbyFoxNews’VictoriaBalaraandDanaBlantonwereintegratedinto this report.
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