While economists debate whether the United States is in a recession or merely about to enter one, 38% of Americans say the nation is at least somewhat likely to enter another Depression. That figure includes 13% who say a Depression is Very Likely. A Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 55% say a Depression is Not Very Likely or Not at All Likely.

Forty-eight percent (48%) of Democrats fear a Depression is somewhat likely along with 41% of unaffiliated voters and 26% of Republicans. Younger voters are more concerned than their elders. Forty-four percent (44%) of those under 30 fear a Depression might be coming while just 29% of senior citizens say such a calamity is even somewhat likely to unfold.

The survey, conducted in partnership with Fox Television Stations, Inc. also found that 69% believe that private companies do more to create jobs than the President or Congress. Eleven percent (11%) say Congress does the most to create jobs while 5% believe it’s the President. These general views are shared across all partisan and demographic lines.

These results come as investor confidence has fallen to the lowest level in seven years. A Rasmussen Reports video analysis looks at how rapidly consumer confidence has deteriorated in recent months.

Sixty percent (60%) believe that the federal gasoline tax should be suspended until gas prices come under control. Twenty-four percent (24%) disagree. Lower and middle-income Americans are even more supportive of suspending the gasoline tax.

Suspending the federal gasoline tax is supported by 65% of Democrats, 61% of Republicans, and 51% of unaffiliated voters.

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