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                            October 4, 2011Only 29% Think U.S. Has World's Best Economy
Perhaps these views are driven in part by the increased skepticism that Americans have about President Obama's economic advisers. Just 31% are at least somewhat confident in those who advise the president on economic policy, with only 14% who are Very Confident. Sixty-three percent (63%) lack confidence in the president’s economic advisers, including 44% who are Not At All Confident in them.
The number of adults confident in Obama’s economic advisers has fallen from 41% in September 2010. Fifty-seven percent (57%) put little or not faith in those advisers at that time.
October 3, 2011Rasmussen Employment Index Inches Up Slightly In September
The Rasmussen Employment Index, which measures workers’ perceptions of the labor market each month, regained some lost ground in September following August’s 2011 low.
At 73.4, the Employment Index is up four points from August but is still down four points from the beginning of 2011 and down 10 points since last November when hiring expectations peaked.  Generally speaking, an increase in the Rasmussen Employment Index suggests the upcoming government reports on job creation will be better than prior months.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
                                
                
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                            October 3, 201151% Still Say Bailouts of GM and Chrysler Were A Bad Idea
From their beginning in 2008, the bailouts for Wall Street and the auto industry have been among the most unpopular government actions in recent American history. New polling shows that even after three years, the attitudes haven’t changed all that much.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
                                
                
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                            September 30, 201150% Less Likely to Buy GM Because of Bailout
Federal bailout funding may have prevented General Motors from going through a normal bankruptcy process, but it has come at a significant price in terms of reputation and potential buyers.
September 29, 2011Ford Enjoys Best Public Perception Among Big Three Auto Companies
Ever since General Motors and Chrysler accepted government bailouts, Ford has been the nation’s most popular auto manufacturer.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
                                
                
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                            September 28, 2011If Taxes Hiked to Reduce Deficit, 62% Think It Will Be Spent on New Programs
Americans think tax hikes are more likely than spending cuts in any deficit reduction deal that comes out of Congress and are more convinced than ever that any new tax monies will be spent on new government programs.
September 26, 201173% See Significant Deficit-Cutting Agreement As Unlikely Before 2012 Election
Regardless of their views on the content of any major deficit reduction plan, voters do not expect any significant reduction in federal government spending before next year’s election.
September 24, 2011Just 22% Support Government-Assisted Mortgage Payments
Most Americans still don’t believe the government should help those who can’t afford to make their mortgage payments.
September 23, 201150% Favor Mix of Cuts, Taxes To Reduce Deficit, But 64% Oppose Paying Higher Taxes
Fifty percent (50%) of Americans think President Obama and Congress should consider a mix of spending cuts and tax increases in looking for ways to cut the federal deficit, but nearly two-out-of-three adults (64%) are unwilling to pay higher taxes themselves to reduce that deficit.
September 21, 201148% See Home-Buying As Family’s Best Investment
For the fourth straight month, less than half of adults nationwide believe buying a home is the best possible investment for a family.
September 20, 2011New High: 37% Say Their Home Is Worth Less Than Remaining Mortgage Payments
The percentage of American homeowners whose home is worth less than what they still owe on it has hit the highest level in nearly three years.
September 19, 2011New High: 40% Expect Their Home’s Value To Decrease Over Next Year
Homeowners remain very pessimistic about the potential short- and long-term values of their homes.
September 17, 2011New Low: 23% Say They Owe More Money Than A Year Ago
While the economy continues to stumble along, fewer Americans than ever report they owe more money than they did a year ago.
September 16, 201148% See No Further Need for Labor Unions, 30% Disagree
Half of American Adults (48%) think labor unions have outlasted their usefulness, but there’s a sharp difference of opinion between Republicans and Democrats on the question.
September 15, 201183% Are Worried About Inflation
Most Americans remain concerned about inflation and lack confidence in the Federal Reserve Board to keep it under control.
September 14, 201147% Confident in U.S. Banking System
Confidence in America’s banking system has rebounded slightly from last month’s record low, but less than half of adults nationwide remain assured in the stability of the industry.
September 9, 2011Only 10% Now Say They Are the Working Poor
The number of working Americans who classify themselves as poor has fallen to its lowest level in more than two years, while the number of middle class workers ties the all-time high.
September 9, 201164% Favor Looking for Spending Cuts Throughout the Federal Government
A sizable majority still favors across-the-board spending cuts in the federal budget, but voters remain slightly less enthusiastic about including the military in those cuts.
September 8, 201138% See Better Job In Their Future
A plurality of American workers is still confident their next job will be better than their current one, but most aren’t searching for other work.
September 8, 2011Partisan Economics: Democrats Less Pessimistic About Economy Than Republicans
Seventy-five percent (75%) of Republicans nationwide say the U.S. economy is in poor shape and 68% of those not affiliated with either major party agree. However, data from the Rasmussen Consumer Index shows that Democrats aren’t quite as pessimistic. Just 49% of those in President Obama’s party is in poor shape.