Developing: Bridge Collapses Near Seattle…Unknown Injuries…See the Photos

Watch Today’s BlazeCast With Your Questions, Comments & Live Chat!

Business

For Americans, ‘Cope’ Has Replaced ‘Hope’: NBC Poll

Jan. 18, 2013 2:42pm Guest Post

[Editor’s note: The following is a cross post by John Harwood that originally appeared on CNBC.com]:

CNBC.com: NBC Poll Shows Americans Turn to Cope Instead of Hope

A woman is overcome with emotion after meeting Democratic presidential candidate Illinois Senator Barack Obama at a rally on October 3, 2008 in Abington, Pennsylvania. (STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images)

President Barack Obama approaches his second inauguration amid persistent public resignation about the tepid economic recovery and a widespread belief that Washington’s budget fights have made things worse.

The latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll shows that just 34 percent look at 2013 as a moment of economic expansion and opportunity; fully 60 percent call it a moment “to hold back and save because harder times are ahead.”

Just 36 percent express significant confidence that Obama, after four years in the Oval Office, has the ability to produce a strong and growing national economy.

More ominously, as the White House and Congress move from the recent fiscal-cliff showdown to new battles over the federal debt limit and scheduled across-the-board budget cuts, a 51 percent majority says negotiations between the two ends of Pennsylvania Avenue make them less confident about prospects for economic improvement.

Supporters of Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) listen to his speech during a downpour during a campaign rally at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia September 27, 2008. (REUTERS/Jason Reed).

That’s triple the proportion who say those negotiations make them more confident.

Such attitudes, said Peter Hart, the Democratic pollster who conducts the NBC/WSJ survey with his Republican counterpart Bill McInturff, have fundamentally altered the public mood that prevailed during Obama’s first inaugural four years ago.

Instead of “hope” in 2009, Hart explained, Americans are preoccupied with the attempt to “cope” with diminished economic circumstances.

Obama has received only a faint version of the bump-up in public evaluations that re-elected president’s typically received after election-year acrimony fades. His overall approval rating stands at 52 percent, slightly up from 48 percent one year ago.

But his ability to rise remains limited by public pessimism. Only 35 percent say the country is headed in the right direction, while 57 percent call America “on the wrong track.”

At no point in his presidency, which began amid a deep recession and financial crisis, has the public expressed greater optimism than pessimism.

Congress fares even worse than the president. Just 14 percent approve of the job Congress is doing, while an overwhelming 81 percent disapprove.

That’s significantly worse than in Jan. 2009, when Democrats controlled both houses of Congress, and in Feb. 2011, after Republicans had taken over the House in mid-term elections.

U.S. Senator Barack Obama addresses the crowd on day 4 of the Democratic National Convention as it concluded at Invesco Field in Denver, CO on Thursday, August 28, 2008. (Yoon S. Byun/Globe Staff).

The Republican Party’s image has declined precipitously after its prolonged battles with Obama. Just 26 percent of Americans expressed a positive view of the party, while 49 percent express a negative view. The Democratic Party, by contrast, is rated positively by 44 percent, negatively by 38 percent.

And House Speaker John Boehner has seen his image suffer since assuming the speaker’s gavel from Nancy Pelosi. In Jan. 2011, Boehner was rated positively by 23 percent, negatively by 15 percent. Now just 18 percent view him positively, 37 percent negatively.

The standing of Obama’s party and his personal popularity— majorities rate him positively on likability, compassion, leadership and ability to handle a crisis—gives him an edge over Republicans in budget talks.

If talks fail to increase the debt limit and government proves unable to meet its obligations, 45 percent say Republicans in Congress will be more to blame, while 33 percent would point the finger at Obama and Democrats in Congress.

The poll contains mixed signals on the issue of gun control, Obama’s new priority after the Newtown, Conn. shootings. By 56 percent to 7 percent, Americans say laws government the sale of firearms should be more strict rather than less.

A spectator raises her fist in celebration seconds after it was announced that Barack Obama will be the 44th President of the United States at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008. (AP Photo/Pouya Dianat, Atlanta Journal & Constitution).

Yet Americans cite the absence of parental oversight and lack of effective mental health treatment more than the availability of assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition clips as causes of recent mass shootings.

And the National Rifle Association, now gearing up to block Obama’s legislative efforts on guns, retains a net favorable rating with the public—41 percent positive, 34 percent negative.

Obama’s prospects on immigration reform appear bright. Not only have Republican leaders acknowledged the need to pursue new approaches to improve their standing with Hispanic voters, but the poll shows that 52 percent of Americans favor allowing illegal immigrants who have jobs here to apply for legal status.

The NBC/WSJ survey of 1,000 adults, conducted by telephone from Jan. 12-15, carries a margin for error of 3.1 percentage points.

–

RELATED:

Benghazi, IRS, AP...What's next? Only TheBlaze TV offers the truth from Glenn Beck, Andrew Wilkow, and Real News from TheBlaze. Get instant access and a free trial here.

Back to The Blaze »

Comments (51)

barber2
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 8:43pm
Barack Obama is America’s punishment for becoming uneducated , shallow, and secular.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- OBAMANATIONOFDESOLATION
  Posted on January 19, 2013 at 11:49am
  The price of apathy towards public affairs is to be ruled by evil men – Plato
  
  Report this comment
- pavepaws
  Posted on January 20, 2013 at 8:30pm
  The electorate is stupid.
  
  Report this comment
AlaskaismyEden
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 8:03pm
AAAARRRRGH! Is the American public really this stupid?! It would appear so:

fully 60 percent call it a moment “to hold back and save because harder times are ahead.”

Only 35 percent say the country is headed in the right direction

Just 36 percent express significant confidence that Obama

AND YET THEY VOTED FOR HIM AGAIN!

If talks fail to increase the debt limit and government proves unable to meet its obligations, 45 percent say Republicans in Congress will be more to blame, while 33 percent would point the finger at Obama and Democrats in Congress.

The GOP won’t extend the debt ceiling?! GOOD FOR THEM. It’s going to take a miracle to keep the U.S. alive. If only the progressives would MOVE to a progressive nation and see how they like it instead of taking us down the path to the slavery it represents…

GOD HELP US ALL.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- barber2
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 8:41pm
  Agree. The Dumbing of America has happened. Obama II is living proof.
  
  Report this comment
- jwpowers41
  Posted on January 20, 2013 at 12:20pm
  These are times that all law abiding patriots should be armed and ready. when the economic collapse
  comes the lazy free loaders will be coming for your stuff be prepared to repel them with force if
  necessary. We cannot maintain giving out to these lazy bums forever. It is time to take back our freedom
  to say how our tax dollars are spent…………………..
  
  Report this comment
MiCurmudgeon
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 6:17pm
Could it be Obama’s Lib’s are realizing his mortality ???

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
neverending
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 5:24pm
Need to replace it with NOPE! The commie is making progress at a record speed.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- biohazard23
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 5:40pm
  FORWARD! (And straight off the cliff…)
  
  Report this comment
- Live_Free_orDie
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 7:39pm
  Nope need to replace with Dope!
  
  Report this comment
lfoa
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 5:22pm
Please share this link…..
Paul Harvey’s “prediction” on how to Destry America
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSFaLUZ2rf4

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- neverending
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 5:46pm
  Share it indeed. An amazing man he was and the video couldn’t be a more perfect presentation of what is happening in this beautiful God given country that is slipping away before our very eyes.
  
  Report this comment
Lloyd Drako
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 5:07pm
The question “Is America on the right track?” is my candidate for stupidest poll question of all time.
The right track to what? Fiscal solvency? Monetary stability? Technological innovation? Increased productivity? A higher living standard (measured how, by the way)? Cultural creativity? Moral probity? Political stability? Social cohesion? International responsibility? National security (defined how)? Is there only one “right track” to any or all of these? This is the lazy man’s poll query, all too easily answered with a resounding “no,” since everybody can think of something with which to be dissatisfied, even in the “best” of times.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- DarkJello
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 5:45pm
  Basic question. Not difficult to understand. And just 1 data point.
  
  Report this comment
Southernsoul
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 5:03pm
That’s because a communist has replaced an American as President.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Ceefour
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 5:00pm
We saw these same faces when Frankie Sinatra was the rage…when Elvis was the rage and when the Beatles were the rage. Its sho biz nothing more nothing less. We have the Con Artist Supreme snowing all those low info American flippies and there by destroying our country.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Rowgue
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 4:11pm
These kinds of polls are useless. In order for the results to mean anything you would first have to eliminate any possibility of pre existing bias based on party affiliation. Somebody that responds that they think positively or negatively of something or someone based purely on party affiliation is irrelevant because they are not giving you an honest assesment, they’re just toeing a party line. Even a few of those people in a poll with such a small sample size renders the entire thing meaningless.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Micmac
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 3:51pm
Plain and simple: NoBama does NOT care about jobs, nor the economy. Why do people still discuss these issues, they’re NOT within his interests.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Too_Far_Gone
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 3:36pm
Yea, cope with The Dope ..

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
TIMEBOMB
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 3:17pm
Ah yes look at my brainwashed zombies I mean supporters,they tremble and shake uncontrollably in my magnificent presence. They can’t believe that I their magnificent gay Marxist ruler is standing right in front of them. The grubby little people faint when they’re near me they just can’t believe how perfect I am. My media told the masses how perfect I am yet my media ignored the fact that me and the first cow had to give up our law licenses. I’ve had several SS numbers over the years but my media made sure not to look into my past. Their agenda aligns with mine,they’re my comrades and they’ll do anything to protect me. Look at that idiot Evan Thomas he worships me and he bought all the lies as well,this was way too easy,you’re all so gullible and stupid, now you’re going to pay for your naivety and you’ll pay dearly.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Fubared
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 3:44pm
  Cope and Chains sir. Praise be to you and all that happy crap.
  
  Report this comment
BLACKDIAMONDSKIER
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 3:08pm
If this is true……Kind of makes you wonder how in the hell he won the election to begin with???

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- 1FreeVoice
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 10:16pm
  Did you see the interview with “the phone lady” who talked on camera about how jazzed she was that O. gave her a phone? ( Does that count as buying votes? I think there is an old statute that would prohibit that.) During the interview she said that she had helped sign up lots of people to vote, including people who were legal aliens. They had been in the states legally for years, and she was told to get them a driver’s license and sign them up. They still had foreign papers, but they had been here for years, legally… She didn’t even realize that she was confessing to a crime on TV. She thought since they had been here a long time it was OK. She had called her superiors for guidance … so they are on the hook as well.
  
  So do you think charges will be filed? She seemed nice and a bit clueless, but her supervisor certainly must have known it was wrong. Justice is blind, one law for everyone, ignorance is no excuse etc. … UNLESS you are in with the ruling party? Exceptions have been made. That TV guy who broke local gun ordinances on camera, the prosecutor declined to press charges. Hmmm…..
  
  Tyranny is passing laws that apply only to other people, or enforcing them unequally.
  We have arrived.
  I want Justice to return. Anyone know how we can get her back?
  
  Report this comment
h20sue
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 3:06pm
We’re barely able to cope. We’re broke, the country is broke, but Obama has an unlimited credit card. He’s spending money as if he has a money tree behind the Whitehouse. To think he has another four years is depressing. I can’t say I blame the military for taking their own lives, as what do they have to look forward to when they come home from Afganistan. WALMART AND NO BENEFITS? Who can blame the poor people, and us, non-military people who can’t find jobs?
Life is supposed to be happy. Jobs are supposed to be available. Banks are to work with folks, not snub us when we can’t pay our bills! We’re doomed by a liberal administration who could care less about struggling American’s. If Obama cared, he would forgo the inauguration and use the money to help his people. Shame on you Obama. Shame.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- naughtycal
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 3:18pm
  I don’t think he’ll get his 4 years he on a fast track to impeachment and biden is as well
  
  Report this comment
- DougHuffman
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 3:23pm
  Maybe you better study up on what is a high crime and what is a misdemeanor.
  
  The law is an aśś that lawyers ride to work, don’t try to be one.
  
  Report this comment
HKS
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 3:05pm
As long as liberals are in charge, that is as good as it gets.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
progressiveslayer
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 3:03pm
He’s presiding over the managed decline of America and it’s his plan to lower our standard of living and he’s doing it. If enough people would’ve checked out the carnival barking POS Marxist prior to 08 we wouldn’t be dealing with his tyrannical regime today. No the idiots lapped up the BS lies and asked for more,they were more concerned with the important things like American idol,NFL,NBA you name it. He said he would fundamentally transform America and he’s doing it,tastes real bitter huh? Stay tuned it’s going to get a hell of a lot worse.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- naughtycal
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 3:17pm
  PROGSLAYER,
  Roman had the colosseum but today multy fasceted society we need a multiple colosseums to keep the people view from the corruption and massive government growth that’s destroying the Republic.
  People need to take a step back and look at what’s happening if they did the doors to D.C. WOULD BE CLOSED IN MONTH.
  
  Report this comment
nesmond
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 3:01pm
According to poll results, it seems that many Americans will change their opinion on almost any subject or politician as often as they change their underwear. No longer are there moral absolutes in our society. Sheeple will go along with whatever is the flavor of the month or week or day, for that matter. They just need a complicit media to tell them what they should think and they will comply. Why waste your time taking polls, poll takers? Just watch the opinions expressed by those in the mainstream media and you’ll get your results.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Cavallo
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 2:56pm
What economic laws or principles are would be used to assume we will see economic growth and prosperity? Increased regulations (increased costs), increased taxes (increased costs), lower demand because of smaller paychecks (decreased production), massive unemployment (decreased demand and decreased production). What exactly would boost the private sector and cause hiring? Government outlays? If a trillion extra a year isn’t doing it, NOTHING active the government does will. The only thing they won’t try is liberty. They do not believe a free man, trading with other free men, is the way to create wealth. They’d rather rape the system for their buddies, to make short term fortunes in the hope they have an efficient enough escape plan to avoid the rest of us stringing them up by their diseased fascist necks, after they have sufficiently crashed the system and killed the golden goose.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
am123
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 2:55pm
For Americans, ‘Cope’ Has Replaced ‘Hope’.

They forgot to mention “dope” (as the guy in the White House)

…and “mope” (as in what everyone in this economy is doing)

…and “nope” (as in “Have you found a job yet?”)

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- woodyee
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 3:02pm
  For all the Obammy voters that thought they were going to have their houses paid for and their gas tanks full on someone else’s dime and NO TAXES on those earning less than $250k, Hope and Change has gone to
  
  “Duhhhh…” “…uhhh…” “duhhh-Bama-phone!”
  
  Report this comment
woodyee
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 2:54pm
“57 percent of Americans say America is on the wrong track”.
“fully 60 percent call it a moment “to hold back and save because harder times are ahead.”
“At no point in his presidency, which began amid a deep recession and financial crisis, has the public expressed greater optimism than pessimism.”

and finally – “His overall approval rating stands at 52 percent, slightly up from 48 percent one year ago.”

So, according to this poll, 0 minus 4 = 22.5…because it feels good…

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
media-bias-steals-elections
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 2:53pm
Nobody has a sense of humor anymore, and if they do, some of you might want to ask yourselves, how many hours did you spend watching sports entertainment, rather than writing letters to your member of Congress?

Sports (exercise) will be of course more important than ever in the coming years, because you people will be depending on automation more and more? If the population puts a priority on one thing, and neglects another, do we deserve to ask ourselves would a few minutes here and there make a difference?

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- strawberry411a
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 3:00pm
  Speaking of the “MEDIA”…it is still unknown why lying to the American public in defense of Obama will somehow make this a stronger country. Lies are lies.
  
  Report this comment
- earache-my-eye
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 7:46pm
  So you think my two idoit senators in Mich will even consider any thing a serf like myself has to say?
  
  Report this comment
paperpushermj
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 2:53pm
This is the story that should have shaped the Presidential Election of 2012, but thanks to a cheerleading press working with the Administration the election was about the character Romney was made out to be.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
DougHuffman
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 2:51pm
Yes, coping with Obama Oedipus Rex has replaced hope for a better future.

It’s called fatalism, the doctrine that all events are subject to inevitable necessity determined in advance in such a way that law abiding citizens cannot change them.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
lukerw
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 2:50pm
The only thing that Obama is good at… is producing… Conflict and Civil Wars!

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
ginger100
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 2:49pm
Wrong is right.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply

It appears that you have Javascript Disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser preferences for a better user experience on TheBlaze. You can not comment without Javascript enabled.