70 percent of likely voters feel the United States is heading in the wrong direction, with 71 percent saying their personal economic situation has either stagnated or worsened over the past four years, according to a George Washington University Battleground Poll released today.
61 percent of those polled disapproved of President Obama’s handling of the federal budget and spending, 58 percent disapproved of his foreign policy, 57 percent disapprove of his immigration policy, and 57 percent expressed discontent over his cooperation with congress.
24 percent of participants said the economy is most likely to determine their pick in the November midterm elections, more so than the behavior of their member of congress (15 percent), Obamacare (13 percent), Social Security and Medicare (10 percent), feelings about President Obama (10 percent), or Women’s issues (5 percent).
Today’s report from GWU’s Media Relations department breaks down the economic grievances of those polled:
More than two-thirds of voters say their personal economic situation stagnated (35 percent) or worsened (36 percent) over the last four years. Of those whose situation got worse, 34 percent said that having the money to pay bills and the rising cost of daily goods is the issue that worries them the most. Just 3 percent say the cost of college or other higher education is the most concerning. For those who feel their finances stayed the same, the money to pay bills is also the top concern (39 percent). Among this group, 12 percent say the cost of higher education is most concerning. An improving national economy was the key reason why 29 percent of those surveyed said their personal situation has improved.
Although Congress still maintains a higher job disapproval rate than Obama, the poll indicates that Republicans have a 4-point advantage on a generic congressional ballot, with a 16-point advantage in states with a competitive Senate race.
Ed Goeas, a Republican pollster from the Tarrance group—who conducted the poll alongside democratic pollster Celinda Lake of Lake Research Partners—told MSNBC's Joe Scarborough this morning that the poll indicates a big Republican win in November.
"Across the board, if you look at the president’s numbers, you have to look at the intensity of its measurement, very good for us…particularly in the Senate. I think we do win the Senate, and I think we may even have a couple of seats to spare."