Public concern over the state of the economy has been rising rapidly. In early to mid-January 26% of adults over 18 thought economic conditions were excellent or good, 73% said fair or poor (Election-Year Economic Ratings Lowest Since '92, Pew Center, Jan 24).
Two weeks later the positive rating had dropped to 17% and the negative rating had risen to 81% (Economic Discontent Deepens As Inflation Concerns Rise, Pew Center, Feb 14).
The figure on the left summarizes responses to the rating question back to the start of the Clinton Administration.
When asked, "What do you think is the most important problem facing the country today?" (this appears to have been an open-ended response question). 24% of the persons in the survey at the end of January said prices (especially for energy and health care), 18% said jobs, 13% said housing, and 11% said government.
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