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Politics : PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: DOUG H who wrote (210247)	12/15/2001 2:15:16 AM
From: calgal	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 769670

FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll: Country on the Right Track Friday, December 14, 2001 By Dana Blanton NEW YORK — Three months following the terrorist attacks and nine months into a recession, most Americans say the country is on the right track and headed for better times. The poll, conducted Dec. 12-13, shows 75 percent of the public thinks the country is headed in the right direction and 71 percent feels optimistic about the country's economy today (up from 55 percent six months ago). Two-thirds also feel safe and secure about their personal financial future (down only four percent since April). Even so, the economy and related issues are now on par with the war on terrorism as top priorities on which Americans think the government should focus. Experts at the National Bureau of Economic Research recently announced that the country has been in a recession since March. Opinion is divided on the recession's expected duration and also on whether government intervention is necessary. About equal numbers believe the U.S. recession is coming to an end and believe we're headed deeper into economic troubles (43 percent to 41 percent respectively). The same kind of split is seen on the need for an economic stimulus package; 42 percent think Congress should enact a stimulus plan while 44 percent think that the economy will improve on its own. A plurality thinks economic cycles are responsible for the recession rather than Capitol Hill, President Bush or Alan Greenspan. "While people clearly see problems, the ability of the government to tackle Afghanistan and other issues has reassured people," comments Opinion Dynamics President John Gorman. "While it is impossible to tell how long this climate will last, the cycle of political finger pointing and partisan frustration has been broken. Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike see the country pulling together to win the war and emerge from the economic downturn." A large majority (81 percent) prefers long-term lower tax rates over tax refunds, and about an equal number (78 percent) think lowering tax rates is a better way to help boost the economy than refunds. Overall, more than half (57 percent) think cutting taxes is more likely to improve the economy than increased government spending (16 percent). During debate on these issues, partisan squabbling has returned to Capitol Hill. Some Americans view the partisanship as a sign of healthy politics, but about half think it's unnecessary during wartime (36 to 52 percent). The wartime rally behind the country's leadership remains extremely strong. Strength of support for the military action in the war on terrorism is virtually unchanged today compared to support immediately following 9-11, and approval of President Bush's job performance has not only held at post-attack levels, but also has seen a slight increase. foxnews.com