Since March, the economy has been a top issue of concern for Americans. It’s factoring heavily into Americans’ voting decisions, and the changing season is only raising concerns about how the onset of winter will affect the physical and economic health of families across the country.
As we head into colder months, we can expect the economic impact of shutdowns will deepen as outdoor activities become less likely. Already, Americans are reporting that they have done the following in the last three months:
A majority of Americans (68%, +3) think the lingering impact of the coronavirus to the overall economy will last seven months or more. Forty-nine percent (+3) think it will be more than a year.
When it comes to the personal impact, people are less pessimistic. Fifty-eight percent (+1) say they think the impact of the coronavirus will last seven months or more, and 42% claim it will be six months or less. Here’s how those attitudes break down across political leanings:
Public attitudes toward the health of the economy
While the number is trending upward, Americans are cautiously optimistic about the country’s economic health. Only 37% (+2 from September 30-October 1) describe the health of the US economy as excellent or good.
Perspectives on the economy tend to vary across regions and political affiliations. The following tables show the significant regional and political breakdowns within each category of total responses.
US economy is excellent/good (Total = 37%)
| Republicans | 53% |
| Democrats | 28% |
| Independents | 32% |
| Mid-Atlantic | 54% |
| South Atlantic | 44% |
| West South Central | 41% |
| Pacific | 36% |
| Urban | 53% |
US economy is fair (Total = 25%)
| Republicans | 26% |
| Democrats | 22% |
| Independents | 26% |
| New England | 35% |
| Pacific | 30% |
US economy is poor or in crisis (Total = 38%)
| Republicans | 21% |
| Democrats | 50% |
| Independents | 43% |
| New England | 46% |
| East North Central | 43% |
| West North Central | 45% |
| East South Central | 46% |
| West South Central | 43% |
| Mountain | 42% |
| Pacific | 34% |
| Suburban | 42% |
| Rural | 49% |
What Americans think should be done…
On a federal stimulus package
When it comes to the second coronavirus stimulus package debated by Congress, 40% of Americans hold both Republicans and Democrats accountable. Twenty-seven percent hold Republicans accountable, while 20% look to Democrats.
Americans indicate slightly more trust in Democrats (36%, -1 from September 30-October 1) than Republicans (32%, -1) to develop a stimulus package.
On long-term solutions
This latest polling wave asked Americans for their opinions on which policy solutions would improve jobs and the economy. Many showed favor toward market-oriented reforms in this issue area.
- 40% of Americans agree that we should focus on regulatory reform and eliminating crony capitalism. In that environment, the free market is the best way to grow our economy and create good jobs for Americans.
- 34% are in favor of establishing a federal jobs corps that focuses on employment through public works projects, expanded collective bargaining, and racial equity.
- 26% agree we should have a guaranteed job with benefits for every American, making millions of Americans employees of the federal government.
About this polling
State Policy Network is working with Heart + Mind Strategies to track the American public’s opinions through this time of upheaval and change. This data was collected by Heart+Mind Strategies through an online survey conducted October 14-15, 2020 (n=1,002). It represents Wave 21 of the tracking survey, which began on March 18-19, 2020.
