July 18, 2013
But average annual satisfaction level of 26% is unchanged from 2012
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Americans' satisfaction with the way things are going in the United States is at 28% in July, similar to the 27% in June, but up from 24% in May.
The July 10-14 Gallup survey finds that the large majority of Americans, 68%, remain dissatisfied with the way things are going. There has been no clear trend in satisfaction this year, with the percentage satisfied fluctuating between a low of 21% in March and a high of 30% in April.
Americans' average satisfaction thus far for 2013 is 26%, exactly the same as it was in 2012, and well below the historical average of 38% that Gallup has found since it started asking the question in 1979.
The highest level of annual satisfaction on record is 60%, found in 1986, 1998, and 2000. Americans' average annual satisfaction fell to its lowest point of 15% in 2008.
Democrats', Republicans' Satisfaction Up
Democrats' satisfaction rose to 44% in July, from 41% in June and 37% in May. Republicans' satisfaction is up as well, to 14% now, from 12% last month and 9% in May. Independents' satisfaction is 25% in July, unchanged from June but up slightly from 22% in May.
Democrats have been the most satisfied with the direction of the country since President Barack Obama took office, with their satisfaction peaking at 64% during last fall's presidential campaign. Prior to that, while George W. Bush was president, Republicans' satisfaction routinely was higher than Democrats'.
Bottom Line
Americans grew slightly more satisfied in June and July with the way things are going in the country. But their satisfaction remains low from a historical perspective, particularly compared with the years prior to the 2008 recession. Americans continue to be down on Congress, and the U.S. has yet to make a robust recovery from the recession, likely contributing to their lingering frustrations with the nation's direction.
U.S. Satisfaction Inching Back Up
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