In the most recent Axios/Ipsos Poll, almost nine out of 10 people in the U.S. are fearful of the nation’s economy crashing, whether Democratic or Republican. A full 75 percent of them worry that the politicians are opening their local businesses too early. Yet, there is a major disparity between the two parties in one arena.
People have been looking at the situation and appear to understand the economic situation far better than the legislators. The polls showed that already 12 percent know someone who has died from the coronavirus. A full 25 percent know “someone who tested positive.”
The new poll indicated that Democrats knew twice as many who have died from the virus than Republicans, 15 to eight percent. Black Americans were three times more likely to know someone who died, 28 percent to nine percent. Hispanics came in at 13 percent. Those living in the Northeast were three times more likely to know someone who died than those in the West or Midwest, 25 percent to seven and eight percent respectively. Southerners were 12 percent likely.
Thus. far, Americans were most concerned over health care, even above the changing economy. President of Ipsos U.S. Public Affairs Cliff Young said:
‘When you force one question over the other, health is still more important, over the economy. But that’s going to start changing. As economic woes stick around and health challenges subside a bit, the economy’s going to become front and center. There’s going to be increasing pressure to open up. But there is less tolerance for easing among Democrats.’
The poll reported:
- ‘More than half of those who have received stimulus money say they’ve put some or all into savings, or plan to spend it but haven’t yet.
- People are gingerly testing reconnecting in person with some family and friends even as they hold to the broader notion of social distancing.
- Race, income and geography continue to shape how people are impacted and react.’
Their biggest concern was opening the economy up prematurely:
- ‘88% of Democrats say they’re extremely, very or somewhat concerned, compared with 56% of Republicans and 74% overall.
- 88% of Hispanics and 85% of African Americans — clear majorities of whom identify as Democrats — are concerned, compared with 67% of white respondents.’
Americans were still socially distancing 92 percent, but that line of resistance was beginning to soften. They were less likely to feel a “sense of desperation or loss of control” than four weeks ago.
- ‘In the latest survey, 34% report a declined state of emotional well being, compared with 41% three weeks before.
- 33% said their ability to do their job had gotten worse, compared with 47%.
- Slightly fewer people said they were less able to take care of their households: 15% in the latest survey, down from 20%.
- 44% now say they’re concerned with job security, improved from 56%.
- 46% are worried about paying their bills, improved from 51%.’
The Axios/Ipsos poll interviewed a random sample of 1,021 adults aged 18 or older. It was conducted between April 24 to 27. This poll’s margin of error was 3.4 +/- percentage points.
Featured image is a screenshot via YouTube.
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