AP-GfK Poll: Americans More Upbeat About Economy

[Purveyor]

(05-12) 05:13 PDT WASHINGTON (AP) --

Americans are growing more optimistic about the U.S. economy, a sentiment that is benefiting President Barack Obama despite public disenchantment with his handling of rising gasoline prices and swollen government budget deficits.

An Associated Press-GfK poll shows that more than 2 out of 5 people believe the U.S. economy will get better, while a third think it will stay the same and nearly a fourth think it will get worse, a rebound from last month's more pessimistic attitude. And, for the first time since the 100-day mark of his presidency, slightly more than half approve of Obama's stewardship of the economy.

Both findings represent a boost for Obama, though he still must overcome ill will over government red ink and the price of gas at the pump, now hovering around $4 a gallon.

But the public's brighter economic outlook also could signal a boost to the current recovery, which relies to a great degree on consumer behavior. A public that is confident about economic performance is more likely to spend more and accelerate the economy's resurgence.

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http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2011/05/12/national/w000632D92.DTL

[OHdem10]

1. One Half the people??? 2 out of 5???? At least they see the glass

half full. Is that the half that are doing well in this
limping economy???

[LiberalLoner]

2. This doesn't seem right to me. I think there is more pessimism than optimism. n/t K&R

[eridani]

3. The economy is definitely recovering. The problem is--

--what it is recovering TO.

[Name removed]

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[notesdev]

5. This is another propaganda poll from AP/GfK

Between this one and the last one (Obama at 60% approval? In his campaign manager's dreams!) I don't think I will be able to take any polls from these guys seriously ever again.

Someone ought to let them know the purpose of a poll is to find out the truth, not to manufacture an "officially correct" truth.

[kickysnana]

6. A lot of those not upbeat no longer have phones. n/t