By Mark Huffman
ConsumerAffairs.com
January 20, 2009
On the day Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States and called on citizens to work together to meet the country's challenges, a new poll shows a majority of consumers are hopeful that better days are ahead.
A survey of 3,772 Americans revealed that the majority of Americans believe that, in particular, the key issues facing the nation will improve during the next four years with Barack Obama in office.
The study was conducted by HCD Research during January 13-15 to obtain Americans' perceptions of the incoming Obama Administration and what effect his presidency will have on the nation's critical issues, including the economy, health care, education, and energy supply and creation.
For example, 58 percent of those questioned said they believe the economy will improve over the next four years of an Obama presidency. Twenty-two percent said conditions would worsen.
When it comes to the nation's healthcare system, 44 percent said they expect improvements under Obama. A sizable minority — 29 percent — expect no change in the current system, while only 16 percent believe the system will get worse in the next four years.
A little more than one third — 36 percent — expect little or no change in the educational system, while a slight plurality — 39 percent — predict the system will improve. Only 14 percent expect education to get worse.
When it comes to energy supply and creation, 46 percent of those questioned think that situation will improve under Obama. Twenty-six percent said the situation would remain the same, while 13 percent predicted it would worsen in the next four years.
