Study: Americans Less Optimistic About Future Since Obama Reelection

Americans are less optimistic about the future since President Barack Obama’s reelection, according to a new Harris Poll “Happiness index” study. 

While the study found that 75% of Americans were optimistic about the future in 2011, only 67% were in 2013. 

These numbers are significant because Americans who earn under $50,000 a year who want to climb solidly into the middle class and possibly beyond need to feel optimistic about the country’s economy. 

According to the study, though, only 29% of Americans earning less than $35,000 a year were “very happy” in 2013 compared to 33% in 2011. In addition, 32% of Americans earning between $35,000-$49,999 were “very happy” in 2013, compared to 35% in 2011. 

The Harris poll surveyed 2,345 adults online between April 10 and 15 for its study.