White House: Anger and frustration fan the political wind
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In analyzing the Massachusetts Senate outcome, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs today blamed anger and frustration on the voters’ part for the surprising Republican victory. Gibbs argued that Barack Obama, himself, rode that anger, primarily caused by economic fears, into the White House.
That anger and frustration could be part of the political landscape for years, if today’s Gallup Poll is correct.
About two-thirds of Americans surveyed said they believe it will be at least two years before an economic recovery starts and nearly half said it will be at least three years. A third of Americans said it will be four or more years before a recovery starts.
The average response is about 4.5 years – three congressional cycles and one presidential race down the road.
The USA Today/Gallup poll was conducted Jan. 8 and 9.
Perception is different from reality. Statistics show that the economy is slowly recovering, production increasing and jobs are being created with the help of federal stimulus funds.
But perception is often as important in politics as reality.
Gibbs noted that the slow pace of recovery has sparked voter anger and frustration and likely will continue to do so. President Obama will likely again see that anger up close when he visits Ohio at the end of the week, he said.
-- Michael Muskal
