The public’s disapproval of President Obama and Congress was the top concern of Americans in 2014, beating out the sluggish economy and unemployment, according to Gallup.
It was the first time that poor government leadership topped Gallup’s annual survey of the top four issues named “Most Important Problems Facing The United States.”
Over the 12 months, an average of 18 percent cited Washington’s ineffective leaders as their top concern, followed by the economy at 17 percent, unemployment at 15 percent and healthcare at 10 percent.
Racial issues ranked way down at 3 percent, though they surged to 13 percent in December during the month of protests over police shootings.
“2014 was also the first year since 2007 that the economy was not the top ranking issue, and it was the first year ever in Gallup records that dissatisfaction with government topped the list. Without a dominant issue such as the economy, the Iraq War or terrorism crowding out other issues as they have in years past, this is also only the third time since 2001 when three issues garnered at least 15 percent in average mentions,” said Gallup.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected].
