Pocketbook Vs The Medicine Cabinet

During a rough economy, pocketbook issues are always number among voters. According to the latest American Pulse™ Survey, a majority of Americans (55.5%) think the #1 issue that the President and Congress should be focusing their attention on is the economy.  Following not so closely behind is: Healthcare Reform (18.3%), Terrorism (6.4%), Social Security (5.8%) and Afghanistan (5%).

Seemingly, everyone and everything is focused on healthcare and not the economy. Talk about ignoring the needs of your customers/voters.

The study also found that 81.9% of Americans say the U.S. Government is spending too much. Of those who agree, 76.9% say the high level of spending may be sacrificing future economic growth. Over 60% of Americans have negative feelings towards Government spending.

Regarding Government spending, which of the following best describes your feelings?  (Adults 18+)     

Angry, debt is bad	30.7%
Happy, debt is good if it helps people	6.2%
Powerless, no one in Government                   seems to care	37.8%
Empowered, the more Government                does, the better it is for everyone	6.1%
Unsure	19.3

Yes, healthcare reform is important. But not addressing the country’s number one issue and piling up a mountain of debt in the process is irrational and incredibly out of touch. Is it really a wonder that more than one out of three Americans say they feel powerless in regards to government spending? A lot can happen in a year, but I have no doubt that voters will be empowered to punish incumbents in 2010.