The monthly tracking on the state of the macro and micro economy makes it even harder to build a short-term economic narrative predicated on national economic progress. That may be possible in years ahead, but difficult in the next four months. A declining number believe the economy is improving, with only 40 percent saying it is “starting to improve” – and a growing number believing it is getting worse. For the great majority of Americans, this is a period of uncertainty. Indeed, over 60 percent believe the country is headed in the wrong direction – stuck at that level since the first month of positive job numbers.
Duh, it’s the economy stupid!
Inflation and cost of living were the top national issues, and they were national. Governors of both parties were...