Look at these two different data points juxtaposed:
Here's the study referenced by Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon:
More than 4 in 10 Americans (42%) say they are struggling to remain where they are financially. This is the first time since Monmouth started asking the question five years ago that the number topped 3 in 10 – the range in prior polls was 20% to 29%. Just under half (47%) say their current financial situation is basically stable and only 9% say it is improving. The high point for improving was 25% in April 2019. The number of people who say they are struggling has increased by 18 points since last year (from 24% to 42%), with that increase being fairly across the board when examining key demographic groups, including income, race, and partisanship...
And here is Joe Biden:
I think he really believes it.
Meanwhile, back in reality:
Currently, reports of struggling financially come from 58% of those earning under $50,000 (up 18 points from June 2021), 35% of those earning $50,000-$100,000 (up 15 points), and 28% of those earning over $100,000 (up 18 points).
Nearly half of the public names either inflation (33%) or gas prices (15%) as the biggest concern facing their family right now. The economy in general (9%) and paying everyday bills (6%) are among other financial concerns mentioned.
More than that, a majority of Americans now believe Washington is directly hurting their families.
A majority of 57% say that the actions of the federal government over the past six months have hurt their family when it comes to their most important concern. Just 8% say Washington has helped them and 34% say federal actions have had no real impact on their top concern. In prior polls, between 34% and 47% said government actions have hurt them on their biggest family concern. The current poll marks the first time this sentiment is in the majority. The results also indicate little optimism about the future – just 23% expect that future government actions over the next few years will help improve their family's top concern while 45% say Washington will hurt them. One year ago, that response was basically flipped (40% expected to be helped and 34% expected to be hurt).
How do you feel right now?
- Do you feel like things are going great like Biden says? Are you putting surplus money in the bank each month after paying for groceries, gas, childcare, and housing? Do you see a bright future filled with opportunities?
- Or are you struggling? Are you looking at the trillions upon trillions of dollars printed over the pandemic and wondering where it went? Are you wondering why Ukraine is getting another $1.7 billion this week and Joe Biden is begging Saudi Arabia for oil while you can't find baby formula and peanut butter?
There are a lot of people out there like me that don't answer polls. It makes me wonder what the real number of hurting people is.
Just know that there are a lot of people out here that care about you and want to do whatever we can to make sure your family has a hope and a future. We gotta stick together, folks. ✊
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