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Poll Shows Americans Skeptical About Economy
Economic Views Seem Based On Political Affiliation

POSTED: 8:09 am PST January 25, 2006
UPDATED: 8:25 am PST January 25, 2006

WASHINGTON -- Some of the economic numbers may be looking up, but a lot of Americans aren't convinced.

A new survey found that people to be generally skeptical about the economy and worried about the cost of gas, heating oil and health care.

A lot of it seems to depend on political affiliation.

More than half of Republicans, 56 percent, in the poll said economic conditions are excellent or good, while 28 percent of independents and 23 percent of Democrats felt that way.

The poll was conducted by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. Its director, Andrew Kohut, said he was surprised by the gap between the parties.

About a third of the people who were surveyed said economic conditions are excellent or good.

Sixty-four percent said they're only fair or poor.

Economists generally look for slightly slower economic growth this year under the impact of high energy costs and rising interest rates.