Great Lakes Wire

Michigan residents are likely part of the majority of Americans frustrated by stalled economic growth and dwindling faith in the Biden administration, according to a pair of recent surveys.

The latest survey by McLaughlin & Associates reveals an increasing number of Americans have a negative outlook on the direction of the country and its economy. The majority of those polled said they believe the country is on the wrong track and getting worse. Michigan is among the states struggling to get on the right track.

A study by a separate nonprofit advocacy group, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, showed Michigan remains in the bottom half of states in terms of economic growth. The state’s auto industry offers a bleak forecast for 160,000 workers who could be displaced by the acceleration to electric cards.

McLaughlin & Associates conducts monthly surveys to track “national trends related to the American political environment,” according to its website. 

The survey, conducted Jan. 13-18, polled 1,000 people likely to vote in the general election. The data showed that 64% of people in the Western Region of the U.S. believe the country is headed in a negative direction whereas 34% like where the country is headed.

Pessimism has grown over the last year, especially when asked if the country was in the midst of a recession. Of those polled in January 2022, 52% believe the country is in a recession as compared to a year ago when 50% felt the country was not in a recession.  

Opinions about Biden’s first year as president reflect the data in the 2022 survey. 

A year ago, 52% of Americans thought the economy was struggling. Twelve months later, 62% see trouble ahead.  

Michigan is like most troubled states. The Bureau of Labor Statistics report shows the state ranks 34th in poverty, 35th in median household income and 41st in labor force participation.