Despite improved consumer confidence, Americans dissatisfied with state of economy

Although debate about immigration and gun control dominates the headlines, the economy remains the top public concern. Frank Newport, editor in chief of the Gallup Poll, runs through some numbers with us, looking at state-by-state measures of economic confidence — and how Americans describe their political ideology, whether conservative, moderate or liberal.

He finds that Americans are most satisfied with the nation’s military strength and preparedness, security from terrorism, and the quality of the environment, and least satisfied with the state of the economy (despite improving consumer confidence) and the way the country deals with poverty and homelessness.

Also, a significant majority of 5th- through 12th-graders in the United States predict that their lives will be better than their parents’ lives. However, adults are not as optimistic about our children’s futures.