A poll taken in early June, after the unemployment rate climbed to 9.
1%, indicates consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest level since the president took office in January 2009.
Only 3 in 10 Americans, across all age groups, expect the economy to improve in the next year.
And, half of all respondents say it is very or somewhat likely the country will enter a Depression similar to that of the 1930's.
According to the Rasmussen report, 44% of Democrats believe the economy will be stronger next year.
This is in sharp contrast to the 23% of Republicans and 26% of Independents (or those with other political affiliations) expecting the coming year will show a stronger economy.
There are significant differences by race, as well.
About half of black adults (49%) think the economy will improve next year, which is the highest sub-cell within the study.
And, 43% of the other category (primarily Hispanics and Asians) say the economy will be stronger in 2012, while only 28% of whites were optimistic.
Looking ahead to 5 years out, the sub-groups come closer together and show greater confidence in a stronger economy, with Democrats at 55%, Republicans 43% and Independents 39%.
The racial disparity is even closer, 48% of blacks, 54% of others and 44% of whites expecting a stronger economy.
Two economic barometers were also part of the study.
When asked how long it will take for the stock market to recover, the respondents answered as follows: 1 year 14%, 2 years 16%, 3 years 15%, more than 3 years 27% and not sure 28%.
With 55% of respondents saying more than 3 years or they were not sure, the attitude of most Americans seems to be fear or frustration.
The findings involving the real estate market are even more discouraging.
When asked how long it will take housing prices to recover, the respondents said: 1 year 6%, 2 years 11%, 3 years 14%, more than 3 years 48% and not sure 20%.
That means 68% think it will take more than 3 years or were not sure how long it would take before the housing market is back in the black.
In spite of the continued concerns voiced by all segments of the population in all parts of the country, politicians are either incapable or unwilling to fix the lingering problems that keep the economic recovery from becoming a reality in the lives of most Americans.
Both sides of the aisle are to blame as is the administration along with the various agencies serving it and the activist judges who turn their backs on the law by trying to legislate from the bench.
It is up to us to get better educated about issues and more deeply involved in the political process in order to put elected representatives' feet to the fire.
If the politicians won't put party issues to the side and start working on the peoples' behalf, we'll elect new ones.