A recent survey by Rasmussen shows Obama’s total approval rating has soared from 52% just prior to the election to 67% earlier this week. Americans are holding high expectations for the President-elect, possibly based on expectations that he will be able to shore up the current economic crisis.
Couple this data with another Rasmussen tracking poll referenced in this blog last week. Prior to Thanksgiving, 66% of Americans said they planned to spend less on holiday gifts as compared to one year ago. This week that number had dropped to 60%. The data suggests that Americans’ approval of the President-elect is reflected in some level of optimism among select shoppers this holiday season. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spent an average of $372.57 over this past weekend, which is up 7.2% from last year’s spending.
Americans seem to be placing great hope in Obama’s ability to strengthen the country’s economy and setting the bar high for our new President.
