Do you let politics color your reality? Too many do
Bottom Line:As I’m inclined to say... There are two sides to stories but one side to facts. About some of those facts... We do have the best economic growth since at least 2005. We do have record low unemployment rates (or have reached record lows recently) for all demographics but white men. We do have the best year over year increase in wage growth since 2007 and net take home pay since 1987. Quality of life for adults at their current age has never been better.
In other words, yes – there are individuals that are still struggling, but generally our economy and thus the average American’s well being is as good or better than it has ever been. Based on Gallup’s latest work it’s clear that many still let politics color their view of things...
Americans' 2019 Outlook Varies by Party Identification
U.S. adults
Republicans
Independents
Democrats
%
%
%
%
Economic conditions excellent/good
Feb 1-10
57
78
52
40
Jan 2-10
49
80
45
32
Economic conditions getting better
Feb 1-10
54
83
48
31
Jan 2-10
44
83
42
18
Good time to find quality job
Feb 1-10
69
92
65
49
Jan 2-10
66
88
62
54
Satisfied with way things are going
Feb 1-10
29
51
27
10
Jan 2-10
26
54
24
8
This was true of Republicans to a certain extent during the Obama Presidency too – though the highs were never close to being as good as they are today. The thing is, for whatever reason, rather than being inclined to make the best out of the situation we’re in, we seemed inclined to perceive it through the prism of politics. Opportunity and the economy don’t treat partisans differently, yet we allow it to impact us differently. Pragmatism rather than politics would serve many well.