America's Bitterness Quotient

Presumptive Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama created a flap in the run-up to April's Pennsylvania primary when he suggested that working-class Americans are "bitter." So in its annual survey of workplace attitudes, the Marlin Co., a Connecticut communications consultant, included a question designed to test the Illinois senator's assertion. Its poll, conducted by Zogby International a month after Obama's remarks, asked 755 working adults: "Are you bitter because you believe that the political system has caused a deterioration of your economic circumstances?" About 45% answered yes, with lower-income respondents more likely (58%) to agree. The survey also took a reading of attitudes about the "American dream," which it defined as "the opportunity to have a nice home, financial security for you and your family, and hope for the future." Almost 75%̬across incomes, regions, and age—said that dream was less "attainable" than it was eight years ago. Of course, what made Obama's comments controversial was his linking such frustrations to religiosity and pro-gun, anti-immigration sentiments. Fodder for next year's poll?
—Brian Hindo..