American Voters Register Their Opinions on the Media's Economic Coverage

By more than a 4 to 1 margin, American voters say that the media tries to make the economy seem worse than what it really is in comparison to voters who believe that the media is trying to make the economy sound better than it really is according to a recent poll conducted by Rasmussen Reports.

Fewer than one in four voters believe that the news media presents an accurate picture of how the economy is doing. 

The polling also found, "...workplace conditions play a major role on perceptions of the economy. Those who work for firms that are laying people off have a much more pessimistic view of the economy than those who work for firms that are hiring."

This makes sense but it should also serve as a warning when making important personal financial decisions. For example, if you work someplace (or in an industry) with more layoffs, this nearby negativity could cause you to dump stocks such as during the late 2008/early 2009 bear market. 

Does The Media Try To Make The Economy Seem Worse Than It Really Is, Better Than It Really Is or Do They Present an Accurate Picture?
Worse	55%
Better	13%
Present an Accurate Picture	23%
Not Sure	9%

Source: Rasmussen Reports



All of which reminds me of Pulitzer Prize-Winning Cartoonist Michael Ramirez's cartoon that I ran last month...


Posted with permission from the publisher, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., from "Everyone Has the Right to My Opinion." Copyright (c) 2008 by Michael Ramirez.