Dissatisfaction with Economy Jumps: NBC/WSJ Poll

Flickr User: timetrax23

The number of American very dissatisfied with current economic conditions rose sharply according to the latest poll conducted by NBC and the Wall Street Journal.

There is definitely a perception that the economy is in trouble. Interestingly, 85 percent of Democrats view the economy in dark terms, as well as 40% of GOPers.

According to our pollsters, 40 percent of folks are "very" dissatisfied with the economy. That's a 15 point jump on intensity, which is a sign this is becoming a greater concern, frankly, than any other issue.

Fifty-six percent of those surveyed said they expected a recession over the next 12 months, compare with 31 percent not predicting a downturn and 13 percent unsure.

This is the big takeaway from this poll: 2008 could end up being "the economy, stupid" and not "Iraq/Iran or Terrorism, stupid."

This, perhaps, is now a bigger problem for the GOP than Iraq was in 2006. If the GOP thought 2006 was tough dealing with Iraq, wait until they have to deal with an economy election. See 1992 as prime example.

Finally, do realize that when folks say "health care" is a concern, they aren't complaining about the care they get. But they are worried about access to it. They are worried about losing their job and their health care. Bottom line: assume health care is an economic concern more so than a medical concern.

The poll surveyed 1,008 adults between Dec. 14 and Dec. 17 and the margin of error is 3.1%.