Majority in new poll say US headed in wrong direction

A majority of American adults say the U.S. is heading in the wrong direction in the latest NBC News poll, with many of the nation’s top politicians and parties becoming unpopular only 10 months away from midterms. 

The new NBC News poll found that 72 percent of U.S. adults say the nation is heading in the wrong direction, only one point higher than the October poll results. The number marks the sixth time that 70 percent or more people have said the nation is on the wrong track, having hit that mark it in 1992, 2008 and 2016, according to NBC.

Among the more unpopular politicians were President Biden, Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), and Vice President Harris. 

The poll also asked respondents about the economy, political polarization and the state of democracy.

Sixty-one percent of respondents said their family’s income is falling behind the cost of living, compared to the 30 percent who say they are about even. Only 7 percent say their income is going up faster than the cost of living. 

When it comes to political polarization in the nation, 70 percent agree with the statement that the U.S. has become so polarized that it cannot solve the major issues facing the country and that the division will only grow. Twenty-seven percent said that the nation, while divided, can always come together to solve the challenges facing the country. 

In contrast, when that same question was asked in 2010, 50 percent answered that the U.S. always comes together, compared to the 45 percent who said the differences are too significant and will only grow.  

As for the state of democracy, a massive majority said that there is a threat in this country.  The poll found that 76 percent of respondents said there is a threat to democracy, including 7 out of 10 democrats, republicans and independents. 

The NBC News poll surveyed 1000 U.S. adults between Jan. 14-18 and has a margin of error plus or minus 3.10 percentage points.