More Americans consider the economy their top concern than dealing with the coronavirus outbreak. According to the most recent Pew Research Center survey 71% of Americans consider strengthening the economy their top concern versus 60% who think dealing with the coronavirus outbreak should be the top priority.
On the economic front 61% of Americans felt that reducing healthcare costs should be a priority, 57% securing social security, 52% improving the job situation, 45% reducing the budget deficit and 44% dealing with the problems of poor people.
“While there are wide partisan differences on most priorities, 82% of Republicans and a smaller majority of Democrats (63%) say strengthening the economy should be a top priority for the president and Congress,” notes the Pew report.
The survey revealed a country deeply polarized on most other issues. While 80% of Democrat respondents to the survey considered dealing with the coronavirus outbreak a top priority only 35% of Republicans shared that view. Similarly 63% of Republicans consider reducing the budget deficit a priority versus 31% of Democrats
The largest partisan difference regards climate change which 65% of Democrats and only 11% of Republicans consider a priority. Other highly divisive issues are addressing issues around race, strengthening the military and dealing with immigration.
