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December 2, 2020

A PoliticalIQ survey found that 68% of voters nationwide now believe the worst of the coronavirus is still to come. That’s up six points from two weeks ago, up 12 points from mid-October, and the highest level of pessimism measured all year.[1]

The previous high-water mark for pessimism was recorded in July.

In July, however, just 15% thought the worst was behind us. That figure is 18% today.[1]

Much of the increase in pessimism can be attributed to Republicans. In mid-October, 41% of GOP voters thought the worst was behind us, while just 33% held a more pessimistic view.[2] Those numbers slipped a bit in the week following the election. Now, just 24% of Republicans believe the worst is behind us, while 62% believe the worst is still to come.[1]

That collapse in confidence likely results from the fact that Republicans have consistently seen the economic threat from the pandemic as greater than the health threat. And, they overwhelmingly supported President Trump’s focus on re-opening the economy. With the election of a president from the opposing party, it is fairly typical to see such a switch from optimism to pessimism.[1]

What is a bit surprising is the fact that there has been little or no increase in optimism among Democrats since the election. Just 13% of Democrats believe the worst is behind us, while 78% believe the worst is yet to come.[1]

The table below highlights selected results showing trends over the past few months.

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Each weekday, Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day explores interesting and newsworthy topics at the intersection of culture, politics, and technology. Columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.

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