- There are signs of optimism again on the pandemic: a plurality say the “worst is over” as worries about coronavirus are in decline.
- Seven in ten respondents report being personally vaccinated; a similar majority of Americans approve of the vaccine rollout.
- A majority continue to approve of Biden’s handling of the pandemic and trust Biden and Democrats more than Republicans on various pandemic-related issues.
Public Attitudes Pivot (Again) on the Pandemic: A Plurality Now Say the “Worst Is Over”
Two in five Democrats (43%), 34% of independents, and 51% of Republicans say the “worst is over” in the pandemic.
While Coronavirus Worries Are in Decline, the Top Worries Are Rates of Child Infections and Economic Recovery
Since August 16th, there has been a 4-point decline in the share who are “very worried” about the pandemic’s threat to the economic recovery and a 10-point decline in worries about Delta.
Seven in Ten Report Being Personally Vaccinated as Nearly the Same Share Approve of the Rollout of the Vaccine
Bipartisan majorities continue to approve of the rollout of the vaccine: 84% of Democrats, 56% of independents, and 53% of Republicans approve.
Majorities Continue to Approve of Biden’s Handling of the Pandemic
Since September 27th, Biden’s approval rating on the pandemic has improved a net 3 points (from +4 to +7).
Vaccines, the Pandemic, and Infrastructure Dominate Positive Conversation Around Biden This Week
Among the half of Americans hearing at least some positives around Biden this week, his efforts on infrastructure, to get the American population vaccinated, and to end the pandemic are top of mind.
Joe Biden and the Public are Aligned on the Pandemic as a Top Priority
A majority of Americans continue to say Biden and Congress should be most focused on the economy and pandemic.
- Since August 30th, there has been a 33-point decline in the share who say Afghanistan is most important.
Biden and Democrats More Trusted on Pandemic- and Healthcare-Related Issues
Among independents, Biden and Democrats are more trusted by 29 points to ensure enough people are vaccinated, by 10 points to combat the pandemic, and by 9 points to improve healthcare.
Nearly Half Continue to Say Biden Is Doing Enough on Pandemic, While Congressional Republicans Not Enough
Among independents, while 37% say Biden is doing enough on the pandemic, just 22% say the same of Republicans in Congress.
Democrats & People of Color Are “Hopeful” Since Biden Was Elected; Republicans, Independents, & Whites, “Uneasy”
Pluralities of Democrats (69%), Black Americans (63%), Hispanic Americans (46%), and AAPI (60%) say they have felt “hopeful” since Biden was elected.
About The Study
This release features findings from a national online survey of 1,001 registered voters conducted October 7-11, 2021. Additional interviews were conducted among 100 Hispanic voters, 100 African American voters, 100 independents without a partisan lean, and 73 Asian American and Pacific Islander voters.