[MNJohnnie]

Remember, the same pollsters that give you the political polling data give you the “Consumer confidence” numbers.

One of two things is going on.

Either the polls are massively wrong or the USA has fundamentally transformed itself into just another
European style socialist democracy where voters consistently vote against their own economic interests for things that make them feel good.

[trebb]

Remember, the same pollsters that give you the political polling data give you the “Consumer confidence” numbers.

Think about it - "Consumer confidence" is measured by folks spending more. Higher gas prices demand higher spending so they lick the boots of Zero and call the higher spending "increased consumer confidence".

[Son House]

where voters consistently vote against their own economic interests for things that make them feel good

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/ebay-find-of-the-day-barack-obamas-2005-chrysler-300c/

As you may recall, Obama sent the big V8 sedan packing in favor of a Ford Escape Hybrid when he began his campaign for the presidency.

Think of what Obama "feel good". Now, the working poor barely afford gas to get to work and the younger drivers are less likely to afford anything reliable or road worthy. No one is better off.