Overwhelmingly, Americans tell SurveyUSA they wish they had saved more money in advance of the economic ‘Rainy Day’ that the country now finds itself in, according to exclusive polling conducted immediately after the US House of Representatives defeated a plan to rescue the economy. Key findings:

6 in 10 Americans have ‘No Confidence’ in the federal government’s ability to fix the economy.
Half of Americans say their family will suffer in the current economy, but expect to survive. 1 in 8 families expect to be be ‘wiped-out’ economically. 1 in 3 say their family will make it through unscathed.

Half the USA doesn’t know enough about the specifics of the rescue plan to know whether they should support or oppose it, but of those with an opinion, opposition is twice as strong as support. That said, in striking contrast: by 4:3, Americans want their representative in Congress to vote ‘For’ the rescue plan. This is true across party lines. The country is not sure whether the plan will work short-term or long-term; there is significant pessimism about the long-term impact.

57% of Americans now worry the bank where they keep their money will fail. This is up from 53% on 9/26/08, up from 51% on 9/25/08. Half know someone who has lost their job.  3 of 4 Americans have reduced spending in the past 3 months.

Full results of this poll can be found here .