Most say they're better off than 4 years ago

New poll finds Americans of all types sense progress

Ahead of mid-term elections this fall, most Americans believe they are better off today than they were four years ago, according to a new poll.

A Rasmussen Reports national opinion survey of 5,000 adults found 55 percent agree they're doing better while 36 percent believe they are not.

The sense of progress is felt across demographic lines, Rasmussen said.

The poll comes as good news for Republicans who with declining support for President Bush and division in the party over key issues such as immigration fear they could lose their majorities in the House and Senate.

Among men, the Rasmussen poll found 56 percent say they are better off while 54 percent of woman believe the same. The view is shared by 55 percent of white Americans, 52 percent of black Americans and 58 percent of all other Americans.

Rasmussen found, however, retired Americans are less likely than working-age Americans to say they are better off.

The pollster found partisan differences are less pronounced than on many issues.

Among Republicans, 72 percent say they are better off than four years ago, while 40 percent of Democrats say the same.

Fifty-one percent of those who are not affiliated with the two leading parties say they are better off.

Rasmussen noted the sense of progress comes at a time when only one-third of Americans rate the U.S. economy as good or excellent.