US not respected, feel Americans

An overwhelming majority of Americans believe that the US is a very powerful nation, but more than one-third are also of the view that the country is not well-respected, according to a new poll released today.

The Harris Poll of 3,423 US adults revealed that 57 per cent of Americans believe the US is very or extremely powerful when compared to other nation. However, this power does not seem to translate into respect, with 38 per cent of Americans saying that the US is not at all well-respected throughout the world, and an additional 35 per cent believing that the country is only somewhat well-respected. Only one in five say the US is well-respected and 7 per cent say it is extremely or very well-respected throughout the world.

When it comes to how powerful the US is, there is a generational difference. Slightly under half of those who are 62 and older say the US is very or extremely powerful, a view shared by an overwhelming 62 per cent of Echo Boomers those aged 18-30. There is also a gender difference on this issue. Men, with 63 per cent, are more likely than women 50 per cent to say the US is extremely or very powerful.

When it comes to respect, there is also a difference in opinion depending on generation. While almost half 47 per cent of Baby Boomers say the US is not at all well-respected throughout the world, just one-third 32 per cent of Generation X and one-quarter 24 per cent of Echo Boomers feel the same way.