14 April 2009
Posted in Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 14, 2009 (AUSTIN, Texas) — As Americans prepare to pay their taxes tomorrow, their trust in government is on the rise, according to the second quarterly Public Strategies/POLITICO Public Trust Monitor. In addition, more Americans believe business is on the right track than did in January.

Trust in the U.S. government both to do what is to right and manage its finances responsibly has increased by six points from our initial survey in January, to 63% and 40%, respectively.

Since January, more Americans believe that business is on the right track — up from 28% to 40%. These signs of improvement are tempered, however, by the fact that a majority (54%) disapprove of the job corporations are doing in working with the government.

"These findings suggest that businesses should continue to work constructively with the government, and engage both the public and policy-makers in crafting solutions to our nation's key challenges," said Dan Bartlett, president and CEO of Public Strategies, Inc., a business advisory firm. "Americans are looking for solutions to the nation's problems. This survey confirms last quarter's findings that those who are perceived to be seriously addressing the tough issues facing America are viewed most favorably."

According to the Public Trust Monitor, the increased trust in government has been fueled principally by gains among Democrats. President Obama's trust and credibility ratings among Democrats as well as independents show that he has a strong governing coalition.

"Our first Public Trust Monitor was in the field during the presidential transition. This uptick in public trust in government is largely the result of Democrats' strong credibility and trust ratings for President Obama," said Mark McKinnon, vice chairman of Public Strategies, Inc. "Right now, according to our poll, the president continues to be the most considerable force driving policy."

However, the poll also found that selected business leaders rival President Obama when it comes to credibility on the economy. Bill Gates topped the list, with 80% rating him either very or somewhat credible on the economy. President Obama and investor Warren Buffett virtually tie for second, with ratings of 71% and 70%, respectively. Unlike the president, Gates and Buffett have credibility ratings that bridge partisan differences.

"The Public Trust Monitor provides vital, quantifiable information for those operating at the intersection of business and government," said Jeff Eller, vice chairman of Public Strategies, Inc. "Understanding the public environment is critical for corporate and government decision-making."

Survey Methodology: Public Strategies, Inc., conducted a nationwide online survey of 1,000 registered voters between March 27-31. The survey's margin of error is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

To view the full survey results, go to www.publicstrategiesptm.com

About Public Strategies
Public Strategies, Inc. is a business advisory firm that serves a diverse clientele including some of the world's largest and best-known corporations, nonprofit organizations, associations and professional firms. Much of its practice involves managing high-stakes campaigns for corporate clients, anticipating and responding to crises. It helps forward-thinking companies assess public opinion and risk, and develops strategies that affect perception and systems for managing uncertainty. For more information, visit www.pstrategies.com.

About POLITICO
POLITICO is a Washington-based political journalism organization that distributes its content via the Internet, newspaper, television and radio. Its coverage includes Congress, the White House, Washington lobbying and campaigns. POLITICO and POLITICO.com launched in January 2007 with the mission of covering politics with enterprise, style and impact. POLITICO is a publication of Capitol News Company LLC.

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