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Americans Sour on Chances for Political Progress, Survey Finds

More than three-quarters of Americans believe there is little hope that President Barack Obama and Republicans will make progress on the country’s biggest issues.
Image: Congress Gridlocked Over Continuing Resolution Legislation
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 29: An American flag waves outside the United States Capitol building as Congress remains gridlocked over legislation to continue funding the federal government September 29, 2013 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution with language to defund U.S. President Barack Obama's national health care plan yesterday, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has indicated the U.S. Senate will not consider the legislation as passed by the House. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)Win McNamee / Getty Images

More than three-quarters of Americans believe there is little hope that President Barack Obama and Republicans will make progress on the country’s biggest issues and that political divisions are deeper now than in the past, according a new Pew Research Center/USA Today survey.

The survey reveals the bleak view Americans have of the current political climate, with 76 percent of respondents saying there is little hope for bipartisan compromise on issues like immigration, healthcare and unemployment. More than 80 percent say the country is more divided now than it has been.

Democrats favorability ratings have also dropped nearly as low as Republicans. Just 41 percent view Democrats positively while 37 percent have a favorable opinion of the GOP.

Forty nine percent of Americans think next year will be better than 2014.

The survey was conducted Dec. 3-7 among 1,507 adults.

-- Andrew Rafferty