Slowly but surely, more and more Americans are realizing this country is in a very bad place. Where else would we be considering six years or more of failed economic policies, massive government growth, and an explosion of the welfare state.

Twenty-seven percent (27%) of Likely U.S. Voters now say the country is heading in the right direction, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey taken the week ending Sunday, July 7.

That’s down three points from the previous week and the lowest level of confidence in nearly a year. Confidence in the country’s direction rose steadily last fall, peaking at a high of 43% the week just before Election Day. It’s been gradually decreasing ever since.