The new Civitas Poll shows the majority of North Carolinians who are likely to vote in 2022 are pessimistic about the direction of the country. Most of us are also concerned about where the Biden administration is taking us in terms of growing the size and scope of government

Nearly six of 10 North Carolina voters likely to cast a ballot in 2022 are concerned the Biden administration will do too much to increase the size and role of government, according to a new Civitas Poll. That includes 27% of Democrats, 56% of unaffiliated voters, and 97% of Republicans. Nearly half – 49% – are very concerned. Twenty-five percent are not concerned at all. A razor-thin 2% are unsure.

That’s just the beginning of the president’s troubles.

Nervousness crosses age lines as well. More than half of every demographic over the age of 35 expresses concern about how big and imposing government could become during a Biden presidency. The older the voter, the greater the apprehension. Among those 35 to 49, 57% are uneasy. The number jumps to 64% among those 50 to 64, topping out at 67% among those 65 and older. Even 33% of 18-to-34-year-olds are concerned.

A majority of North Carolina voters also believe the country is on the wrong track – 55% – according to poll results. Only 39% believe the United States is headed in the right direction. That’s a 16-point gulf, one that has widened since the spring Civitas Poll. In March, 52% selected wrong track and 42% selected right direction.

At this week’s Civitas Poll luncheon, Professor Christopher Cooper of Western Carolina University talked about the right direction/wrong track data and how the White House is top of mind.

Yes, it’s about politics and partisanship. But let’s revisit some of the data shown above (emphasis below is mine):

Nearly six of 10 North Carolina voters likely to cast a ballot in 2022 are concerned the Biden administration will do too much to increase the size and role of government, according to a new Civitas Poll. That includes 27% of Democrats, 56% of unaffiliated voters, and 97% of Republicans. Nearly half – 49% – are very concerned. Twenty-five percent are not concerned at all. A razor-thin 2% are unsure.

President Biden’s fellow Democrats – a sizable portion of them here in our state – are nervous about where the man who was called a ‘centrist’ during his campaign is taking our country. That’s the number to watch, in my view, and the most fascinating piece of data to emerge from this week’s Civitas Poll.You can watch the full analysis from Professor Cooper and Locke President Donald Bryson here.

As a reminder, here is where we sit in May 2021 under a Biden administration that continues to spend as if it never has to be paid back.