The state of the American Dream

These aren’t chipper times. That’s certainly apparent in John Zogby’s polling on perceptions of the American Dream.

In a poll taken in mid-February, only 57 percent of the people responding said achieving the dream was still possible. The figure was 10 points higher after the 2008 elections that swept Barack Obama into office, and about 20 points higher before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

So, we’re bummed. People with low household incomes, who tend to be most worried about job prospects, lost the most enthusiasm since the elections.

However, Zogby, writing for Forbes.com, said he remains optimistic.

What do you think? Is the American Dream any harder to achieve now? What are your chances in the Indianapolis area? And would Zogby have received a different response had the survey been taken after this week’s passage of health care reform?