Survey: Americans optimistic about economy

About one-quarter of those surveyed said they expect the economy to remain the same and 15% believe it will get worse.

With another debate coming up in the race for the Presidency, the study suggests Republican nominee Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama should spend a little time telling votes about their economic plans - and how those plans might affect voters.

So, who are these voters who believe the economy will improve but that they won't 'see' it personally? Most (76%) are workers - about one-third between the ages of 30 and 49. They also believe consumer prices - gas, groceries, etc. - will increase over the next year.

"The town hall format of the second debate is the perfect forum for the presidential candidates to speak to what their policies will mean for Americans' personal finances," said Christopher Fleury, Vice President of GfK Public Affairs & Corporate Communications. "Voters want to see that the candidates 'get it' that an improving economy overall needs to improve the financial well-being of individual Americans, too."

Meanwhile Generation Opportunity indicates younger voters should be highlighted by both Republicans and Democrats - because their un- and under-employment rates are among the highest. According to employment data Americans between ages 18-29 have nearly 12% unemployment; unemployment rates for African-American youths stands at 21% (NSA) and for Hispanic youths at 12% (NSA).

Tags: Presidential Election 2012, US Labor Statistics, US unemployment