Americans Are Deeply Concerned About the Economy [OPINION]

Americans are increasingly concerned about the impact the COVID-19 coronavirus is having on the economy. Ninety-one percent of the respondents to a new Harris Poll list the economy as their top concern, with 90 percent saying the health of older friends and relatives is their biggest worry. Eighty-seven percent are most concerned about the health of Americans "broadly," while 75 are concerned about their personal health.

Sixty-one percent consider the amount of fear in society as "sensible" given the seriousness of the coronavirus.

President Trump understands that Americans are on edge and has attempted to offer hope and encouragement that an end to all of this is in sight, and that the nation will emerge from this crisis even stronger. He also understands that if the economy collapses, America will never be the same.

Trump is attempting to find a balance that protects the economy while at the same time addressing the serious health crisis the country is facing. Trump is a cheerleader for America and the American people. It's part of his job.

A new Gallup Poll gives Trump a 60 percent approval rating for his handling of the coronavirus crisis. A recent Harris Poll found 56 percent support Trump's efforts.

Yet Trump is getting little or no support from his critics in the media or from Democrats who seem to want to keep the American public sequestered for months on end as the economy collapses all around them. The president understands that the public would react more favorably to the shutdown if there was some sort of time table or end game attached.

“I would love to aim it right at Easter Sunday so we’re open for church services on Easter Sunday, that would be a beautiful thing,” Trump told Fox News.

Trump has stated that this time table must remain flexible and will be subject to the condition of the nation's health at the time and progress made against the virus.

“We’ll only do it if it’s good,” Trump said.

But Trump critic Rep. Donna Shalala (D-Florida) says Trump is both "dangerous and immoral" for suggesting re-opening the government by Easter. Immoral? This from a woman who supports killing babies in the womb. Since when is it immoral to offer people hope for Easter, of all days?

Americans are sick and tired of the politicization and cheap exploitation of this crisis by Democrats and the media for power and profit and it shows in the poll numbers. I sense it will show at the ballot box as well in November.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.