The Fading American Dream Voters See It Slipping Away

by 
Rainey Center Polling
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Rainey Center conducted a national survey studying voter attitudes on holiday spending, the American Dream, data center security and online safety. We find that voters are increasingly squeezed by rising prices and many feel the American Dream is out of reach. 

Voters believe that ensuring domestic energy dominance is a key national security priority. Voters also want parents, not the government, to make decisions about the online content kids engage with. 

Methodology

Rainey Center conducted an online survey of 1,247 likely voters on December 13, 2025, and weighted by gender, race, education, 2024 vote choice, and birth year. Respondents were also weighted by whether they passed attention checks. The margin of error is +/- 4.9%.

American Dream

  • Nearly half of all voters (47%) say the American Dream is "out of reach" for them personally.
  • Independents are the most likely group to feel left behind, with 50% saying the American Dream is out of reach, compared to 33% of Republicans.
  • When asked about their family, 40% of Independents and 36% of all voters believe the American Dream is out of reach.

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