US Marriage Rate Hits All-Time Low at 51%

YIKES, talk about a trend and probably not one for the better ...

The marriage rate in the United States for those over the age of 18 has hit an all-time low 51%.  This is compared to a 57% rate in 2000 and 72% in 1960. The average age of those marrying has risen slightly; however, the most alarming aspect of this data might be that nearly 40% of those polled say marriage is becoming obsolete.

Marriage rates in the US have hit an all-time low, as economic forces and social shifts have pushed couples to delay or avoid matrimony, according to an analysis of census data by the Pew Research Center.

Just 51 per cent of people over age 18 are married today, compared to 57 per cent in 2000 and 72 per cent in 1960, with trends pointing toward wedded couples becoming a social minority within a few years.

“Public attitudes about the institution of marriage are mixed,” the report said. “Nearly four-in-10 Americans say marriage is becoming obsolete,” yet most people who have never married say they would like to some day.

With the economy in the tank, individuals finances at risk, 401K uncertainty, more and more college grads returning to live home with mommy & daddy, and employers now covering live in boyfriends and girl friends on insurance plans, the institution of marriage has taken a hit.

How Low Can He Go … Barack Obama Loses Ground in 2012 Presidential Reelection Bid

Barack Obama poll numbers are in free fall. Just 41% of those polled in a recent Pew Center Research poll stated that they wanted Obama reelected. Even worse for “the Chosen One” is that a meager 31% of Independents want him reelected. Overall, Independents have all but abandoned Obama in the job approval polls. It’s hard to believe that Obama won 52% of the Independent vote in the 2008 Presidential elections against John McCain. Without the Independent vote Obama has no chance and the numbers continue to trend downward.

Pew Research Center

The sizeable lead Barack Obama held over a generic Republican opponent in polls conducted earlier this year has vanished as his support among independent voters has fallen off.Currently, 41% of registered voters say they would like to see Barack Obama reelected, while 40% say they would prefer to see a Republican candidate win in 2012. In May, Obama held an 11-point lead.

This shift is driven by a steep drop-off in support for Obama among independents. The latest national survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press, conducted July 20-24 among 1,501 adults and 1,205 registered voters finds that just 31% of independent voters want to see Obama reelected, down from 42% in May and 40% in March. Where Obama held a slim 7-point edge among independent registered voters two months ago, a generic Republican holds an 8-point edge today.

CNN references multiple polls, all that show that Obama’s poll numbers are cratering. Wow, couldn’t happen to a more deserving one term President.

Brian in a Blue State