A recent Associated Press-Ipsos survey asked: "Generally speaking, would you say things in this country are heading in the right direction, or are they off on the wrong track?"

Almost eight in 10 people chose the latter while 17 percent said the country was pointed in the right direction.

Does that surprise anyone, what with rising gas prices, high food costs, the credit crunch, instability in the housing market, a faltering economy and America's involvement in two wars?

Seventy-six percent of the 1,000 adults surveyed June 12-16 said the country was on the wrong track. That's the highest level of pessimism in 30 years, AP notes, taking previous surveys into consideration.

The public mood is getting worse: 71 percent in April said they did not like America's direction, as did 66 percent in late 2007.

What is causing the country to veer off the track, in the opinion of many? Six in 10 cited the economy, 23 percent blamed "poor leadership" and 20 percent pointed to the war in Iraq.

President Bush's job ratings continue to suffer, with 29 percent approving and 67 percent disapproving of his performance. Congress is faring even worse: 23 percent of respondents like the way Congress is handling its tasks, 72 percent are critical.

Seventy-two percent do not like President Bush's handling of the economy while 24 percent approve. Consumer confidence at its lowest since 1980.

It is no wonder that the desire for "change" has resonated among Americans this election year. Pessimism is profound.