Yes, about that U.S. economy: Wary Americans remain in a defensive posture when it comes to their pocketbooks, and for good reason. A majority still have some serious financial issues, with only 22 percent feeling confident that the economy will improve - with Democrats more hopeful than their Republican counterparts. A few new poll numbers to consider:

56 percent of Americans say they are “falling behind” financially; 59 percent of Republicans, 53 percent of Democrats and 55 percent of independents agree.

37 percent overall say they are “staying even” financially; 35 percent of Republicans, 41 percent of Democrats and 37 percent of independents agree.

54 percent overall say national economic conditions will be the same in a year; 51 percent of Republicans, 56 percent of Democrats and 57 percent of independents agree.

45 percent overall report “one or more financial problems” in the last year; 40 percent of Republicans, 49 percent of Democrats and 43 percent of independents agree.

22 percent overall say the economy will get better; 15 percent of Republicans, 31 percent of Democrats and 21 percent of independents agree.

22 percent overall say the economy will get worse; 31 percent of Republicans, 11 percent of Democrats and 22 percent of independents agree.

Source: A Pew Research Center poll of 1,501 U.S. adults conducted Aug. 20-24 and released Friday.

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