More Confidence in Government, Less in Business

In the months since Sept. 11, polls have shown Americans feeling exceptionally high levels of confidence in their government. A new Harris Poll is typical, showing a doubling since last year in the number of people who have a “great deal of confidence” in the White House (to 50 percent from 21 percent) and a record-high level of such confidence in U.S. military leaders (71 percent, vs. 44 percent last year). Congress and the Supreme Court also have enjoyed gains.