Apparently John Edwards’ message really was the right one. (If only the media had let him through the gate!) From the latest focus group report from Democracy Corps:

As anger about the economy shapes public reactions to growing economic troubles and the government’s response to these problems, the latest wave of Democracy Corps focus groups took a deep look at voters’ attitudes toward the economy. Their anger is deepening, and some participants were already saying that the new stimulus package looks like politicians throwing money at the problem when there are structural and long-term problems to address. The economy is now the biggest driver of the negative national mood, and voters’ economic judgments center on several core themes:

* Regardless of education and income, people are having major problems with money and making ends meet.
* People are focused on the rising cost of gas, food and health care. Energy costs were seen as the drivers of everything going up, leaving people feeling powerless.
* The housing crisis is seen as dangerous and threatening.
* The money spent in Iraq is seen as draining our own economy.
* The middle class is the victim of these economic pressures.
* People are angry that the middle class’ needs are ignored while the rich get richer and the politicians cater to their own needs.
* Lobbyists are the reason why the rich and corporations get the tax breaks, and the economy works for them instead of the average person.
* People respond to an investment and middle class tax cut agenda, but many also respond positively to a conservative message on controlling government spending, pork-barrel projects and cutting taxes. Their anger is also directed at government, which is part of the problem.

So if the Obama message is positive and bi-partisan, where will these voters put all their anger? What’s your best guess?