For the first time since January 2004, more Americans believe the country is heading in the “right direction” as opposed to the “wrong direction.” A new Associated Press-GfK poll found that “the percentage of Americans saying the country is headed in the right direction rose to 48 percent, up from 40 percent in February. Forty-four percent say the nation is on the wrong track.”

I can’t help but think this is more about the inclinations of the American public than it is about the quality of American leadership. The “direction” we’re heading in is unabashedly statist and globally submissive. The AP-GfK findings make perfect sense in light of another recent study. A Rassmussen poll from earlier in the month found that only 53% of Americans believe capitalism is better than socialism. More alarming, Americans under 30 are evenly divided on the question. Good luck putting those figures up against a few tea parties. As the federal government continues to exercise its unprecedented power and reach deeper into the private sector, the “right track” numbers will probably clear 50 percent in no time. Especially once all polling becomes the state’s responsibility.