Americans are still angry about the election, but they're feeling hopeful about the year to come

(Image credit: Ty Wright/Getty Images)

published 16 November 2016

A Washington Post/Schar School national poll released Wednesday provided a sense of how Americans are feeling in the aftermath of the presidential election and in anticipation of the next four years under President-elect Donald Trump. More than 7 in 10 Americans reported feeling angry about the race between Trump and Hillary Clinton, with many using the word "disappointed" to describe their response to the outcome. Nearly 9 in 10 said they've been "dissatisfied with the country in recent years," The Washington Post reported.

Despite these negative feelings, 54 percent said they're hopeful about the year to come, and more than 60 percent said they expect to see "major changes" under Trump. Americans are particularly optimistic the economy will improve under Trump, with 52 percent saying they think there will be a boost in living standards. While a majority of Americans do worry Trump won't be able to respectfully disagree or make "wise decisions about war and peace," The Washington Post reported that 48 percent are convinced he will "handle things about right" and not overstep his bounds.