One of the most tried and true methods economists use to figure out what the future will hold is to ask a simple question: How confident are you about our economic future?

But a survey from the polling firm Gallup finds the answer may have more to do with politics than economics.

“It’s a huge gulf out there between Republicans and Democrats,” says Frank Newport, editor-in-chief of Gallup. “Right after the election, this is intensified and Republicans are really negative as we ask them to prognosticate about the future.”

Gallup polling shows that only 24 percent of Republicans believe the best days are ahead for the U.S., compared to 69 percent of Democrats.

To hear more about how Americans view the economy, click on the audio player above.