With less than seven weeks until President-elect Donald Trump takes office, New Yorkers are split just about down the middle on the future of America under President Trump.
According to a Siena College Poll of New York State, 49% of New Yorkers are optimistic about Trump's leadership and its affect on the country for the next four years, while 48% say they are pessimistic.
"Men and white voters are optimistic; women and voters of color are pessimistic," said Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg. "Unsurprisingly, 81 percent of voters who supported Hillary Clinton are pessimistic, while 93 percent of Trump voters are optimistic."
As far as New York is concerned, 47% of voters - including 83% of Republicans - say a Trump presidency will be good for the Empire State, and 45% - including 64% of Democrats - say just the opposite.
While the opinion of Trump's success shows close numbers, the poll shows voters say congressional Democrats should work collaboratively with President Trump by 65-23 percent.
"In a two-to-one Democratic state, New Yorkers unite on wanting bipartisanship in Washington," said Greenberg. "Despite two-thirds of Republicans thinking it likely, a majority of New Yorkers do not think Trump will be able to establish a spirit of bipartisanship in Washington."
When it comes to specific issues, New Yorkers have great expectations that the next four years will see an improvement in the nation's infrastructure, protection from terrorist attacks and the creation of good paying jobs, according to Siena. However, voters are less sure on whether or not Trump will succeed in lessening health care costs while enhancing access to quality health care.
According to the poll, Trump's negative 41-53 percent favorability rating is up from negative 34-63 percent right before the election. The current rating is his best yet. Vice President-elect Mike Pence has a 41-40 percent favorability rating.
