Americans are overwhelmingly pessimistic about their chances of achieving and sustaining the American dream. That is the only conclusion you could draw from a recent Marist-McClatchy Poll. Americans “see an economic system in which they have to work harder than ever to get ahead, and a political system that’s unresponsive to their needs.”

Americans also feel that the wealthy play by a different set of rules from everyone else. That actually connects the two conclusions together. Recently I heard that we now have a Congress that is dominated by a majority of millionaires. In the past, many members of Congress have been wealthy, but I believe this is the first time we have had a majority of millionaires in Congress. They are 14 times wealthier than the average American and no doubt view the world differently than you and I view the world.

Here are just a few of the findings in this latest poll. The researchers found that eight out of ten believe it will take more effort to get ahead when compared to previous generations. Only five percent thought it would take less effort. They also don’t think it will get better soon, with 78 percent saying it will be harder for the next generation to get ahead.

The changing economic landscape is one of the reasons Americans are pessimistic about the future. Fundamental changes due to globalization and new technology make them less certain that they or their children can get ahead.

The poll asked Americans: If people work hard, do they have a good chance of improving their standard of living? Less than a third (31%) thought that people who worked hard would be able to do so. More than two-thirds (68%) thought they would have a hard time maintaining their standard of living.

They are also pessimistic about the belief that everyone plays by the same rules. More than eight in ten (85%) believe there are different rules for well-connected, people with money.

This poll shows the disconnect between our elected leaders and the citizens. It also suggests that an optimistic candidate with sound economic ideas might still appeal to voters who are discouraged and pessimistic about America’s future.