POLL: ANGST IN THE AIR OVER WASHINGTON

Americans increasingly view the investigations into Russian meddling in the 2016 election as a serious concern, a USA TODAY/ Suffolk University Poll finds, amid rising anxiety about President Trump’s leadership and the nation’s direction. How are Americans feeling? Try “alarmed,” the option chosen by 42% of those surveyed when asked how they felt about how things are in Washington. An additional 33% feel “uneasy.” Just 11% choose “excited.”

Nine of 10 Democrats feel uneasy or alarmed; so do a majority of Republicans. David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center, says the poll signals “an overall sense that Washington, D. C ., is wilting as summer’s heat sets in.”

The health care debate is driving a sense of turmoil. So are the Russia inquiries by special counsel Robert Mueller and congressional committees.

In the USA TODAY/ Suffolk poll in March, 62% saw the Russia allegations as a very or somewhat serious issue. That has jumped to 73%, including nearly half of Republicans.

“There’s all this smoke, and so far no one’s come out with any fire” on Trump himself, says Jerry Kellum, 77, a Democrat from Cedarburg, Wis., who was surveyed. “I don’t think Trump’s ... talking to ( Russian leader Vladimir) Putin saying, ‘ Do this and this and this,’ but I do think something is up.”

The Russia cloud and Trump’s failure to enact major legislative goals seem to be sapping his standing. His approvaldisapproval rating stand sat 42%-53%. Three months ago, it was 47%- 44%.

Of more concern to Trump allies is the intensity of opposition. Now 38% say they “strongly disapprove” of how he’s handling his job; just 16% “strongly approve.”