The Reuters/Zogby Index

The Reuters/Zogby Index aims to gauge the mood of the United States based on responses to 10 questions about how Americans view their leaders, the direction of their country and their personal situations. Polling for the Index began in July and that month's results provide the benchmark score of 100. A score above 100 indicates the country's mood has improved since July. A score below 100, like the one recorded in September, shows the nation's mood changing for the worse since the benchmark month.