According to a 2011 Gallup poll, 42% of Americans blamed then-President Barack Obama, a Democrat, for the downturn. 26% blamed the Republican Party, while 15% blamed the Democratic Party. 17% blamed neither. These results are likely influenced by the fact that the Great Recession began during Obama's first year in office, although the causes of the recession are complex and predate Obama's presidency.

Some voters blamed Obama's policies for the recession, arguing that his stimulus package was not effective and that his regulation of the financial industry was insufficient. Others blamed the Republican Party for the recession, arguing that their policies had weakened regulations on the financial industry and exacerbated the housing bubble. Still others blamed both parties, arguing that both had failed to properly regulate the financial industry and had not taken adequate steps to prevent the recession.

It is important to note that these poll results are just one snapshot in time and may not reflect current views. Additionally, it is possible that some voters may have blamed multiple parties or politicians for the recession.