The 64% who said they were optimistic represents a decline from 72% who said the same in 2021, but the comeback from the COVID-19 pandemic shaped a lot of that.
There are more than 300 COVID-19 variants circling the globe, but few appear as infectious and dangerous as the original strain that triggered the pandemic.
For months, Gov. Phil Murphy has repeatedly promised a review of the state's response to the pandemic, but it is unclear if that review has even begun.
NJ Rep. Chris Smith (R, NJ-03) is pushing back hard on the CDC's recommendation and demands President Joe Biden's administration disclose all clinical data the CDC used in making its recommendation.
New Jersey health officials are bracing for the arrival of a new COVID-19 variant that appears to be more easily transmitted and evades many of the existing vaccine protections.
Where there may be great agreement with President Biden is in the sentiment that Americans must just learn to deal and live with COVID from this point forward.
President Biden's recent comments about the pandemic being over have sparked some concern that the public wouldn't continue to take proactive measures.