The faithful within both the Republican and Democratic folds claim their chosen party leaders are champions of the American middle class. But the majority of independents who form the largest slice of that vast demographic overwhelmingly aren't buying it, pegging the Republicans as the party of the wealthy while also believing that Democratic policies somewhat tend to favor the poor.

That finding is among the most interesting in a new study by the Pew Research Center, which looks at the decline in income, wealth and optimism for Americans identifying as middle class. The report begins with the finding that fewer and fewer Americans even consider themselves to be in that socioeconomic group.

Since this is a presidential election year, some of the political findings are among the most salient. Click 'Start' to see some of the most interesting nuggets from the report.

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A report on the state on the American middle class by the Pew Research Center calls the past decade quotlostquot for that socioeconomic group wealth, income and security are down.
A report on the state on the American middle class by the Pew Research Center calls the past decade "lost" for that socioeconomic group: Wealth, income and security are all down. PEW
In an interesting finding, the reports survey found most in the middle class blamed the Bush administration and Congress more than the Obama administration for their current plight.
In an interesting finding, the report's survey found most in the middle class blamed the Bush administration and Congress more than the Obama administration for their current plight. Pew
In an interesting finding, the reports survey found most in the middle class blamed the Bush administration and Congress more than the Obama administration for their current plight.
In an interesting finding, the report's survey found most in the middle class blamed the Bush administration and Congress more than the Obama administration for their current plight. Pew
The middle class seems to have plenty to complain about. Their incomes share as part of the nations total sum has been steadily declining as the rich have become richer.
The middle class seems to have plenty to complain about. Their income's share as part of the nation's total sum has been steadily declining as the rich have become richer. Pew
Although in absolute terms the poor have been worst off.
Although in absolute terms the poor have been worst off. Pew
The numbers speak for themselves.
The numbers speak for themselves. Pew
The shift has made many in the middle class feel that they are worse off now than they were a few years ago.
The shift has made many in the middle class feel that they are worse off now than they were a few years ago. Pew
The share of Americans who even consider themselves middle class has grown smaller.
The share of Americans who even consider themselves middle class has grown smaller. Pew
And many now see less hope for future generations.
And many now see less hope for future generations. Pew
That has led to a change in fundamental attitudes.
That has led to a change in fundamental attitudes. Pew
Views are generally that things are getting worse.
Views are generally that things are getting worse. Pew
Although, of course, views vary from individual to individual.
Although, of course, views vary from individual to individual. Pew
Politically, all this information is significant. The largest slice of people identifying themselves as middle class also call themselves quotindependents.quot
Politically, all this information is significant. The largest slice of people identifying themselves as middle class also call themselves "independents." Pew
And they are leaning blue so far.
And they are leaning blue so far. Pew