July 20, 2009
WaPo-ABC News Poll shows skeptical public on Obama agenda
His personal popularity is still high, befitting our Celebrity-in-Chief. But when it comes to the issues he's promoting, Obama's agenda appears to be in trouble with the voters.
A new Washington Post-ABC News poll reveals declining support for the president's legislative agenda across the board. Dan Balz and Jon Cohen have the details:
Heading into a critical period in the debate over health-care reform, public approval of President Obama's stewardship on the issue has dropped below the 50 percent threshold for the first time, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.
Obama's approval ratings on other front-burner issues, such as the economy and the federal budget deficit, have also slipped over the summer, as rising concern about spending and continuing worries about the economy combine to challenge his administration. Barely more than half approve of the way he is handling unemployment, which now tops 10 percent in 15 states and the District.
The president's overall approval rating remains higher than his marks on particular domestic issues, with 59 percent giving him positive reviews and 37 percent disapproving. But this is the first time in his presidency that Obama has fallen under 60 percent in Post-ABC polling, and the rating is six percentage points lower than it was a month ago.
Since April, approval of Obama's handling of health care has dropped from 57 percent to 49 percent, with disapproval rising from 29 percent to 44 percent. Obama still maintains a large advantage over congressional Republicans in terms of public trust on the issue, even as the GOP has closed the gap.
Independents have become particularly skeptical of Obama's health care plan with just 44% supporting him (as opposed to 49% opposing). This is down from 53% support last month among indies.
The president hits the airwaves on Wednesday night in what promises to be an interesting press conference. The print media has become less enamored of the president the last month and it will be interesting to see if Obama loses his cool when confronted with not only the bad news on polling, but the reluctance of members of his own party to pass his agenda.
Hat Tip: Ed Lasky