Obama’s Approval Ratings Slide: By the Numbers
In April, 62% of the public approved of Barack Obama’s performance as president, but in August, just four months later, 52% approved. Obama’s approval rating has declined across nearly all major demographic and political groups.
Public Worried, Informed About H1N1
Most Americans are confident in the government’s ability to deal with the swine flue, less trust the media to accurately report on it.
Congressional Favorability Falls to 24-Year Low; Dems Lose Midterm Advantage
Americans’ opinion of Congress is at a 24-year low, and as a result the party in power has lost its electoral edge. Voters split between the Democrats and GOP in a 2010 matchup, but Democrats are still favored on most issues.
International Stories Don’t Register
While health care is the public’s top story, as many heard about Brett Farve as protesters bringing guns to town halls. Most heard news about the availability of swine flu vaccines.
Death Panels Live On With Fox Viewers
Regular viewers of Fox News Channel are far more likely than viewers of other cable news channels and nightly network news to say claims of death panels are true.
Would Americans Welcome Medicare if it Were Being Proposed in 2009?
Much of the opposition to health care reform today is being fueled by anti-government sentiment that did not exist during the mid-1960′s.
Public Souring on Washington
More say the president and GOP leaders are not working together, as Obama’s approval inches lower and the Democratic Party’s favorability falls sharply. Opinion about the economy remains negative with personal financial assessments becoming more bearish.
Americans Hear Improvement in Tone of Economic News
Americans are hearing better news coverage about financial markets, real estate and prices. Also, as the health care debate tops interest, town hall protests register widely, with a majority calling the behavior appropriate.
Opinion of State Governments Drops With the Economy, Budget Gaps
The falloff in favorable views has been greater in states with the largest budget gaps. Also, the new administration has shifted partisan views of the federal government dramatically.
Public Supports Targeting Al Qaeda Leaders, Wants Congress in the Loop
Americans generally support allowing the Central Intelligence Agency to assassinate al Qaeda leaders, but opinions are more mixed about whether the CIA should have such a program without first informing Congress.
