Critics Agree: Obama Sucks
Feb 22, 2010 11 Comments ›› Erik Wong
The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Monday shows that 22% of the nation’s voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President. That matches yesterday’s result as the lowest level of strong approval yet recorded for this President. Forty-one percent (41%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -19 (see trends).
The only day that Barack Obama’s Approval Index ratings were lower than today was last December 22. Like today, that came at a time when the President was making a strong push for his proposed health care legislation. Most voters have consistently opposed that plan.
Forty-seven percent (47%) say it is possible for the U.S. to achieve victory in Afghanistan while 30% disagree. Voters remain divided as to whether the primary objective should be victory or getting troops home as soon as possible.
New data released this morning on the Republican primary in Florida shows that Marco Rubio has opened a wider lead over Charlie Crist.
Check out our review of last week’s key polls to see “What They Told Us.†Topics include voter frustration with Washington, health care, Election 2010 and more.
The Presidential Approval Index is calculated by subtracting the number who Strongly Disapprove from the number who Strongly Approve. It is updated daily at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (sign up for free daily e-mail update). Updates are also available on Twitter and Facebook.
Overall, 45% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the President’s performance. Fifty-four percent (54%) disapprove.
Commenting on In Search of Self-Governance, Jay Cost says that Scott Rasmussen “draws upon his unparalleled knowledge of public opinion to explore the relationship between the governed and the government, and what the people can do to change that relationship for the better. The result is a thoughtful and persuasive essay from a writer who knows the subject matter inside and out. I highly recommend it.”
Currently, 39% of voters nationwide favor the health care plan proposed by the President and Congressional Democrats. Fifty-eight percent (58%) are opposed. Most say that Congress should wait to act until voters select new congressional representatives in November.
If the proposed health care plan becomes law, 78% of voters expect it will cost more than projected. Voters overwhelmingly believe passage of the plan will increase the federal deficit and lead to middle-class tax hikes. Most of those with insurance fear that they could be forced to change their coverage if the health care legislation passes.
