Slippage
With the public increasingly concerned about the state of the economy, Pres. Obama's approval ratings have dipped below the 60% mark, according to a poll released today by The Pew Research Center for the People & the Press. The survey shows the president's job approval at 59%; it was 64% in the group's February poll. His disapproval rating, meanwhile, has increased to 26% over the last month, from 17%.
Overall, opinions of the Democratic president have become more partisan. Among Republicans, 27% approve of the way he is handling his job while 56% disapprove. In February, 34% of Republicans approved of Obama's performance and 41% disapproved. Democrats, by contrast, are still largely supportive of Obama (88% approve). Twice as many independents approve (57%) as disapprove (27%) of his job performance -- but independents were more positive in February (63% approved, 14% disapproved).
Barely a quarter (27%) of Americans -- including 32% of Republicans -- could name someone who they believe is leading the Republican Party. Nearly three-quarters (73%) said they don't know who leads the party or volunteered that nobody does.
John McCain is apparently the de facto leader of the GOP. His name was mentioned more than any other. About one-in-ten Americans (11%) - and 12% of Republicans - said McCain is at the helm. The next-most-mentioned name is conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh, cited by 5%. Limbaugh is named as the GOP's leader by roughly the same share of Republicans (4%) Democrats (6%) and independents (5%). Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and embattled Republican National Committee Chairman Michael S. Steele were each mentioned by 2% of those polled. No other politician's name comes up more than 1% of the time.
The poll was conducted March 9-12 and surveyed 1,308 adults reached on landlines and cell phones.
Read on for congressional approval ratings and more about the economy and proposed financial bailouts, among other matters.
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