Pew: Obama’s support eroding
posted at 2:05 pm on March 16, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
A second major polling firm sees an erosion of support for Barack Obama after less than two months in office. Pew Research reports that Obama’s approval ratings have dropped below 60% and his negatives have climbed significantly after his first 50 days in office. Their results parallel those from Rasmussen:
A new poll by the independent Pew Research Center for the People & the Press has found that President Barack Obama’s popular support is eroding, with his approval rating dropping below 60 percent.
“President Barack Obama’s approval rating has slipped, as a growing number of Americans see him listening more to his party’s liberals than to its moderates, and many voice opposition to some of his key economic proposals,” the Pew Center concluded.
Its new survey finds Obama’s approval rating falling to 59 percent from 64 percent in February. It also finds the ranks of Americans who disapprove of the president’s job performance rising, to 26 percent from 17 percent.
The Pew top-line approval approximates that from Rasmussen, which has it at 56%. Rasmussen, though, has the Strongly Approve rating at 36% while the Strongly Disapprove has shot up to 32%, giving Obama the slimmest passion gap of his presidency. The overall Rasmussen numbers are 56%-43% on approval.
What has caused the erosion? Pew says that Obama has increasingly become seen as an ideologue tied to the left wing of the Democratic Party. By a gap of 44%-30%, voters believe Obama to have moved away from moderates, a reveral of his standing six weeks ago. Why? McClatchy’s analysis concludes that Obama’s economic agenda has begun to worry voters, who see a lot of government growth instead of economic stimulus.
After Scott Rasmussen’s editorial last week, Obama defenders insisted that Rasmussen was an “outlier”. No longer.
Update (AP): Full results here. Unfortunately, congressional Republicans’ approval rating has also dropped, from 34/51 to 28/51 — with the bulk of it coming from a 12-point decline among Republican voters.
Blowback
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CNN’s website words the headline to the story this way: “2 out of 3 approve of job Obama’s doing”
gmoonster on March 16, 2009 at 2:08 PM
Rasmussen got to them!
Chuck Schick on March 16, 2009 at 2:08 PM
Getouttatown.
Kent18 on March 16, 2009 at 2:09 PM
NO WAY!!!
how are they finding this out…the media keeps saying he is Lincoln and Reagan..
alexraye on March 16, 2009 at 2:09 PM
Like he says. He is a victum of Hannity and others.
seven on March 16, 2009 at 2:10 PM
That GOP drop can be blamed on Specter, Snowe, and Collins voting for the stimulus.
Kenrod on March 16, 2009 at 2:10 PM
DeathToSockPuppets and Getaclue will say “84% think he inherited this mess”….to which I will respond….
if 1/2 or more of that figure out he is not doing anything to help them out of it I’ll see youin 2010….
sven10077 on March 16, 2009 at 2:10 PM
What gives them that idea?
“I won.”
His personal feud with a radio talk show host?
carbon_footprint on March 16, 2009 at 2:11 PM
I guess that since the ONES that elected the ONE, haven’t received their checks yet and they are unhappy. They don’t poll working people, so I imagine that those sitting at home waiting on their checks are upset.
workingforpigs on March 16, 2009 at 2:11 PM
The republican party is powerless. If the Republicans stood shoulder-to-shoulder in opposing every one of Obama’s proposals, they would still pass (absent Democratic defections) and be enforced with the full force-of-law.
It also seems to me that the Republican party leadership is having a tough time enforcing party loyalty. That damages the party in my eyes more than just about anything else could at this point.
gryphon202 on March 16, 2009 at 2:11 PM
I am sure Nate Silver will have some analysis that declares this poll is meaningless.
Mark1971 on March 16, 2009 at 2:11 PM
That GOP drop can be partially blamed on that Republican pork in the omnibus bill. It got a lot of publicity last week.
myrenovations on March 16, 2009 at 2:12 PM
I’ve been hopeful for a change. Now I see the ungrateful left is rueing their vote for the Obama man. I am sorry it happened so fast. I thought sure he would last 6 months before they figured it out. Doe this mean he won’t pay for gas in my car and pay my mortgage?
kanda on March 16, 2009 at 2:12 PM
To whom is this news?
sherry on March 16, 2009 at 2:12 PM
That’s a rhetorical question, right?
Vashta.Nerada on March 16, 2009 at 2:12 PM
Typical (former) Obama supporter:
What do you mean you’re going to raise MY taxes?
What do you mean I’M getting laid-off?
SPCOlympics on March 16, 2009 at 2:12 PM
What caused the erosion, Obama’s teleprompter is dishonest.
tarpon on March 16, 2009 at 2:13 PM
Curse that Rush!!!!!!!
Techie on March 16, 2009 at 2:14 PM
HAL 9000 Brand CURSE YOU!-B. O’Bama
sven10077 on March 16, 2009 at 2:14 PM
Phew!: Obama’s support eroding
There, fixed it for ya….
jrlingreenbay on March 16, 2009 at 2:14 PM
We see change as promised. The uber left are starting to “change” their minds on this being a splendid notion. An empty suit is hard to keep high im popularity.
seven on March 16, 2009 at 2:14 PM
I blame this on the handful of GOP who have broken ranks.
ladyingray on March 16, 2009 at 2:15 PM
Cruise missiles and aspirin factories can’t be far behind…
catmman on March 16, 2009 at 2:15 PM
You don’t suppose that this will make a difference in the next elections do you? I mean, the way I see it is that the libtards are so short-sighted and ignorant that they will vote for whoever is the “politically correct” candidate at the time! And we all know where that gets us!
fumpbump on March 16, 2009 at 2:15 PM
I heard on another thread that the bush depression is over – maybe Pew just didn’t see that post…..
lol
Vashta.Nerada on March 16, 2009 at 2:16 PM
A third of Republicans think, after bailouts and stimulus bills totaling trillions of dollars, that the government should control more of the economy.
Civilization is crumbling around us.
MadisonConservative on March 16, 2009 at 2:16 PM
his support has only dropped amongst republicans. its been stagnant amongst dems and indys.
TruUSA on March 16, 2009 at 2:18 PM
But…but…that can’t be, he’s the Meeessssiiiaaahhh!!
If it weren’t for the fact the lemings that voted for the empty suit have placed the rest of us that didn’t vote for Obambi (because we have least one functioning synapse and weren’t fooled by the empty suit and the MSM) in this sinking boat with them I would be laughing my AZZ OF AT THE LEFT’S AND RINO’S BUYERS REMORSE!
Heh, Palin’s “lack of experience” is probably looking really good to RINO’s and moderate dems right now, isn’t it!
Ya know, I could use a little extra cash, any of you moderate dems and RINO’s that voted for Obambi care to play some three-card molly….SUCKERS!!
Liberty or Death on March 16, 2009 at 2:18 PM
Because of facts like that it makes me want to get a third party together. Until the Republicans stop acting like Democrats they will continue to go down.
txaggie on March 16, 2009 at 2:19 PM
The whole damn government is a failure. Everybody on the hill is bought and sold like cattle. I don’t trust any of them anymore.
Guardian on March 16, 2009 at 2:19 PM
Whew! I never thought it would happen so quickly but thank goodness. Seriously I am worried about my utility bills next winter.
If the blind who voted for this ass are starting to get it maybe this insane cap and trade will get nowhere.
ORconservative on March 16, 2009 at 2:19 PM
My extremely left wing mother & father in law who did everything just short of getting an Obama emblem tattoo’d to their foreheads have been grumbling as of late. Little words like “phoney” & “fraud” had been tossed around the dinner table this weekend.
I said something to the effect of the mask of Obama is slipping, and they came as close to agreeing with me than was comfortable for them to acknowledge.
portlandon on March 16, 2009 at 2:20 PM
Eventually the reality of Obama’s idiotic policies will trickle down to the clueless masses who have yet to start paying attention. There are still plenty of people counting on the Failed One to bail them out. I stepped in to Ross last Saturday to buy some socks and a whole family wearing Obama t-shirts was buying 2 carts full of clothing and paying with credit. Bad idea.
Wingo on March 16, 2009 at 2:21 PM
Probably why Obama is rushing out to do The Tonight Show this week.
JammieWearingFool on March 16, 2009 at 2:23 PM
Rush, you magnificent bastard.
NoFanofLibs on March 16, 2009 at 2:23 PM
SHOCKAH!!!!
FontanaConservative on March 16, 2009 at 2:24 PM
Thats what happens,when your Senator,with only,
2 years experience,and your whole campaign message
to the American electorate was on,
HOPElessness,
and
CHANGEless,
and creating the Economy DoomsDay Scenario,
right before the election!
canopfor on March 16, 2009 at 2:24 PM
The absolute Death Nell to a DemocRAT poll. is to be seen as a LIBERAL! They lie, cheat and steal to fake out the people so that they are not tied to the left! And now Barry is being tied to the left. MUWAHAHAHAH!
sabbott on March 16, 2009 at 2:25 PM
only amongst his moron base, the swing cote will look at that, and their 401ks and go…yeah AIG is ran by buttholes….what’s that got to do with doing your job goin on the chin show Barry??
sven10077 on March 16, 2009 at 2:26 PM
This news is of what surprise to anyone? The guy is phony, empty suit, has no leadership or executive abilities and has a bunch of doofuses working for him. Why is this a surprise?
As for the GOP’s ratings falling, other than the unanimous vote on the stimulus, they are still letting the RINOs control what little message they have. Until that changes, their approvals will continue to be in the tank.
It really is a shame, it’s like in a football, baseball, basketball game etc, where the opponent leaves you an opening and you can’t capitalize on it. That is how weak and incompetent the GOP is right now.
davek70 on March 16, 2009 at 2:27 PM
Which will again confirm that this man would prefer to be Michael Jordan rather than the leader of the free world. The latter is just too much work versus dribbling a ball and doing ads for underwear. Poor guy had no idea that the red carpet was retractable.
sherry on March 16, 2009 at 2:27 PM
Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy…
right2bright on March 16, 2009 at 2:29 PM
This must be the work of HilRods,
Vast LeftWing Conspiracy Cabal!!
——————————————–
What has caused the erosion!
I bet its Hopey/Changey/Teleprompter,’Moderates’,
English protocols,and reset button does come to
mind tho!
canopfor on March 16, 2009 at 2:30 PM
Doesn’t matter. As long as Osama Obama still has the support of Soros and those greedhead loons in Congress, he’s gold.
In four years the damage will be done.
MrScribbler on March 16, 2009 at 2:30 PM
As I said in my previous post, I could use a little extra cash, would your in-laws that voted for Obambi care to play some three-card molly….?!?!
So, do you like and get along with your in-laws? If not then I would gloat and rub it in as much as possible, and if you do get along with them, well then, I would still gloat and rub it in! :-)
Liberty or Death on March 16, 2009 at 2:30 PM
Let’s see, within two months we have the following:
1. Brits are insulted;
2. Hamas and Iran pandered to;
3. Russians emboldened;
4. Dow down to nearly half of its October ’07 high;
5. Personal attacks on private (albeit vocal) citizens by a sitting President;
6. 8% unemployment (meaning the actual number is well above 10%);
7. China rethinking its “invest in America’s debt” strategy;
8. Presidential cabinet rampant with tax cheats;
9. Multi-trillion dollar budget deficits.
Hillary is loving this. I’m thinking a few more screwups from “Plugs” Biden and she’s our new Vice-President. Obama “gracefully” declines reelection in 2012 and we have Mrs. Bubba coming to the rescue as the front-runner.
TheMightyMonarch on March 16, 2009 at 2:30 PM
So how’s that Rush campaign going for ya Mr. President?
scalleywag on March 16, 2009 at 2:30 PM
He’s already dropping lower than than G.W. Bush (the most evil and hated man in the world – after Dick Cheney, that is) at the same point in his presidency.
Uh-oh.
Media swings into full damage control mode…
whitetop on March 16, 2009 at 2:31 PM
Hey now, give him an f****ing break.
myrenovations on March 16, 2009 at 2:32 PM
Don’t tease me man. Over lunch today I started watching “Media Malpractice: How Obama got elected and Palin was targeted” and 17 minutes into it I had to stop it. It made me physically sick.
.
I have no faith left whatsoever in the American people to break free of the media myth and this poll report does not change my mind. We have committed national suicide by electing this man and it gives me no comfort to hear that a handful of morons are suddenly saying “Wait. what?”
BrideOfRove on March 16, 2009 at 2:32 PM
CNN did its own poll. They found about 64% approve.
However, “When asked about the economy, 59 percent of respondents approve of how Obama’s performing, with 40 percent disapproving.”
That number has to be lower than it was a month ago. Overall, Obama is tanking fast though.
El_Terrible on March 16, 2009 at 2:32 PM
Huzzah! One poll says he’s 59% and the other says 56%. Still a solid majority. Three cheers!
THis is not good news. After all he’s done it should be lower. When will a majority dislike him? Before or after the healthcare bill?
All i’m saying is, hurray, the public is reacting to Obama’s adgenda. But he’s also ramming every liberal fantasy down our throats. I’m not a Glenn Beck fan (i don’t think we need to hide in bunkers; I believe we’ll still be a republic – just a semi-socialist one) but I just don’t see the good news here. Headline: Wildly popular politician has poltical capital; spends it
Trent1289 on March 16, 2009 at 2:33 PM
People are having some trouble not believing their lying eyes. We will retire Pelosi and Reid in 2010, have no doubts.
msmveritas on March 16, 2009 at 2:34 PM
Ugh, what a waste of an opportunity.
Someone needs to tell the U.S. that affirmative action shouldn’t be applied to the presidency.
Ingenue on March 16, 2009 at 2:35 PM
5% drop out of the approval column, but 9% move into the disapproval column.
The venturi effect of fence sitting is in full operation here.
unclesmrgol on March 16, 2009 at 2:35 PM
Just wait until the Butcher’s bill comes due when he starts taxing health benefits…..
this would be funny except for the pain….
sven10077 on March 16, 2009 at 2:36 PM
On the decline of Republican Congressional support, I suspect that a lot of that is based on being tarred by the RINO-3.
Thank you Arlen!
OBQuiet on March 16, 2009 at 2:38 PM
Ah,Obama,remember the workers needed that extra time leveling the Temple Pillars,and ah,you were in,ah hurry,
well,um,ah there still not level,um,ah,and it appears
ah,that the support is eroding,um,ah,and ah,I’m afraid
a,
collapse could be imminent!(Sarc).
canopfor on March 16, 2009 at 2:39 PM
My mother-in-law is a Republican. Not a bright woman, but she will ask questions and listen to answers.
Sadly, no matter how many times she is told, she has no idea who controls Congress. Most people didn’t know the answer to that before the last election and I am willing to bet they still don’t know.
We can’t take back Congress unless we paint a big, yet simple, picture for these kinds of voters.
myrenovations on March 16, 2009 at 2:39 PM
Expected, given that anything associated with Stimulus is considered covered with crap. We have three Republicans who gave the Dems cover on this, so, whether we like it or not, the Stimulus is officially bipartisan. I’m sure the reason the Republican leaders are being castigated is over the Three — which I doubt translates into more votes for Obama’s ilk.
unclesmrgol on March 16, 2009 at 2:40 PM
we’d be better off without the New England RiNOs at this phase, someone needs to let them know….get on the raft or run on your own cash.
sven10077 on March 16, 2009 at 2:40 PM
Time for conservatives to start hanging big red tags on the RINO’s earlobes and distancing ourselves from them.
AubieJon on March 16, 2009 at 2:41 PM
By a gap of 44%-30%, voters believe Obama to have moved away from moderates
How the hell can Obama have moved away from moderates when he was NEVER there to begin with?
Sounds like 44% of those polled have their heads up their asses.
GarandFan on March 16, 2009 at 2:41 PM
Pew? Or PEEE U!!
Really, is anyone the least bit surprised?
Fish on March 16, 2009 at 2:43 PM
That’s quite a few nails in the coffin. Add taxing health care benefits and charging Vets for medical care to the list and the guy will be toast.
scalleywag on March 16, 2009 at 2:43 PM
The question begs,
is Obama’s support,
fundamentally strong,
to rip his own words,
as Obama describes the
economy!!
canopfor on March 16, 2009 at 2:43 PM
AubieJon on March 16, 2009 at 2:44 PM
Only one solution for the liberals, Democrats and Obama administraton to these sinking poll numbers:
Attack Republicans for not agreeing with Obama, go harder after Rush Limbaugh and any other public figure that say negative things about Obama….and Blame Bush!
albill on March 16, 2009 at 2:45 PM
Yep, and those two years he was in the senate was spent CAMPAIGNING instead of doing the business of the people! It reminds me of this guy that I replaced when I went to work at ASU, the guy was being paid to do a job but instead was taking classes during work hours!
Guess what Obambi, voting “present” don’t cut it anymore, you wanted to be POTUS and now you are so put up or resign!
I still chuckle inside when I think of how the MSM bashed Palin for her “lack of experience” that and I laugh and ridicule out loud those that swallowed the MSM propaganda hook, line, and sinker!
I would say that anyone that voted for this pathetic empty suit should have their brain MRI’d, but that would be a waste of resources because anyone that voted for this fraud doesn’t have a brain to MRI…morons and suckers…there’s one born evey minute!
Liberty or Death on March 16, 2009 at 2:46 PM
Most people don’t know who controls Congress, but the news that idiots like Dodd are in a dead heat with Simmons bodes well. Throw the bums out is a pretty big and simple picture.
msmveritas on March 16, 2009 at 2:46 PM
I’d love to know what the “reasoning” is behind this among Republicans. For example, do they view them as having been in favor of, or opposed to “bailouts”?
Buy Danish on March 16, 2009 at 2:46 PM
Poor Bambi, I almost feel sorry for him. Almost.
thevastlane on March 16, 2009 at 2:50 PM
Exactly. It will probably take another 6 months before it really sets in with the people who voted for him.
I’ll tell you how bad some people got suckered…my landlord went and bought 2, not 1 but TWO, labradoodle dogs when he heard that’s what Obama was going to get for his daughters. Sucker.
scalleywag on March 16, 2009 at 2:51 PM
Remember,
the Liberal Democratic Party,
ownes the ‘BailOut’,PERIOD!
canopfor on March 16, 2009 at 2:52 PM
Three words, Specter, Snowe, Collins
msmveritas on March 16, 2009 at 2:52 PM
He also insulted India over Kashmir and pissed of Karzai but I don’t recall what that was over.
scalleywag on March 16, 2009 at 2:55 PM
What do you expect for a community organizer from Chicago. How many lies has he told so far and broken campain promises.
samhill on March 16, 2009 at 2:56 PM
Too many Republicans are still acting like Democrat-lite…
golfer1 on March 16, 2009 at 2:57 PM
When will all of the trolls invade to assure us that GWB was and always will be the worst president in history?
thevastlane on March 16, 2009 at 2:57 PM
There. Fixed it.
darwin-t on March 16, 2009 at 2:58 PM
The Republican party needs to find a single talking point that they can all repeat verbatim every minute of everyday to hammer home to the American people. In fact, they need a slogan writer to come up with one.
well, we could probably do the job for them on the cheap.
kelley in virginia on March 16, 2009 at 2:58 PM
Two words: buyer’s remorse.
Send_Me on March 16, 2009 at 2:58 PM
The GOP congressional approval drop is, I will bet, entirely attributable to the RINO behavior of our Senate overlords, Messrs Specter, Snowe and Collins.
Martin on March 16, 2009 at 3:00 PM
just something like “the Dems can keep the change” would be good enough (though too snarky for every single breath). what can we say that is slightly more serious, but highlights that bambi & the dems own the economic situation?
kelley in virginia on March 16, 2009 at 3:00 PM
My inlaws are the reason the economy is so screwed up. They mortgage everything they own, buy everything on Credit, overextend themselves and blame everyone else but themselves. It’s amazing how many upper crust neighborhoods with the picket fence,daffodils out front & 2 car garages are 1 paycheck away from doom.
I love my wife so I don’t rub it in their faces even though they trashed Bush for 8 years all while giving me little smirks now & again. They wanted liberalism, so now they got it. They aren’t so vocal anymore.
portlandon on March 16, 2009 at 3:03 PM
I suspect troll visits will trend with Obama’s popularity.
Patrick S on March 16, 2009 at 3:04 PM
I hope we can retire dirty harry, but san fran nan will be supported by that evil san francisco and she will never get out.
There is a good congressman named Jason Chaffetz from Utah who voted against the stimulus, added no pork to it, (in fact is against pork of any kind – he thinks it should be in a separate bill and then defended) sleeps on a cot in his office and looks good to me. I hope in a couple of years he will replace one of our senators who talks the talk, but does not walk the walk.
Bambi on March 16, 2009 at 3:04 PM
ain’t seen nothing yet…
‘see rock fall from sky..’
gatorboy on March 16, 2009 at 3:05 PM
Debt Star – Change you can’t afford.
msmveritas on March 16, 2009 at 3:05 PM
ok, veritas, 1st entry. i’m sure HA has a prize for you!
kelley in virginia on March 16, 2009 at 3:09 PM
President Xerxes is friends with Bill Ayers. Any talk that this is not so, is a lie. This makes him and all his supporters dishonorable. This can’t be disputed. To me the polls don’t matter and yes I want him and his supporters to fail.
As an American, his failure will no doubt hurt me and my family too. However, there is one thing I know for sure. Without this pain we will never be a great and healthy nation. When I went through chemo I can tell you that you first vomit your stomach contents. Then bile. Then blood. Finally you only retch. And then you live.
John D on March 16, 2009 at 3:09 PM
What a wonderful “I told you so” moment that must be! Enjoy.
manwithblackhat on March 16, 2009 at 3:09 PM
I don’t believe these numbers. After all, Obama ended the Bush Depression.
/sarc
Doughboy on March 16, 2009 at 3:10 PM
Oh, no the internal polls aren’t that bad…
Obama to Make Leno Appearance In Los Angeles
Caper29 on March 16, 2009 at 3:15 PM
But do the Obama Girlz think the Messiah is still haht?
bloviator on March 16, 2009 at 3:15 PM
Getting tired of waiting for their gas and houses to be paid for? Wait till they feel what cap & trade is going to do for them.
canditaylor68 on March 16, 2009 at 3:15 PM
Oh, I am so, SO stealing that. ;)
Kent18 on March 16, 2009 at 3:17 PM
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