by Mark Silva
Approaching his 100th day in the White House at a time of economic turmoil, President Barack Obama holds the approval of nearly two-thirds of Americans surveyed for the job that he is performing - and seven in 10 say they like Obama, the man.
Most say they approve of the president's overall handling of the economy, while the effects of his policies remain uncertain.
Obama's job approval as president stands at 63 percent in a poll released this morning by the Washington-based Pew Research Center -- with just 26 percent of those surveyed saying they disapprove of the way that Obama is handling his job.
The president draws a similar rating in a new poll conducted by the Associated Press and GfK Roper Public Affairs and Media: 64 percent job approval. The AP-GfK survey also finds, for the first time in five years, more Americans saying the nation is headed in the right direction than those who say it is not.
The president's job approval also stands at 65 percent in the latest results of the Gallup Poll's daily tracking survey.
In a reversal of the way that voters traditionally view leaders of the two major political parties, the Democratic president draws better ratings in the Pew survey for his handling of foreign policy and terrorism than for his handling of domestic issues such as health care, taxes or the budget deficit.
Nevertheless, 60 percent of those surveyed by Pew say they approve of Obama's overall handling of the economy.
First Lady Michelle Obama also is having a honeymoon of her own with the American public, with 76 percent of those surveyed voicing a favorable view of her - up from 62 percent in January, when the Obamas moved into the White House.
This is particularly true among Republican women, whose opinion of the first lady has grown by 21 points since January, to 67 percent approval in the newest survey. Among Republicans in general, the first lady holds the approval of 60 percent.
The president's own personal favorability rating stands at 73 percent in the survey.
Still, the Pew poll, like others, reveals a wide disparity between Democrats and Republicans in the way they rate the new president's performance -- with 93 percent of Democrats surveyed voicing approval and just 30 percent of Republicans agreeing.
The Pew survey of 1,507 adults was conducted April 14-21 and carries a possible margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points. The AP-GfK poll survey of 1,000 adults was run April 16-20, with a 3.1 percent margin of error.
Nearly half of those surveyed by AP-GfK - 48 percent - said the country is headed in the right direction, up from 40 percent in February. And 40 percent still said the nation is headed in the wrong direction. Not since January 2004 has an AP survey found more "right direction'' sentiment than "wrong direction'' concern.
For a president whose Republican rival, Sen. John McCain, presented himself as a more seasoned expert on foreign affairs, the Democrat has gained respect at home for his work on the foreign stage. Most Anericans surveyed by Pew - 57 percent - say that Obama is striking the right balance in pressing American interests while taking into the account the interests of U.S. allies.
The public also is taking a more positive view of Obama's decision to close the U.S. military-run detention camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba - with 51 percent approving - than it did when the president first announced his intentions to close the facility within a year in January, when 38 percent approved.
The president, who traveled across Europe and to Baghdad earlier this month, draws strong approval for his overall handling of foreign policy in the Pew survey - 61 percent.
While most (60 percent) approve of Obama's overall handling of the economy, Pew found, most also say that it is too early to tell whether the president's economic policies have had an effect or say they have had no effect. Just 26 percent of those surveyed say his policies have made conditions better.
Most support the extent of the agenda that Obama is tackling early in his presidency, with 56 percent saying he is handling things right and 34 percent say he is taking on too much.
The president's campaign promise of "change'' and pledge to set a new tone in Washington are still resonating with most Americans, the Pew poll suggests: With 63 percent of those surveyed saying that Obama has demonstrated a new approach to politics and just 27 percent calling his approach business as usual.
However, among the younger voters surveyed, that enthusiasm apparently has waned somewhat: With 61 percent of those under 30 saying the president brings a new approach to politics, down from 73 percent in February.
While the president has held the public's approval after three months in office, Vice President Joe Biden has lost some support.
About half of those surveyed by Pew, 51 percent, said they have a favorable view of Biden - down 12 percentage points from January. It is largely among Democrats and independents that Biden's standing has slipped, Pew found, with Republicans holding roughly steady in their views of the vice president.
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Comments
Yep. Glenn Beck's tea parties really turned it around for the GOP.
Posted by: Flo | April 23, 2009 8:14 AM
And Gallup has consistently shown Obama's rating below most other polls, so the number is actually 65-70 percent approval.
Obama's agenda is clearly getting the support of the American people, no matter what Republicans and the conservatives talking heads say.
http://www.political-buzz.com/
Posted by: matt | April 23, 2009 8:24 AM
Challenge this poll. Please post questions, details regarding demographics of those polled.
If they're calling people in Illinois then that explains the numbers.
Democrats and Republicans can "manage" the numbers through special questions, preceding questions.
Sounds like ACORN was taking the poll.
There are more dissatisfied people than reflected in this poll.
Pollsters should: Post the questions, list the demographics of those answering the questions.
Don't be fooled. Polls are easily manipulated as is the media.
Posted by: Donny | April 23, 2009 8:33 AM
What Democratic precinct was this poll taken?. His numbers all falling all
over the place. His "changes" are too radical, along with outrageous spending and higher taxes. At this rate when inflation kicks in and it will just as sure as the sun sets in the west, our dollar will be worth next to nothing.
Posted by: Paul | April 23, 2009 8:50 AM
He must be the only guy taking the approval poll, no wonder he is doing so well.
Posted by: Tom | April 23, 2009 9:07 AM
I like how they call 63% nearly two thirds of the country. It's really half way to only half the country. The shinny new penny is beggining to tarnish. Wonder where will will be at 200 days.
Posted by: Red Blooded American | April 23, 2009 9:07 AM
As long as he is popular I guess that means he is successful.
I wish he just did what was in the best interest of the country, which is not always the most popular.
Posted by: TA | April 23, 2009 9:11 AM
100 days in office and Obama still hasn't presented his birth certificate to where he was born
.
Wake up congress this is an issue, more important than
some of the worthless issues that are being tossed around.
Posted by: Inky | April 23, 2009 9:14 AM
As long as he is popular I guess that means he is successful.
I wish he just did what was in the best interest of the country, which is not always the most popular.
Posted by: TA | April 23, 2009 9:17 AM
Guess it shows that PT Barnum was right .... the suckers are drinking the kool-aid. Let's hope they still feel that way when they have to wait 24 months and see some government bureaucrats to get a doctor's appointment, and when other nations begin to be the financial leaders because our banks are nationalized, and when we have 800% or worse hyperinflation. Best, let's hope they feel that way after the next Al-Quaeda attack on Americans. Frankly, if they could score one on Capitol Hill, I might find it harder now to muster much outrage, particularly if the right people were making speeches there.
Posted by: Tracey | April 23, 2009 9:23 AM
Oooohh, I can hear republican heads exploding all over the country!
Posted by: I heart Schadenfreude | April 23, 2009 9:38 AM
We are sending more troops in Afghanistan and just borrowed 3.6 trillion for our kids to pay back ...and we are 'taking a new approach'? No wonder we are in trouble, Americans are just that dumb and blind to be confronted with facts!
Posted by: Batboy | April 23, 2009 9:40 AM
Really ? Who are they asking becouse it isnt me or the people I no !
Posted by: Gary | April 23, 2009 9:47 AM
63% morons. Sounds about right!!!
Posted by: juantwo | April 23, 2009 9:50 AM
Nobody asked me. Or, anyone I know.
Most folks are wary of BO, at best.
Posted by: joe | April 23, 2009 9:57 AM
The writers must be mathmatically challenged. How does 63% equal 7 out of 10 people?
Posted by: Drez | April 23, 2009 10:07 AM
Poll number look great when 60% of those polled are Dems. The economy is still tanking, loss on average 610K jobs a week while the financial world has lost all trust in his Treasury Dept.(maybe not GE and its Obama networks which will cash in and save their a** with the green stimulus debt dollars). He just finished the European "apology" tour, including a gracious bow to the Saudi King for his performance while calling most Americans arrogant. Thus, Iran falsely imprisoned an American and called us vile, NK shot a deadly missile at us, while the UN, on our dime, attacked us. Then he went to blaming America for the corrupt Mexican government's failures and a drug war fueled by American weapons (factually incorrect). Next, a smiling photo session with a two-bit socialist dick-tater which is now sending chills within the ranks of our now forgotten allies for democracy in our southern hemisphere. For all his travels; America bashed, Obama praised in the MSM. Only to return home to demoralize our intelligence community and embark on partisan attacks against those who have kept us safe since 9/11 and start a firestorm that will further divide our country. And the economy continues to tank with uncertainty as the Dems roll out new debt spending and taxes. My poll numbers, after witnessing the tea party protests, suggest a backlash against the Dems. in Congress and a one term, aka Carter.
Posted by: bubba Porter | April 23, 2009 10:15 AM
Who did they poll? Readers of the NY Times? So far, Obama has not done one thing right. Unemployment has soared under his "leadership," many companies have gone into bankruptcy,
the economy has plunged further into recession and what has Obama done? He's thoroughly denigrated and damaged our intelligence community thereby threatening all of our safety. He's gone all over the world apologizing for America to the likes of Castro, Ortega, Chavez, the French (for heaven's sake, the French), and the Russians! He and Napolitano call military veterans potential terrorists but will no longer call the real terrorists by that name. Ay, yi yi!
Posted by: Garrick | April 23, 2009 10:18 AM
Repubs are so marginalized right now ... I love ever minute of it. Keep up the "tea-bagging" you mouth-breathing losers. Keep clutching those Ayn Rand books, you friendless freaks.
Did anyone see the poll out the other day that showed the country of Venezuela had a higher "favorable" rating amongst americans than the Republican Party?
Posted by: Repubs are losers. | April 23, 2009 10:23 AM
Being popular does not equate to being successful. President Obama is too concerned with being liked by everyone--especially our perenial detractors abroad! I want a President who isn't afraid to take a stand and ruffle some feathers, if need be. While I don't think it's sage policy to go out and purposely create enemies and detractors, I also don't like the fact that Obama is trying so hard to be all things to all people. That is a losing proposition at the end of the day, and played out in the wrong areas, it can have devastating consequences.
Posted by: John | April 23, 2009 10:26 AM
I love the rabid and their attack on polls, and they know nobody who approves. It's only more proof how out of touch they are with America. Their little white bread worlds see no approval. Don't listen to these polls republicans........you're doing a great job. These polls are lies by the "liberal" media and you need to continue your failure for America agenda.
Posted by: bill r. | April 23, 2009 10:26 AM
To put things in perspective, Bush had a 62% approval rating after 100 days, Clinton 55%, and older Bush 58%. High approval ratings are pretty usual in this 'honeymoon' state of the presidency.
Posted by: Joe O | April 23, 2009 10:27 AM
B.J. Clinton was popular too and what did that get us...Bin laden planning 911 for three years under his nose and attacks at home and abroad.
Paulo
Posted by: Paulo | April 23, 2009 10:28 AM
I'm not a republican or conservative.. not even close... but.. any intelligent person I know and talk to is totally disappointed with Obama...and those who love him so much...are honestly not the brightest bunch.
Posted by: xxx | April 23, 2009 10:30 AM
Hi, I'm a Republican. I'm going to nitpick every story that's positive about Obama. Also, I'm going to claim there are conspiracies afoot about how Obama won the election and about what he's going to do with the country. I'm also going to be in denial and act like a petulant child because I feel powerless and out of sync with the rest of the populace. I think I'll designate everyone that doesn't agree with me as "librals", "idiots" and "sheep" because I and the others that think like me are the only ones that really know what's going on even though we are the minority now. That just means we're right, and oh, yeah the media is liberal and that's why the truth always disagrees with us.
Posted by: Repub | April 23, 2009 10:44 AM
Must read article on "the class clowns", i.e. Republicans.
Simply put, Repubs have NO credibility anymore. None.
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/27596371/the_class_clowns
Posted by: Rob S. | April 23, 2009 10:47 AM
Flunking 4th grade math must have sucked, eh?
Posted by: Marcus | April 23, 2009 10:50 AM
Why was the AP poll conducted in English and Spanish? Is our country now so multicultural that registered voters are not fluent in English? And what about the Rasmussen poll which shows a 55% approval rating? Rasmussen came the closest of any pollster to predicting the actual results of the last two presidential elections.
Posted by: Jean Gault | April 23, 2009 10:53 AM
How about third-grade reading?
Posted by: Mark Silva | April 23, 2009 10:54 AM
"What is popular is not always right, and what is right is not always popular"
I would say I like Obama as a man. He seems like he would be a good neighbor. I do not agree with how apologetic he has been lately or how quickly he is spending money.
Posted by: Steve | April 23, 2009 10:56 AM
WASHINGTON -- New jobless claims rose more than expected last week, while the number of workers continuing to filing claims for unemployment benefits topped 6.1 million.
I don't thnk they asked any of these folks.
Posted by: Greg | April 23, 2009 10:57 AM
Hey hows ol' Tedisco doing? In that district that the republicans hold a majority and still can't seem to close the deal. Yes indeed....all these people who don't know a soul for Obama certainly have their hands on Americas pulse. I know...I know...but Rush and Newt and Sean Vannity told me that the "mainstream" media is lying to us. Well some media is lying to you but I don't believe it is the mainstream media. Keep working yourselves up though....you know 5 sharks in a feeding frenzy seems like 20.
Posted by: bill r. | April 23, 2009 11:03 AM
This poll is complete BS!!
What happenned to the other 37% of the country? I was sureThe Lord and Savior Obama would hit 100%
I call shenanigans! Recount!
Posted by: B-rad | April 23, 2009 11:07 AM
I don't thnk they asked any of these folks.
Posted by: Greg | April 23, 2009 10:57 AM
Oh I think they have. You just don't get it do you? Most American believe the republicans brought this on us........whether that is wrong or right doesn't matter to most.....perception is reality and you guys just don't seem to understand that.
Posted by: bill r. | April 23, 2009 11:09 AM
Nice factual exaggerations, Bubba. btw Chavez isn't a dictator, he was elected just as fair and square as GWBush.
Posted by: Flo | April 23, 2009 11:10 AM
Amazing how skeptics will rail into someone who's been at work for about 6% of their entire 1st term in office. Personally, this country has been driven so far into the ground by the previous administration only God himself would be capable of turning this country around in 100 days.
Posted by: Len60517 | April 23, 2009 11:22 AM
Oh I think they have. You just don't get it do you? Most American believe the republicans brought this on us........whether that is wrong or right doesn't matter to most.....perception is reality and you guys just don't seem to understand that.
Posted by: bill r. | April 23, 2009 11:09 AM
You have pretty much summed up the moral and intellectual bankruptcy of liberal ideology in general and the propagandist nature of this administration specifically...
Obama is counting on enough people to be dumb enough to believe your pretzel logic- it seems to be working on you.
So now the "one" has people believing perceptions vs. reality like;
--
Unsustainable Spending and Borrowing = Stimulus.
---
Personal popularity = Successful Leadership
--
Ignoring amazing advances in science (adult stem cells) = funding outdated, science (embryonic stem cells)
--
A new transparent form of government = Releasing only the contents of classified memos that support Obama politically.
---
Tax rebates to people who don't pay taxes= Tax cuts.
---
Spending an addtion $ 3T and then cutting $500B = Fiscal responsibility.
Posted by: heartburn | April 23, 2009 1:36 PM
Nice factual exaggerations, Bubba. btw Chavez isn't a dictator, he was elected just as fair and square as GWBush.
Posted by: Flo | April 23, 2009 11:10 AM
Flo- Hitler and Mussolni were both elected as well....
Posted by: heartburn | April 23, 2009 1:39 PM
Michelle is going to be Obama's secret (or not so secret) weapon just like Eleanor was FDR's.
She's following that example, with the school visits.
She's following the lead of enormously popular figures like Mother T. and the blind Italian singer Andrea Bocelli---humility and modesty.
Watch the approval numbers go even higher when she visits the disabled veterans from Bush's war.
The NRA would freak if she made some school visits to ones where some 13 year old boy had just been gunned down by automatic weapon fire.
Posted by: ornery | April 23, 2009 2:04 PM
Fair enough, Heartburn. Bush was a dictator, too.
Posted by: Flo | April 23, 2009 3:14 PM
The NRA would freak if she made some school visits to ones where some 13 year old boy had just been gunned down by automatic weapon fire.
Posted by: ornery | April 23, 2009 2:04 PM
How about her visiting the school where the kids who just got kicked out of the Sidwell school will have to go?? You know the one that liberal feel good Obamanomics can't afford to fund anymore? Who do you suppose would be "freaked" out by that?
Posted by: heartburn | April 23, 2009 3:19 PM
heartburn.....Maybe it's not dumb people....but people who've seen and had enough of the "conservatives" who aren't, campassionate conservatives who aren't, small government advacates which they haven't. You, or should I say the party have talked a big game but have done nothing. I believe the republicans have brought us to this crisis, and it started in the "early" 2002 with the credit rush and was already a crisis by the begining of 2006. Well before democrats were back and repubs on the decline. Perception works both ways heartburn........your just another player.
Posted by: bill r. | April 23, 2009 3:20 PM
Posted by: bill r. | April 23, 2009 3:20 PM
Your talking in circles...
--
What does this have to do with your ( factually correct - I might add) claim that the current leadership runs with the ideology - your words- "whether that is wrong or right doesn't matter to most.....perception is reality and you guys just don't seem to understand that."??
--
Who is viewing perception as reality other than the folks that still believe Obama is succesful despite the reality of his success so far?
He has done a 180 degree turn on many of his campaign promises- FISA, Iraq, Afghanistan- and now the nuetering of the CIA... what could possibly cause this guy to achieve a 60+ approval other than people just not paying attention ?
Posted by: heartburn | April 23, 2009 4:15 PM
Flo, cut down on the kool aid and your daily kooks time. Lighten up, get a new doo, spends some cash, your man needs some stimulus and you can feel it. Just today his chief economic advisor is asleep, the vets are demanding clueless Janet to resign and folks are planning massive protests. Just one of his first 100.
Posted by: bubba Porter | April 23, 2009 4:20 PM
Fair enough, Heartburn. Bush was a dictator, too.
Posted by: Flo | April 23, 2009 3:14 PM
Sure Flo- can you name one personal liberty that you lost during Bush's terms...?
Chavez has a record of intimidating his opponents, supporting terrorist activity in Colombia, passing laws to eliminate term limits, arbitrarily instituting price controls that have caused basic food items to not be available to any consumers.
THe human rights violatins and union workers intimidation alone should , if you have any intellectual honesty, avoid any hint of support for this guy...
So exactly what are you talking about?
Posted by: heartburn | April 23, 2009 4:26 PM
Quaker schools don't kick kids out.
Posted by: ornery | April 23, 2009 4:58 PM
Use your dictionary, hearburn; he declared he was the decider.
Bubba Porter, I think you are suffering sleep deprivation; you make no sense anymore; you show desperation.
Posted by: Flo | April 23, 2009 6:00 PM
"if you have any intellectual honesty, avoid any hint of support for this guy...
So exactly what are you talking about?"
Heartburn: I didn't introduce him into this discussion; Bubba Porter did for purpose of a cheap shot at Obama. So ask him.
Posted by: Flo | April 23, 2009 7:03 PM
Obama's job approval rating is 63%(62% in some polls) @ 100 days, below that of Reagan,Johnson Kennedy and Eisenhower.
http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/data/100days_approval.php
http://www.brookings.edu/papers/2009/0429_govwatch_west.aspx
Posted by: Cheryl | April 29, 2009 4:07 PM