By Robert Laurie ——Bio and Archives--June 18, 2014
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As clouds gather abroad, a new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll finds Mr. Obama’s job approval rating at 41%, matching a previous low. Approval of his handling of foreign policy hit a new low of 37%. Both numbers are driven in part by conflicts largely outside the president’s control, including a new wave of sectarian violence in Iraq. At the same time, Americans seem to be losing faith in Mr. Obama’s ability to accomplish his goals, with 54% of those polled saying they no longer feel the president “is able to lead the country and get the job done,” compared with the 42% who said he could. And 41% said his administration’s performance has gotten worse over the past year, compared with the 15% who noted improvement.
“This poll is a disaster for the president. You look at the presidency here - lowest job rating, tied for the lowest. Lowest on foreign policy. His administration is seen as less competent than the Bush administration, post-Katrina.... ...Then on the issue of 'do you believe you can still lead,' a majority believe not. Essentially the public is saying, ‘Your presidency is over’ by saying a number like that. 54% saying he no longer has the ability to lead and solve problems.... That’s one of those things, you’re sitting at the White House going ‘Wow.’”Todd tries to draw a distinction between bad poll numbers for the President and bad numbers for Democrats in general, arguing - correctly - that the poll shows a good deal of light between the two. Democrats, generally, are faring better than their President. However, as we head toward the midterms, campaigns will heat up, and more and more of an effort will be made to tie rank and file Dems to their President's policies. If the GOP plays its cards right (and yes, that's a big 'if') they'll have an easy time linking congressional opponents to the disastrous decisions of their leader. You can argue that this poll only shows that "the heat" is on an unpopular, outgoing, President. However: In an election year, that very meager 15% who say things are getting better should be very troubling for Democrats in the House and Senate - many of whom will see their careers live or die by their association with the Obama administration.
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