Obama Approval at 69%; US Split Over Memos

Strong partisan divide over their release, probe talk

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 26, 2009 9:20 AM CDT

(Newser) – As he nears the 100-day mark, President Obama’s approval ratings remain high at 69%, a Washington Post-ABC News poll finds—but the recent release of torture memos has sparked a major partisan split. Just over half of those polled back the release; three-quarters of Dems support it, while about the same proportion of Republicans oppose it. Half of independents support the decision; 46% are against it.

The country is also split over whether the officials implicated in the memos should face a probe: 51% say yes, 47% no, with 70% of Dems backing such a move and 70% of Republicans opposing it. Support is high for Obama’s work on the economy, and majorities say he’s beaten their expectations, achieved a great deal, and kept promises. Some 72% have a “favorable impression” of the president, but many were concerned about his handling of the budget deficit, immigration, and automakers.

President Barack Obama makes comments on higher education in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House in Washington, Friday, April 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

President Barack Obama laughs as he addresses the 2008 NCAA Football Champions Florida Gators in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, April 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

In this April 21, 2009 file photo, President Barack Obama uses a shovel as he plants a tree with volunteers at a national service project at Kenilworth Aquatic Garden in Washington. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

In this Feb. 5, 2009 file photo, President Barack Obama waves as he walks along the West Wing Colonnade towards the Oval Office in Washington. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

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Showing 3 of 8 comments

woodyTX

Apr 27, 2009 11:02 AM CDT

Hoover

riffran

Apr 27, 2009 9:27 AM CDT

too early to tell....Jimmie Carter was the worst.....(in reality though it was a president waay further back before Carter that was granted that title...but can't really remember....

kokuaguy

Apr 27, 2009 4:01 AM CDT

http://www.salon.com/opinion/g.../ Obama's means of accomplishing the goals he professes is to urge establishment of the kind of Truth Commission that investigated the crimes committed under Apartheid in South Africa. Those who come forward and admit their culpability are entitled to a presidential pardon. All others will face prosecution using evidence adduced by the commission.

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poll • Washington Post ABC poll • approval ratings • Obama administration • torture memo • President Obama • 100 days

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Obama Approval at 69%; US Split Over Memos

Strong partisan divide over their release, probe talk

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poll • Washington Post ABC poll • approval ratings • Obama administration • torture memo • President Obama • 100 days

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Young Voters Like Obama, Not His War

Two-thirds oppose the president's Afghan war surge

With Race in Play, Obama's White Support Softens

Poll numbers plummeted amid Sotomayor, Gates controversies

Poll: Obama Sinks Below 50% on Health Care

Numbers drop on health care, economy, deficit

After 100 Days, Does Obama Beat Bush?

A look at approval ratings, community-by-community

Obama's Economic Approval Sinks to New Low of 26%

Numbers are lower in nearly every area since 2010

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Obama Approval at 69%; US Split Over Memos

Strong partisan divide over their release, probe talk

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

poll • Washington Post ABC poll • approval ratings • Obama administration • torture memo • President Obama • 100 days

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Young Voters Like Obama, Not His War

Two-thirds oppose the president's Afghan war surge

With Race in Play, Obama's White Support Softens

Poll numbers plummeted amid Sotomayor, Gates controversies

Poll: Obama Sinks Below 50% on Health Care

Numbers drop on health care, economy, deficit

After 100 Days, Does Obama Beat Bush?

A look at approval ratings, community-by-community

Obama's Economic Approval Sinks to New Low of 26%

Numbers are lower in nearly every area since 2010

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?