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Obama's Independent Support Wanes

Pollster cites political 'sea change'

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 9, 2009 10:48 AM CDT

(Newser) – Though his overall approval rating remains sturdy, President Obama is losing support among independents, particularly in swing states, polls show. “This is a huge sea change that is playing itself out in American politics,” says a Democratic pollster. Obama fell 6 points last week from the week before among independents, Gallup finds; Quinnipiac University cited a 5-point drop between June and early July, Politico notes.

A plurality of 48% of Ohio independents disapproved of Obama’s job performance in a Quinnipiac poll, while his overall approval rating among Ohioans fell 8 points over two months. “Independents who had become effectively operational Democrats in 2006 and 2008 are now up for grabs and are trending Republican,” says the pollster. But an Obama adviser noted that the president’s numbers were historically strong, citing a 59% approval rating in June among independents, according to Gallup.

President Barack Obama waves as he arrives to a working session at the G8 Summit Wednesday, July 8, 2009 in L'Aquila, Italy. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Sean Kilpatrick)

U.S. President Barack Obama, left, reviews notes during the G8 Summit, in L'Aquila, Italy, Thursday, July 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

U.S. President Barack Obama is seen during the G8 Summit, in L'Aquila, Italy, Thursday, July 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

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Obama's Independent Support Wanes

Pollster cites political 'sea change'

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Obama's Independent Support Wanes

Pollster cites political 'sea change'

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • independents • independent voters • poll numbers • polls • supporters • President Obama

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Detroit Bust Would've Been Better Than Bailout

Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

Obama Unveils $3.8T Budget, Targets Rich

Budget would institute 'Buffett Rule,' boost infrastructure

White House to Budge on Birth-Control Mandate

'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

Small Donors Gave 48% of Obama's 2011 Donations

That's more than double the proportion from 2007: analysis

No Child Left Behind Waiver Granted to 10 States

At least 28 more plan to seek one

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?