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Faith in Obama Slips

By Jane Yager, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 21, 2009 2:38 AM CDT

(Newser) – Faith in President Obama is falling sharply amid the increasing polarization of the health care debate, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll. The president's overall approval stands at just 57%, down 12 points from its April peak, with his disapproval rating up to a highest-ever 40%. Pessimism about Obama's proposed reforms has also crept upward over the summer.

Americans are in an increasingly pessimistic mood: just 49% think Obama will make the right decisions (down from 60%), while 55% say the country is heading in the wrong direction, and only 51% believe in government action to improve health care. Support for a public care option is falling, with seniors especially negative and support dropping most among independents. The only bright spot is the recession, with half of Americans believing it will end within 12 months, up from 28%.

Curtis Yule of Madison, NH, holds an anti-Obama picture as he and others sit at a senior center in Dartmouth, Mass., earlier this week. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

President Barack Obama listens to a question during a radio interview yesterday. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Barack Obama speaks during the Organizing for America National Health Care Forum at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington yesterday. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 21 comments

nellpost

Aug 22, 2009 1:04 AM CDT

It'll turn around when the stimulus works, when the old folks get back in their RV's and head south for the winter months, when healthcare for us is enacted, and when President Obama is known as one of our best/smartest Presidents. I predict.

AdaptAndOvercome

Aug 21, 2009 12:54 PM CDT

Obama will be just fine. The American people are brats. We want something and we want it now! That's become the American way, Scare Tactics and Lies is the Republican Way. In the end, things will work out because Obama is not the kind of person who quits on something he believes and knows is right for our country, he proved that by taking a chance that American would vote for a black man. Most Americans saw it as a sign of hope for a different and better America. The Republicans saw it as a scape goat..vote for the black man...hope he fails and we'll be on top again. I wonder how many prayers these hypocrits say a day in hopes that Obama fails.

Fondue

Aug 21, 2009 12:41 PM CDT

And in case Curtis Yule is reading this - You are a Fool.

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health care reform • opinion polls • President Obama

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50% of Americans Call Health Care Bill 'a Bad Thing'

One week since passage, bill loses some favor

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It's too early to tell if bump in support for reform will stick

Public Flip-Flops, Now Likes Health Care Reform

Poll shows 49% in favor of new law, to 40% opposed

Afghan Surge Gains Favor; Public Sours on DC

Support for public option also grows; GOP isn't more popular, though

Obama Drops on Foreign Policy, With Independents

But president did slow defections with speech on health reform

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

health care reform • opinion polls • President Obama

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

50% of Americans Call Health Care Bill 'a Bad Thing'

One week since passage, bill loses some favor

Don't Get Too Excited Over Just One Poll

It's too early to tell if bump in support for reform will stick

Public Flip-Flops, Now Likes Health Care Reform

Poll shows 49% in favor of new law, to 40% opposed

Afghan Surge Gains Favor; Public Sours on DC

Support for public option also grows; GOP isn't more popular, though

Obama Drops on Foreign Policy, With Independents

But president did slow defections with speech on health reform

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?