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What Americans Really Think About Obama

Poll analysis divides Americans into five sharply divided groups

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 19, 2010 8:07 AM CST

(Newser) – Since his inauguration, Barack Obama’s approval rating has plummeted from 67% to just 50%. But to add some nuance to the numbers USA Today broke respondents down into five profiles. They are:

  • Sunny Side Up (33%): This diverse, optimistic group overwhelmingly believes the economy will improve, and gives Obama a 71% approval rating.
  • Right Man for Hard Times (18%): This group has lower incomes and pessimistic economic outlooks, but they’re Obama’s biggest fans—81% approve of him, and 100% say he “shares their views.”

  • Upbeat, Downbeat (10%): They’re upbeat on the economy, but only 15% approve of Obama. The reason? This is the oldest, most conservative and most religious group; only 3% believe Obama shares their values.
  • Not Up to the Job (18%): This group wants a president who manages the government well, and doesn’t think Obama is it. Only 20% approve of him, blaming him for the weak economy.
  • It’s All Bad (19%): Only 6% of these consummate pessimists believe the economy will improve, and only 21% approve of Obama. Many see themselves as independents of the tea party variety.

Crowds gather to watch the inauguration of President Barack Obama, in this Jan. 20, 2009 file photo, on the west side of the Capitol.
Crowds gather to watch the inauguration of President Barack Obama, in this Jan. 20, 2009 file photo, on the west side of the Capitol.   (AP Photo/Scott Andrews, Pool, File)
President Barack Obama gestures as he speaks at the 'Let Freedom Ring' concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Monday, Jan. 18, 2010.
President Barack Obama gestures as he speaks at the 'Let Freedom Ring' concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Monday, Jan. 18, 2010.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 30 comments
YetAnotherCollegeKid
Jan 20, 2010 12:29 PM CST
Actually, polls are the best indicator of what the outcome of a given situation (usually elections) will be. That's why we have them. I like Obama, I hope he will bounce back. Of course, for his approval ratings to bounce back, the economy will have to, first.
YetAnotherCollegeKid
Jan 20, 2010 12:25 PM CST
Heh, I have to say that I found Tim's comment genuinely funny. Thumbs up from me.
paul123
Jan 20, 2010 12:12 PM CST
To be fair, Hawaii has released an official copy, however Obama's first executive order was to prevent the release of the original. Maybe you can't see the white-out on the copy.
 

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