The latest CNN/ORC poll demonstrates widespread disapproval of the President and a significant rejection of his policies in 11 of 13 categories. Taking an average of the 13 policy specific polling results, disapproval ratings are at 58%. Were that a positive election result it would be considered a landslide! The President approaches 50% approval in only two categories, environmental policy and terrorism. On the environmental front, his approval is at 49%. That number, however, is down from the last poll which showed 60% approval. The same is of terrorism to a lesser degree.
Overall approval of the President is at 43%, with disapproval at 55%. The last time he broke 50% approval was over a year ago. Opinions appear to be hardening as only 2% expressed no opinion. On the economy, disapproval is at 61%. On health care policy, 63% disapprove. That is up from 55% disapproval last year. The trench is deep and getting deeper by the day.
The poll shows clearly that the middle class, despite the President’s constant rhetoric in favor of that demographic, is not buying the spin anymore. Fifty-eight percent disapprove of the President’s efforts to “help” the middle class. Those making under $50,000 are at 62% disapproval. The absence of jobs, the deteriorating buying power of the dollar, aggressive inflation of food and fuel prices, and generalized discontent are likely driving those numbers.
The situation in Afghanistan (aka the “good war”) shows a 56% disapproval of the President’s policies. The general question related to his handling of foreign affairs also clocks in at 57% disapproval. The Bowe Bergdahl situation will likely result in further erosion of the President’s approval with respect to foreign affairs.
The categories that crack the 60% disapproval mark are: budget deficits (67%), illegal immigration (61%), and gun policy (64%). As to the V.A., 69% reported that they were angry or upset over recent revelations. The economy and health care also crack the 60% disapproval line.
Women now disapprove of the President by 50%, despite having been subjected to the Republican “war on women.” Thirty-two percent of non-whites disapprove. Both marks significant trend changes from prior polling. The 18-35 age demographic lines up with women, with 50% disapproving of the President’s job performance. The college-educated join in at the same 50% disapproval level. Democrats/liberals still approve of the President by 80% and 73% margins, respectively. However, all other categories of political persuasion show significant discontent with Obama.
This is bad news for the President, but it is also bad news for Democrats who have, by and large, blindly supported the President for the past five years. Democrats are moving away from Obama on nearly all fronts, but one must wonder how many of them can actually surface as they are faced with the challenge of the President’s ever-deepening political Mariana Trench.
