CNN

The simple fact that America is a "what have you done for me lately" culture. We were so expecting a complete 180 once Bush was gone, but we aren't patient enough to wait for it to happen.

Also, the white house and the constant media exposure has its way of exposing chinks in a politician's armor. The "acted stupidly" comment regarding the Gates arrest is like a 2 on the "gaffe scale" compared to what came out of Bush's mouth on a daily basis, but there has to be something unrelated to the issues for politicians and media to debate about. Much like the Sotomayor "bias" that was discussed ad nauseum.

Really, America, what have we seen from Obama that makes us think that there's clearly a better person for the job out there? If there is one, why didn't he/she stand up, and why didn't we vote for them?

His worshipers will remain; no matter what.
These are the loonytunes of America, My guess is about 32% of our population.
A staggering sum. They would support him even while he hands out the Cool Aid.
Be Afraid.

It's the economy, stupid. When jobs start to rebound, so will his ratings.

Part of it is natural post-election euphori erosion, and part of it is health care and the economy. Americans are impatient, Obama had no where to go but down, and on health care he's promoting an idea instead of a plan. NO matter his charisma that 's not easy

Citizens are seeing the true 'change' promised by Mr. President. And we don't like what we see or hear. Check out who get the money and who gets the bill from his bail outs and take overs. Just what personal sacrifice has anyone in Congress or the Administration made towards resolving the mess they put us in. Tax everything that isn't already taxed and increase all other taxed items...Look out below!
Glen
Chelsea, OK

Unfortunately, there are too many Americans who have very short memories and too little patience. It took 8 years to destroy our nation’s reputation. It’s been nearly 30 years of the shell game known as supply side economics and the sand’s run out, it has severally crippled our economy. We’ve ignored our infrastructure and neglected to enact a real energy policy for the last 40. And we’ve left education to whither on the vine and healthcare costs to skyrocket for most of the last half century. Yet we expect them to be fixed in just six months.

In my 46 years, I’ve never seen a politician, let alone a president, work as hard as our President. He’s pushing congress and he should, it’s about time they earn their pay.

I think he is not keeping up all the campaign promises, the big one for me is help to re finance mortgages, I have one for the house that i live with my wife. Chase bank our new lender after Wamu went went down. I don't qualified because is not Freddy Mac or any other government related, so we have not hope more than see our house going to foreclosure soon with not help.

I voted for President Obama because I thought he would fight those lazy good for nothings that have been in office for ever. Instead he's letting them convert him. The American people look at the image of success not the success itself. Skip the vacations and trips. Walk fast and look worried. Then surprise the other side by actually doing something.

He is probably trying to do too much, too quickly...but you have to admire his audacity and ambitions for this country. He is a great leader because he sets an agenda and goes for it, without excuses.

Hi Jack,

President Obama's approval rating is falling because the GOP has been on a public rampage twisting his ideas and spreading false claims about his plans.

Bottom line Jack this president is the only hope America has of getting out of an economic disaster and the GOP is more concerned about their numbers, getting reelected and don't give a dam if the country or world gets pulled in to a depression.

It makes me sick that politics is more important to the GOP then doing what is in the best interest of the people.

Jesse
Vancouver Canada

The President of the United States is an engaging speaker. However, long winded explanations of why "we have to get this" done are wearing thin. To maintain support with American citizens, the administration must present clear, solid, and factual information on the issues, a logical course of action, and the likely result. For example: "Gasoline prices will rise drastically until you start to conserve", is a message most Americans can understand, including the feeble-minded dimwits that managed to get elected to congress.

Obama's popularity is dropping like a stone because everything he has done since being elected shows that he is incompetent without his "handler" scripting every word for him. First the Bailout Boondoggle. In 90 days he spent more than all the presidents before him – combined! For a stimulus package that anyone with any knowledge of economics knows was nothing but a payoff for his supporters and will do nothing to stimulate the economy. Cap and Tax is going to put us back to the horse and buggy era if it is enacted as written. Not good for you me or the US economy. Finally pushing for socialized medicine will NEVER be popular in a truly democratic society. The guy is an idiot – a smooth talking idiot and the middle of the roaders are starting to see it.

Obama's drop in the poles is the result of republicans and some blue dog democrats beating the big- government-is-going-to-take-over-your-lives-and-bankrupt-us-all-if-we-as-a-nation-actually-do-anything-to-prevent-the-needless-deaths-of-thousands-of-americans-who-lack-coverage drum. Shameful. Obama is doing a great job. I'm proud of his service to this country.

This is typical after a President is elected... Not everyone is happy with progress and are dissatisfied. Some will blame the President, but as we know he's been trying very hard to solve the biggest problems we face today.

What is also notable is that while the President's approval has dropped some, Republican's approval has stayed low and not improved. I suspect that over time Obama will solidify his support, just like Clinton did in the 90's. It just takes time for people to get used to the new President and understand where he's coming from.

I've also noticed the anti-Obama rants are way up and very little positive news is coming out. This is also contributing to it.

Parlin, NJ

Jack it’s because this Government run health care no one in America want’s it!! Well some do I don’t I pay my taxes and I work hard these people on wealth fair and things like that don’t work they use the Government so they don’t have to work!! I don’t want to pay for someone else’s Health Care!!! Canada is health care is crazy that is what will happen if this passes I’m a Independent and I will not vote for Obama for these reasons in 2012 I was a Democrat until the Stimulus Bill was passed Jack if this health care bill passes I will no longer vote for the Democratic party and only vote Republican and a lot of us old Blue Dog Democrats feel this way.

The President has taken up the healthcare issue, which is always controversial..this has probably caused some drop in the polls...I honestly believe the daily verbal pounding he takes by Hannity, Limbaugh and the like is a part of the polling issue..I swear one of these guys is going to stroke out while going after Mr. Obama..If he is truly smart he will declare himself a one term president, and turn the country over to Sarah or Mitt. . Why any sane person would subject themselves to this crap really escapes me You really seem to have forgotten what got you into this mess, and spare no effort in criticizing the people who are trying to salvage some semblance of a country for average Americans..

The Presidents approval ratings are dropping because of one thing
and one thing only !!! Its the enconomy ,no bail out for the tax payer
only Wall Street and our auto industry who can not produce a decent safe enconomical reasonable car/truck.
Where are the jobs programs ,the intrastructure projects. people are
not seeing any real benifits in there lives because of this so called
stimlus where is the stimlus any way? what have we gained?
I did not vote for Mr.Obama but I did have high hopes once he was elected and I know it has only been a short time but perhaps he has taken on too much all at once, so please Mr President lets concentrate
on getting the system up and working again first ,then tackle Health care and other problems. Remember the first President Bush.

Orlando, FL –

In the fading afterglow of the election Obama is emerging as a salesman pitching a questionable product. People are not convinced that the junior senator from Ill really has this figured out. All he wants to do is get something passed – right now. That in itself has an odor to it. The fact that he turned the details over to congress does little to bolster confidence. What is the big rush here ??
Bush had a similiar strategy in place to over-sell the war. Neither let half truths and references to looming disaster get in the way of closing the deal. Peole recognize this plot as something they have seen before. It's hurting Obama right now.
I voted for him, but I did not drink the coolaide.

Three words:

Lack of Jobs.

The President's approvals are down because the Democrats can't keep up any kind of united front – and the Republicans are so very good at spreading fear, distortions and outright lies.

Thats easy, The GOP attack machine is hard at work to paint Obama as anything other than a American. They call him a communist, socialist, big government, tax and spend, idiolog, who wants to take over the car, banks, and health care and start killing the elderly, and tax the middle class. In other worlds "THEY CANT BET HIM ON THE FACTS SO THEY FLAT OUT LIE ABOUT WHO AND WHAT HE IS" For example 7 Rep. brought a bill to the floor of the House to demand that any person wanting to become Pres. must show Proof he is a citizen of the U.S. starting 2012, So you would think, they dont believe Obama is a citizen, that they agree with the "birthers" but when the Dem's put their feet to the fire and "make them" either vote up or down on that same issue the voted unanimously that he is a citizen. Their mouths say one thing but their votes show another. the GOP are hypocrits and the people will soon see this and Pres. Obamas numbers will go back up. Just wait tell he gets Healthcare passed.

The American people want something to happen with jobs. If the President's rating fell 3 points to 56, I'll bet the ratings for Republicans and Congress as a whole dropped, as well. Some people seem to forget the president can't do it by himself. However, his administration (and him self, as well) must accept the success or failure of their economic policy. i.e. jobs or no jobs. It will be hard to convince people that a "job less" recovery is a good thing.

I am not sure that the president is less admired today than months ago . What I am sure of is the effectiveness of the GOP to desensitize millions of their fanatics to the TRUTH with continuing malicious arguments that: Obama is not a US citizen; he is a socialist ; the dems want to seize private property and socialize the US – taking over the business sector . People who do not examine arguments or who have a weak knowledge of history and government are vulnerable to enjoying the comraderie of a group who promotes falsehoods . To the fanatics, the truth becomes whatever they WANT TO BELIEVE.

Because the american public are so used to the eurocentric style of running the country.They are baffeled and confused with the afrocentric leadership style the President is bringing,which is making them second guess themselves.They should trust their election judgement,and calm down. I know for a fact that everything will be just fine.

I am not sure that the president is less admired today than months ago . What I am sure of is the effectiveness of the GOP to desensitize millions of their fanatics to the TRUTH with continuing malicious arguments that: Obama is not a US citizen; he is a socialist ; the dems want to seize private property and socialize the US – taking over the business sector . People who do not examine arguments or who have a weak knowledge of history and government are vulnerable to enjoying the comraderie of a group who promotes falsehoods . To the fanatics, the truth becomes whatever they WANT TO BELIEVE.
Tyler, Texas

In the Rasmussen Poll he has fallen to 49% approval rating. Funny how nobody reports on that poll, but it was one of the most accurate polls in past elections. I never thought that he was that shrewd. I think that the realities of actually getting to the details of governing have caught up to him. It's ok though, the economy will be back up next year, and he'll come out smelling like roses. I personally don't credit him with doing anything right.

America's become fixated on instant gratification. We're a generation raised on the drive-through window and high-speed internet, and if things aren't changed quickly enough, the public grows impatient. Nevertheless, President Obama's message of hope and "change we can believe in" still rings true with me.

I think what is behind the ratings drop is that President Obama has proven he is HUMAN, makes mistakes at times, and you also have a very impatient public some who seem to have thought that after 7 months he should have this country's recession over and unemployment at an end. Plus the Republicans are doing a decent job of going out there hammering up negative comments and putting doubt in a lot of people's minds that he can get the job done.. The Gates case, though I think was WAY overblown, didn't help either because once again RACE was forced to rear it's ugly head. The polls are going to go up and down the next four years, as long as he doesn't get into Bush/Cheney numbers then I'm not too worried about it.

Jack, You didn't cite the Rasmussen poll which shows that Obama's approval rating has been at 49% for the past 2 weeks. (Hmm... I wonder why you didn't cite that one!) People are starting to realize that he is not "the One" but just your everyday Chicago politician. Look at all the promises he has broken in just 6 months like putting all proposed bills on line for 5 days so everyone can read them. Americans are realizing that the "change" he talked about is not the "change" that we want! Americans don't want to be like socialized Europe; in fact, Europeans don't want to be like Europe!! Prediction: the Republicans will regain control of Congress in 2010 and Obama will leave serving just one term with a rating below that of Jimmy Carter!!

Up to this point, Republicans still can't get over it that this guy has won the elections. Republicans are doing everything within their reach to break this president down as the congressman said the other day. Most republicans are polling nowaday than democrats. I can't believe this, Americans are worry about budget deficit; but it was OK when we were spending MORE than that in Irag. To the Senators & representatives of democrat; this is your chance, try to make use of it. I hint to the wise is sufficient

I seriously think the president is doing a decent enough job, the only thing that is hurting his approval ratings is we have a country that is too easily swayed on issues. Educated people have a tendency to think things though who voted for or against the president have not changed their opinions about their approval of the current president, only the people who are shallow thinkers have decided they don't approve of Obama on certain issues.

Nobody asked me!! I think he's doing a great job in spite of all the stupid, juvenile pundits and politicians acting the fool around him.

Jack Every president Approvel rating goes down. For OBAMA these three thing bringing him down.
1- Gate issue.
2- Helth Care.
3- His own Party.

I have watched President Obama since he was sworn into office. Its like we have always heard – it is one thing to get the job but you have to prove yourself once you have acquired the job. President Obama ran on his personality and being the first black president in the United States. But, when you are trying to take away from American citizens your popularity will decrease. If CNN is honest it would look at President Obama's stimulus bill and compare what he said the stimulus bill would do to what it has actually done. There is a large discrepancy here and Americans of all races are having second thoughts.

The health care reform. Yes health care needs tort reform but not a "new health care program" which will cost trillions of dollars and cost the average tax payers who are struggling as it is. The majority of Americans are happy with their health care. What happened to the American dream where you work hard and you succeed. It has been changed to to reflect an economy that if you don't work you are rewarded and if you do work you are penalized. We are going in the wrong direction.

The final reason is the Gates matter. President Obama ran on bringing this country together. What he said at his news conference was just the opposite. Americans are scatching their heads wonderding why they voted for him.

I am a democrate and right now not very proud of it. When is President Obama going to step up to the plate and quit blaming Bush for everything? The decisions he has made since he has been in office is bringing this country to its knees. The debt is overwhelming and it isn't Bush who is doing it.

In a word, "substance" or more precicely the lack of it. Obama made it through the campaign thanks to eloquent speeches; a smitten media; the mood for change from the GOP; and most importantly, because of his race. Heck, even the die hard Republican Colin Powell forsaked his own party to make a race based vote. If Obama were white, he might not make it to a second term as Senator let alone take the white house

The reality of Washington is finally wearing through. Though President Obama had good intentions (and most likely still does), old Politics, and older Status Quo still rule Washington and will be harder to beat down than everyone expected. This affects Obama's ambitions regarding Heath Care more than he expected, I’m sure as well

And regarding the Gates-Gate; everyone sticks their foot in their mouth from time to time. It's inevitable.

this is a democracy. we in this country should have term limits, these ignorent and self serving crooket politicians have no regard or care for the people only themselves and. they forget where they came from...and who helped put them in office thinking they would be honest with us, only turns out we have made the mistake over and over again. vote them out in 2010 with yesterdays trash; they are not worth it. may god have mercy on all of us. god bless

His numbers will drop as time moves along. President Obama is weak regarding the economy, foreign affairs, protecting our country, health care and and is extremely inexperienced in many other areas of government. Overexposure is another problem that is hurting his presidency. Americans are hearing the same tired arguements every time his face hits the tv. President is not giving us the transparency that he promised, allowing the congress to write and pass bills that no one is reading. The only thing that is transparent is his rhetoric. President Obama has gone from "Yes We Can" to "No I Can't and Won't."

Its like this Jack: The honeymoon is over and he is facing the reality of dealing with impacts of a soft economy and a hard agenda. Regardless of the polls, many Americans feel the president is doing a good job and they are willing to weather the storm- that means facing hard choices and making sacrifices to fix the broken systems. That's what makes us the greatest country in the world!

Glen in Sarasota FL

Like Hillary said, it's that vast right wing conspiracy.

My answer is this :

Nothing is behind the steep drop in President Obama’s approval rating in the past weeks. Nothing. Have you ever seen something like this before ? The president still strong in our opinion and will continue to be.

Éphrem Prudencio
Montreal – Canada

I expected this to happen. If we look at all the major issues that President Obama has faced in less than 9 months on the job it is truly astounding. He has faced the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, American ship attacked by pirates and a hostage taken, Iranian elections, Bailouts, GM and Chrysler bankruptcy and Rush Limbaugh taking over the Republican party just to name a few.

What do we expect from the man. I knew the standard would be much higher for him than for all of his predecessors. His name is not Jesus.

How soon do we forget how bad the last 8 years were.

I guess six months is waaaaaaaaaaaay too long to turn around 8 years of the disastrous previous administration. Yep, way too long. Now stamp foot, suck thumb, throw self on floor sobbing and wailing all about and scream "I want it all now" as loud as you can.

Jack –

Duh – It's fear. Washington has been so gridlocked for 20 years Americans don't even allow themselves to believe change can happen. Then, when the President starts getting things done, bringing things to light, DOING HIS JOB – all the negativity erupts from opposing sides. His lower numbers represent our increasing fear that, again, as before, NOTHING will be accomplished.

Duh...Obama is a joke...wake up people...the media can only carry him for so long!

We were facing a second Great Depression and now we feel confident that only have a recession that is turning around. We had a war that looked like it would last for years and now we appear to be pulling back. We were torturing prisoners and now we aren’t. We were allowing congressmen to accept money from the health care industry while prices skyrocketed and this too will stop.
President Obama is irritation a lot of people. I’m happy if his popularity goes to zero as long as he keeps delivering the change that America so badly needs.

until first world health care arrives for all americans, his ratings will be low.

Voters are no longer interested in their representatives voting on bills before reading them. Obama can no longer convince voters that the sky is falling.
Presently there is a petition circulating congress and the senate. It requires that everyone who signs it will agree to READ all bills before voting on them. To date only a few representatives have signed on.
Why so few?? The petition is short, one single sheet, and is written in simply language. (No lawyer needed.)
I can not see any reason that one who is pro or one who is anti health care could object to this. Please Jack, you do not need to read my comments but hopefully you will mention the petition.

Phyllis
Media, PA

Simply put -the steep drop in Obama's approval rating is due to the public's disapproval of the policies he supports, catching up with the previously high marks for his personality and rhetoric. In the final analysis: Substance over Style will always win in time.

I think that America, in general, is just a country that is impatient and wants to see results eminently. If we don't see results the next day we think we are getting riped-off. With the economy still limping and heath care chaos we get in a sour mood. Ever one should take a breath and look at our progress in the past 6 months.

Simple, the Republican party is throwing everything but the kitchen sink at him; lies, slander, and petty partisan politics. The majority of voters are not well informed, and they just go along with whichever point of view is loudest.

It seems that millions are upset that the economy hasn't turned around, and we've gotten no where on the issue of health care. We are nonetheless, spending billions of dollars with no results. I'm thinking these are just a couple things on the list. However, I hope people don't forget that the economy was in the toilet BEFORE Obama took office, and Bush is mostly to blame for our current status.

The rising unemployment rates despite the huge stimulus spending coupled with the setbacks in the healthcare reform bill are the main contributing factors in the President's falling poll number, although his (the President's) comments on the Whalen-Crowley-Gates issue might also be playing part.

He was sold as a product and like so many commercials he didn't turn out to be the real thing.He's turn his back on the people and now only represents the lobbiest.Look At healthcare for example.What he'll call reform will be nothing more than mandatory coverage for all with out a public plan .What a win for insurance companies.

Jack, we hired Obama to fix the disaster left by Bush.

His popularity is faltering because the American people's memory and attention span are very very low. If Obama takes more than 6 months to fix problems that were 8 years in the making, then a big chunk of the couch potatoes in this country lose interest and go back to watching American Idol.

Americans want results RIGHT AWAY, like weight loss pills or hair loss treatment on the infomercials.

These lazy dimwits, frustrated by the lack of instant results fall prey to the lies of the very neocons who created the problem.

People are reading the bills, census, and GAO data for themselves and find a large disparity between what's being reported, what he's saying at these daily events, and the plain facts in the data. It's a shame that we have to do this research ourselves vs the media simply presenting him with small portions of these bills and asking him how his commentary is consistent with the text from the bills...

Philly, PA:

Well Jack, it's simply bad press on good ideas and directions. It's clueless Republican's adding coal compromise to clean air bills. It's blue dog democrats playing to the ears of industry. It's as it always has been.

Once the irrational exuberance ends, people realize there are no easy fixes to any problem. Obama will not be a lame duck president, but don't count on a 70% approval rating at all.

I have talked to many people I know who are against the special bailouts he has passed into law. They give everything to union employees and nothing to non union employees. You see non union employees are 82 percent of the nations work force we get zip and are told by are President to shutup and keep sacrificing for the good of the unions I mean the nation. I can go on and on about how this President has given our future away to these special interests but you would never read it on your show so in a nut shell Obama is screwing up bad. thAnd the non union working class are the ones foting the bill.

I give you the Sarah Palin answer: It’s the fault of the press!
In an effort to appear unbiased, the press keeps trying to present the opposing or Conservative Republican view. For example, rather than just flatly stating that the only Supreme Court appointment Senate Republicans would approve would be one appointed by a Republican President, the press allows their spin artists to broadcast the most outrageous statements as if there was any basis in fact. Isn’t it about time that the press started to refer to dribble as dribble?

Republican fear mongering.

people talk about a drop in Obama's ratings, but let's be honest Jack, WHO has a higher rating right now? Not Congress, Not the GOP, Not Rush Limbaugh, and lately even media darling Sarah Palin has dropped in the ratings. It comes with the business and the job..the president's rating are going to go up and down because he has a very fickle public to try to please.

Pres. Obama is not what he said he is, I expect he drops even more

Beautiful, but long-winded explanations by the President on proposed solutions for the nation's various problems are starting to fall on deaf ears. What is needed to maintain support is clear, concise solutions, based on facts. Even comments on events such as Professor Gates & the Cambridge Police should be clear, concise and based on all available facts.
"When the ability of a law enforcement officer to maintain control of a situation is threatened....watch out!"
is the kind of statement that most Americans, Harvard Professors, and even dim-witted members of congress should be able to understand.

It is his belief that government can solve everything. We could provide all of the services we need at half the price, if Americans would wake up and throw incumbents out of office. Government is corrupt, and Obama pretends that this isn't the case. He wants to allow liberal control of everything, including the soda you drink and auto recycling.

You will see another precipitous drop in his approval ratings in the next poll that is done. His speech to the NAACP, combined with his view of the Gates arrest, will drop his numbers to just over 50%. We didn't think we were electing Al Sharpton. Mark my word, Jack. I was the only person in America who predicted he would win the White House.

I think they're not asking the people who use cell phones. They need a new way to do their polling. They should poll some of the young people and African Americans who voted him in. That would be a more accurate poll.

It's nothing Obama is doing, it's just that people's expectations were way too high. I think a lot of Americans were expecting Obama to come in and save the day (or economy). However, it's not that simple. No matter how much he stands for change, there are still hundreds of other politicians standing up against him who don't.

Mr. We feel he may do this when a real crisis devleops. Mr. Obama can be a healer of race relations; but he has to be a leader of all, all the people. We are one united states, not just one race over another

Simple Frank. In spite of the propping up by the so-called MSM and the soft ball questions underhandedly lobbed to him during his press conferences, he's proven he and his staff haven't a clue how to transform Chicago political bulliness into a working national policy on anything. Will the American public finally awaken and realize they've been had? Maybe so if these poll numbers continue to fall.

I agree with President OBAMA that the police acted "stupidly." Colin Powell stated that some adult supervision is needed for both parties.
Police need to learn that they cannot arrest someone just because an officer feels insulted. Handcuffing and 4 hour questioning is a violation of the Harvard Professor's civil rights.

Let's see, solve GFC, create millions of jobs, fight two wars, save the auto industry, banks, and environment. Please everyone? Impossible to do, therefore rating will go down. It doesn't help that Fox spends heaps of time catering to the negative types.

He needs to take control and lead even further as to what his party needs to do. Demand strongly and with attitude, forget the manners. They all need a rude awakening.

I would have to say the unrealistic expectations of the citizens.

I understand that when the President was running for election he made "promises". However, alone, the President cannot fulfill those promises, and I think that is something the American People ALWAYS forget, or just do not understand. Their expectations of the President are usually not attainable without the support and work of Congress.

So, when President Obama wa elected too many people thought that "happy days are here again" and when that did not come true at once, the people react just like disappointed children, they turn on the "grownup" who is denying them their hearts desire!

What concerns me a lot more than a slip in 'popularity' is how many people I have actually heard saying very harsh, racial slurs about the President. It scares me that so much racial hatred seems to have popped out from whatever dark nook it was hiding in.

It's just all those so called 'Obama supporters' who are showing who they really are and that conservative thinking is part of the american culture...so don't worry mr. President.

Some things stay the same, whatever you do...

The media has a lot to do with it. If we heard good things about him everyday, instead of very negative things, his ratings would go way up. Every station the last couple of months runs him down terribly. I've never heard of a President working so hard for all of us and being trashed so badly.

The steep drop in Pres Obama's ratings are due to the fact that too many people thought that the economy should have taken off the day after he took office. They don't realize that it took years of Bush's administration and GOP congress to get that way, and it can't be fixed overnight. It took about 15 years and a World War to fully recover once FDR became President, and he didn't have a bed of roses either considering all the flak he took from both sides of the aisle. At least he also had a plan.

If he won - show it with attitude and stop being nice and polite. No one is being nice and polite to him

Jack,

When you have ignorant people out there challenging whether the President is a citizen, Blue Dog Dems. pandering to the drug companies, stalling health care reform. and the media blasting him for defending his friend (right or wrong), what do you expect. He is still doing a damn site better job then GWB.

Arlene in Atlanta.

Why are the republicans not trying to come up with a solution to ask the insurance company about lowering the cost of the premimums the public has to pay if they are so against the government taking charge of the health care sector.

Time- thats it- time....the good ole "familiarity breeds contempt" effect....now that the honeymoon with the Prez is over, people are getting realistic and more critical of every little thing he does- even when he tries to do/say good! The good news is the Republicans are doing everything they can to screw up their own party and their chances of a comeback!

Easy – American public has realized that that he is just a hypocritical as his predecessors if not more so... but this President is allowing the left side of the democratic party to craft laws and policies that anyone whom has an education believes will damage the country for decades. Of course that leaves those who believe the hype – a rapidly declining percentage.

Fairfax, VA

It isnt that he is doing a bad job as President. Its just the fact that he is having difficulty handling Health Care Reform and the questionability of the effectiveness of the massive stimulus package.

Reality!

Jack

It's clear that despite being in office for six months, Obama hasn't complete fixed the economy, eliminated the national debt, brought peace to the middle east, and completely reformed the nation's health care system. Also, he thought it was stupid for someone to be arrested in their own house. For those who's opinions are shaped by the news cycle, this is unacceptable.

well its obvious that those being polled, are republican. also I would like to add that my support for the president is getting stronger. yet my opinion is not reflected in these polls. I have not once stumbled across a poll or survey on how hes doing.

so my question is where are these ppl that they are surveying?
who is doing the surveys and why dont they have an internet site where ppl can logon and give thier opinion.

I say dont believe the polls because they are not accurate. and they are run by those that manipulate the truth.

A lot of us just aren't sure about Obama......He displays a little too much confidence ..He is a shrewd guy. Maybe he could be a little more "adult"???? Maybe we need a Paul Harvey to tell us "the rest of the story".

Recognition is settling in that Obama is more politician and salesman than administrator.

A lot of us just aren't sure about Obama......He displays a little too much confidence ..He is a shrewd guy. Maybe he could be a little more "adult"???? Maybe we need a Paul Harvey to tell us "the rest of the story".

Fort Mill SC

Unfortunately, being in a glass bowl under a microscope renders ones gaffes and flaws larger than.life itself and many times they take on a life of their own.
The media tend to not play up the positive results and gains but readily the specks and flaws. Compare the voices when the market went below 6000 versus the lack of clamour when it went over 9000. Also, have we forgotten that bills etc depend on others like congress etal?
Lastly, we want everything done yesterday. Whenever I counsel abusers etal. I remind them that 10 years of self-destrction and mayem won't resolve or dissolve over-night. Sometimes the effects and the consequences play out long after the healing begins.
I believe we are so in need of the change, we unable to remember we can't undo in a year that which took years to occur. The president may be guilty of being too optimistic or vision driven but not for the lack of trying or performing effectively. If could see around corners, we would be calling him the Superior Being.
vee

There are two major problems developing, one is loss of freedom and the other is lack of responsibility, and Americans can see that. Forcing everyone to have health care coverage when some of us have clearly been through hell from the mass incompetance of the medical community (eg: lack of any knowledge about massive parasitic infections in this country, supporting ONLY the pharmaceduical companies' myths and not the patients' health) is not rational. Many people do not want that monopoly take more of their money. The other major problem is not being on the gold standard and the immature attitude that somehow we can just keep printing more money for these plans when the money does not actually exist.

Not ALL Americans are stupid and greedy.

every one think that Obama can snap his finger to get every thing fixed, wrong. it took eight years for our country to get in this condition and Obama stills has to go through congress to get it done so the people need to get on their elected congress men and women and senators if they want Obama to be successful. I think they want him to fail and I mean the old guards that have been in office too long and want the power for their own. they did not want him in office but the voters spoke and will have to speak again. republican or democrat means the same--power.

Jack: The honeymoon is over and the President is getting down to business. The media admittedly expands any dissent – even if it's a couple of Dems who have a mind of their own. Obama is doing very well for this point in his presidency. This also shows that the GOP may be down, but they're not out when it comes to beating partisan drums exagerating any micro measure regarding Obama.

The President is trying hard to be one of guy's, so to speak, and its not working for him. He is trying to show the American people that he is a President for the people and thats all well and good.
He is running into roadblocks that he thought would't be there and his good intentions are being hijacked.
Who are the roadblocks? Bi-partisan squabling, congress behaving like buisness as usual with no extra commitment.
If the president has to spend all his time fighting the enemy within, how can he get his work done?
As far as stupidity, we shouldn't worry about it. There is no cure for it.

Hi Jack, I'm a republican and definitely did not vote for Mr.Obama but I'd like to offer my opinion without the typical harsh partisan comments. I truly believe that President Obama is a radical. He really is not much different than Al Sharpton. I think moderates and independants are starting to realize that he is much more liberal than they expected. It seems that the country was so seduced by his charm and charisma that they really did not WANT to believe that some of the accusations against him could possibly be true. There really is no way that he could have gone to Rev. (I use the term loosely) Wright's church and not shared at least some of those beliefs, if not all. I also think alot of people really resent the fact that is has gone around the world appologizing for our country. Our country spends and does more to help the world than ANY other country in the world, there is simply no reason to appologize for that. Plain and simple, it seems that a large portion of mods and inds simply have come out of the ether. Thank you in advance for hopefully posting this.

A sharp change in a week?

Maybe he acted "STUPIDLY"

I feel that many of the people that voted for Obama do not support his plans for government health care. I for one strongly oppose the plans I have heard coming out of the White House and Congress on health care. If I would have thought Obama had any chance of actually succeeding with this type of health care reform I would not have voted for him. I just assumed this was something that was all talk as it has been for the last few decades and that Congress would retained enough Republicans to balance Obama's more extreme plans.

Two words! "Stupidly" and "Healthcare".

Along with Biden, and Clinton running around the world saying opposite nonsense with no clear thought!

One Phrase! "Pensioner Going Shopping".

In 2008, Americans voted for change since the trickle down policies of the Republicans for the past 8 years does not work for majority of America. Trickle down policies like outsourcing jobs works for Corporate America but not for Working America.

Obama is tackling the tough issues like Healthcare, bailouts for greedy banks who screwed Americans, and stimulas money to carmakers who still file bankruptcy.
Most Americans see this as a joke and are worried about their jobs and benefits yet see American taxpayers money going to the greedy companies who outsource their jobs yet still makeout...
.

I think that the American people have very little patients, and forget that President Obama has to deal with party of NO, and inhereted a huge mess. I for one do not like all that he is trying to do, or how he handels some issues, but I have never seen a President work so hard and try to do so much. I give him credit for that. Also, there are still so many right wing nuts in this country that it scares me. He the President has a lot to deal with. People be patient, and give hime some credit, and try to get a little smarter.

I say his approval is down because he hasn't done anything really. (besides have beer with two cry babies) Not to mention, he is not really clear about his health care plan. I am hearing nothing but a whole lot of "BUZZ" words and hype with little facts and clearity.

Gee, Jack–did we have an election/change–we're still in Iraq; Afghanistan front has enlarged with more $ and troops, Obama likes faith-based initiatives etc.–also I hear he had a signing statement added to a bill–what?

I believe the rush to judgment with out knowing the facts in the little Professor Gates debacle created questions in folks minds. "I wonder what else he is taking the wrong position on".

Concord, Ma.

He is getting down to work and not" puffing up" as much. Which is what we have needed for over 8 years. Bush never did get down to work. He was too busy landing on aircraft carriers and printing banners. Republicans are teying to "puff up" but someone blew their feathers off.

Who say's his
approval rating dropped. "Oh" the media that's right.. I never trust those guys and their wacky polls.,

Simply, the novelty is starting to wear-off! The United States is learning something that I suspected from the start, and that is, Mr. Obama talks a good story, but it ends there. I applaud him for trying to show all the heathens in the world how to solve their problems by sitting-down and talking it out instead of going to war, but that isn't happening!

Jim
Arizona

His rating are dropping because the health care plan is so complex , hard to understand and many are concerned about the cost but most know it is desperatley needed. Also, the Republicans have done everything possible to stop the healthcare plan on behalf of the insurance and drug companies who have spent millions trying to kill it. This plan is no more "socialized" than Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and public schools to name a few. Anything that serves the everyday person is always objected to by the Republican party. Everyone of them should hang their heads in shame. We must all remember this when we vote in 2010.

The decline has only one cause – the all too slow realization that history, change, and hope, are promises too vague to properly judge.

Because the president has been acting stupiedly, trying to ram all this redistribution of wealth down the throats of the people of america, that get up and go to work every day ,thinking if he gets it passed fast enough it will be to late to stop it.
Seems to me he was the one doing the racial profiling when he said the officer acted stupiedly, not knowing the facts, only that a white policeman arrested his black friend.

some have seen the lite
perry jones
council bluffs iowa

Why? Because the Republicans and their assorted allies are doing everything in their power to make him look as bad as possible. They're mad they lost, and instead of "putting country first", they're playing politics. How sad that so many Americans aren't bright enough to see it clearly.

Jack it’s because this Government run health care no one in America want’s it!! Well some do I don’t I pay my taxes and I work hard these people on wealth fair and things like that don’t work they use the Government so they don’t have to work!! I don’t want to pay for someone else’s Health Care that does not work!!! Canada is health care is crazy that is what will happen if this passes I’m a Independent and I will not vote for Obama for these reasons in 2012 I was a Democrat until the Stimulus Bill was passed Jack if this health care bill passes I will no longer vote for the Democratic party and only vote Republican and a lot of us old Blue Dog Democrats feel this way.
Also it's him getting involved in the Harvard issues with the police

President Obama's whole campaign was about change, and people are still waiting for it. Six months is too long for some people, especially those who have lost their jobs.

Easy. Senator Max Baucus.

RnC ? you would think

Jack, I thought you knew, it was discovered that he can't turn water into wine.

It is simple. At a time when americans are sick of hearing about the deficit everyday, the last thing they want to hear is about another trillion being spent on health care. He needs to learn timing. This might fly better if we had more money in the bank.

Jack,
Many people are slow to catch on, but they do eventually. Obama had astonishingly high job approval before he did anything, now when people are paying attention, his approval is falling.
Harry
Tampa, FL

Its the health care debate. We don't want it n the libs do.its that simple. Or it could just be the economy stupid.

Republicans and Big Businesses are using successful scare tactics to cause the public to believe them and not the President or his agenda. Remember it was once said that: The Only Thing We Have To Fear Is Fear Itself”. While Democrats fight among
themselves and destroy themselves for the Republican Party, they (Repubs.) are using every bit of fear they can muster while the President is trying to be “MR. NICE GUY”. Together, they collectively represent the three arms of THE PERFECT STORM .

People thinking stupily!

one word – health care!

He's being forced into specifics and his answers are very weak and sound like he just keeps repeating campaign promises.

I don't take polls too seriously – just who is Gallup polling anyway? I have caller ID & seldom answer my phone unless I know who it is.

If the President does care about the public he will see to it that all our employees – any government person – will have the same medical and retirement that we who put them in office have. In fact I hope that all voters only vote for a person that will do the above.

I'm a 20 year old college student and I've noticed that among my age group, disliking Obama has become trendy. Most of it strikes me as the same reason why nobody likes Hermione in Harry Potter (sorry, couldn't resist the age-appropriate pop culture reference). Listening to someone so erudite intimidates most people, especially in a culture that generally celebrates total idiocy.

Fear that they will lose their choice of doctor. Fear that reparations are a secret agenda. They're a bunch of chickens.
-Gerard Canta
North Arlington NJ

Caf..... Come on, America is finally waking up. Obama like all politicians, failed to make good their promises. He is totally headed in the wrong direction all across the board....

Now if we can just CLEAN House in the Congress, and replace the career politicians with NORMAL Americans, we might just have a chance...

I think the President is not as popular these days due to his constant appearance on television. He continues to make numerous speeches, allowing the mass population to grow accustomed to his "urgent" briefs regarding what's going on in the news. Former Presidents like FDR and LBJ seldom were in the camera's spotlight. Perhaps President Obama should keep the public on a need to know basis, in oppose to behaving like a celebrity.

The immature, instant gratification folks wanting results NOW... Remember, it took 8 years to get into this mess.

It just bears out the old saying: "Every so often you have to elect a Democrat to remind you of why you should have elected a Republican."

Jack, this is customary for a President's approval rating to drop slightly this far into his presidency. The question should be, why is this drop such a media frenzy? The answer to that question is simple, Republicans are masters at coordinating obstructions that affect the views of the American people. Unfortunately, the misrepresentations of Obamas' agenda by the Republicans have made this drop in approval rating a bigger deal than it really is.

The country's love affair with President Obama is apparently cooling off. There's no big surprise here – the economy is still struggling, unemployment is rising – not stabilizing or falling – and we are still mired in questionable foreign conflicts. Obama inherited a big mess from the previous administration, and we need to exercise a lot more patience in light of his brief time in office..

Selfishness on the part of people who are well of financially. They fear being taxed for the benefit of those who have no health insurance.
That is at the root of his loss of popularity .

Becky
Murfreesboro, TN.

Jack, I blame the media.

The Presidents ratings slide I think a little bit just has to do with the daily "wear in tear" of getting tons of things done. While doing this, you will have plenty of people who like your policies while you'll always have those trickling off who disagree.
Then with all the Republicans mis-representation of policies and daily wishes of the President to fail, and thus the country to fail, this mountain of negativity is bound to have some effect. Its just insane to dis-agree with everything and have nothing positive to say. I even thought Bush did a couple of things right.

The Republicans have brought out their large scare guns and false statements.

The drop in the President's approval rating is due to us, as Americans, always demanding 'instant gratification'. It's not difficult to understand that we didn't end up here overnight, and it'll take more than six months to get out of the mess that the prior administration left in it's wake.

Republican fear mongering, misinformation and out right lies are reaching some of the easily influenced ill-informed, alright let's say it stupid people.

Stupid people thinking stupidly are behind his fall in the polls

It seems to me that Obama is too preoccupied with his approval ratings and that is preventing him from providing the real "change" that this nation needs. Yes, President Obama is doing many things in many areas, but he is not doing enough in those areas. I agree with Bill Maher when he said. "if only Obama had a little of that Bush tenacity". I wish he would just forget the approval ratings and set in motion the progressive agenda that this country has needed for some time now. So, basically too much talk and not enough action.

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm getting tired of the man flapping his gums. I mean, every time I turn around Obama is doing another speech, chat, town hall, meet 'n' greet, etc., etc. Someone needs to tell him the campaign is over...

Steep drop? Hardly, Jack. Let's not lose perspective here. He has lost about 5 points over the last month. I think his predecessor would have been happy with HALF his ratings. And let's keep in mind that this "steep" drop coincides with Obama's attempt to take on many third rail issues in politics, like health care, taxes, and Iraq.

HI JACK,writing from gresham oregon I think that people do need to relax i think the president is doing a great job after all he has a huge mess to clean up and alot of of political battles to fight.I think people are sitting around waiting for a miracle to happen but as they say rome was not built overnight.

The American people are realizing that Barack Obama has many big fish to fry at once, thanks to the mess left to him, but also because he has a lot of big ideas. For some reason, it seems he feels the need to get 10 balls rolling at once. I voted for the President, but I think that many of us were swept up in the hoopla and assumed he could wave a magic wand and make all of the problems we are facing disappear. We are now seeing that while his overall ideas are good, he needs to slow down and take a closer look at them before making any rash decisions. Getting involved in smaller local issues does not help him. He needs to stay focused on sorting out our national agenda and needs to come up with more specifics to back up all of those big ideas that seemed so hopeful months ago.

I agree with you Jack, he inherited a pile of horse manure that we call an economy and he is just doing the best with it that he can. I think the public needs to realize that if we do nothing that the pile of manure can only be piled higher and deeper. It doesn't take a Ph.D., that's (piled higher and deeper) to figure that one out.

Sean
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

People being reactionary!

The President's drop in approval has been influenced by a complex system of issues and events. Republican negative tactics on healthcare reform, the deficit, and the recession. Hot topics seem to be the extent of government control of healthcare reform and its seemingly unbridled spending. I still support him and approve of what he wants to accomplish, but I, too, am concerned about those two issues.

I believe it's largely due to his comment regarding the Cambridge Police. I think some people were a little uneasy about his comment and the reminder that racism still exist in America.

Leaning on Israel, the victim, and pressuring Israel on Jerusalem in violation both of assurances by previous Presidents and his own campaign promises has created a deep distrust which extends to his other policy positions.“ He has simply lost the confidence of a near-majority of the American people.

Dear Journalist:
I am glad to see this decline and I hope the President I helped to win will stop been "such a nice guy" and become toughter with the Road Blockers of D.C.
We elected the best man to solve the problems of this great nation not to make happy individuals that will oppose anything he could try to accomplish.
Keep the good work,
Lake Mary, FL

well he's trying to do to much at one time, second the big companys got the money , the middle class got the bill. last race was not a issue in his election we voted for the best man not he color of his skin.
do the people's work, all the people's

The American people are like a herd of sheep and seem to flock toward the group screaming the loudest. The GOP is good at playing the fear card & unfortunately the gullible buy it. Its time for the President to set aside his goal for bi-partisan cooperation & tell America why his vision is better for America than the GOP's vision (or lack thereof). America needs to remember just how good that was for most of the country the past 8 years) and demand change from our representatives or vote them out in 2010. He also needs to remind the Dems who won the election last year – over and over until they get it.

Americans should be getting lower approval ratings. Americans are not only impatient, they don't want to think and speak responsibly. They've adopted the "I want, what I want and I want it right now." Well, educate yourself on the issues and speak and react responsibly. Not like the whiners we're so used to and we're beginning to think is normal.

A simple lack of patience. History shows us that when things are going great, a president's popularity goes up no matter their party affiliation. People are unwilling to wait for the results of his plan and want to see drastic change in a short period of time. This is a result of another one of his plans,....more money for education!

It's not just Obama's original birth certificate at issue. WND has reported that among the documentation not yet available for Obama includes his kindergarten records, his Punahou school records, his Occidental College records, his Columbia University records, his Columbia thesis, his Harvard Law School records, his Harvard Law Review articles, his scholarly articles from the University of Chicago, his passport, his medical records, his files from his years as an Illinois state senator, his Illinois State Bar Association records, any baptism records, and his adoption records.

What is he hiding?

I think the President is not as popular these days due to his constant appearance on television. He continues to make numerous speeches, allowing the mass population to grow accustomed to his "urgent" briefs regarding what's going on in the world. Former Presidents like FDR and LBJ seldom were in the camera's spotlight. Perhaps President Obama should keep the public on a need to know basis, in oppose to behaving like a celebrity.

Simply put, Obama is trying to change more than what the American public wants.

JACK: The politicians and big oil and big insurance are using YOU and the MEDIA to spread lies about any one that gets in their way.They want to make money and don't care who they hurt.

Just more people thinking "stupidly."

I honestly think the drop is being caused by his Idealism and Idealstic Pandering for his programs.

He "is" talking but he is spinning facts not stating real and usable information that says what he wants out of this Medical Reform Plan.

He does not seem to be able to realy control Congree or the Senate, they seem to be running off, not listening and thus he looks more like a figure head, than a President.

J. in Nashville

Corporate owned media. It’s a steady infusion of GOP talking points by GOP loudmouths 24/7, no matter where you turn, aside from a few cable programs each evening.

I think a very strong reason he is going down in the polls is the deluge of misreprentations and falsehoods on TV and radio put out on a continuing basis about the health reform bill, what it will cost us and the "three trillion dollar increase in taxes" as they represent it.

Maybe his rating is getting hit because of his lack of completion. Health care, economy, stimulus package and he has not even started on education. I realize these are tough times but he needs to slow down and just complete one thing.

Strange how everyone has forgotten the abyss that our last president sent us. Our society expects immediate gratification. It is the only industrialized nation that has this childish mindset. This is the very reason for extreme polarization of our political system. It doesn't result in results just junk legislation that we all live with forever.

I think people expected immediate "Change" and all of our problems from the last 8 yrs & from the previous 20 yrs of mismanagement in their own finances & all levels of government to be solved & they could go on their merry way...it is gonna take time...stop wasting our money on all levels...we have enough...none of us seem to be frugal enough!!!!

The President certainly has taken a hit over his misstep in the Gates arrest, but health care seems to be a much bigger problem for him. I want Congress to pass a reform bill, but see no need to rush to judgement. We've gone for a very long time under the present horrible system, so we should take care to get reform right the first time, and take the appropriate amount of time to do it.

Jack,

The number dropped from 59% to 56%, but the polling error was plus or minus 2 %. Statistically the number did not change.

Last weeks rating could actually be 57% and this weeks could actually be 58%. These are within the 2% error of the poll. Hence, statistically these are the same numbers and one cannot claim his rating drop.

Ben

The Gates affair did not help but the primary reason for the decline is our willingness to succumb to the fear factor promoted by the right wing group. The Republicans have always used the concept of fear to further their agenda and unfortunately it works. I also feel that the President should be forceful with his party and not be so concerned with trying to get Republicans on board. The hell with them, they lost the election.

Obama seems to be pushing everything down this nation's throat. He needs to leave the people alone who have healthcare they want and just make sure that people who are not covered get coverage. I am what he calls a seasoned citizen and I am so afraid I will lose coverage and also lose my perscription benefits. He seems to want all this power and it's costing trillions of dollars that this nation does not have. It's no wonder his ratings are going down....the people who voted for him are finally seeing the light!!!!

Jobs, Jack, Jobs!

I've been out of work for over two years and I voted for him because there was hope! We need work!

Yes, health care is important but America needs to get back to work to dig us out of this financial abyss brought upon us by the dark years of the previous administration.

Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!

Charles
Monroe, Connecticut

I voted for Obama and I still support him...but with healthcare..I think people are just confused...Okay, we know how much this is going to cost the government (some what)...People want to know how much it is going to cost them each month or year..the bottom line for us individually,especially seniors!!!

Constant Republicans (broadcasters and lawmakers) racial attacks,birther nonsense,witch doctor pictures and the unreasonable expectation that President Obama can fix all the nation's problems in six months.Mind you it took President Bush 8 years to create the mess.In addition his agenda is being sabotaged by members of his own party,the so called blue dogs conservative democrats.Obama will rebound and prevail.First time you have a president who actually knows what he is talking about detail after detail....and then there was Dubya go figure.

Jack,

An instructor of mine in the Army used to tell us, "Don't let your mouth over load your back side." President Obama apparently was not aware of that good advice. We expect our leaders to have as much information as possible before they take action, President Obama spoke too soon and too harshly; that has resulted in lower approval ratings at least from me.

It's not healthcare or the Gates sideshow. It's the economy, stupid. His political mistake was to promise too much too soon from the stimulus package and, out of caution, to softpedal the severity of a momentus economic disaster. Policy-wise, that led to a weak stimulus bill. And he compunded the error by focusing on restarting the dysfunctional financial system without real reform or accountability.

As a result, Obama's honeymoon is over and people now doubt his ability to tackle healthcare. Unfortunately, he is showing the same willingness to compromise on healthcare as he did on reform of the financial system. In both cases, the middle road invites the enmity of both sides and leads to inneffective solutions.

You still are blaming the past 8 years. That's why his polls are declining. He owns the media, can't take responsibility for his own ineptness and is still campaigning. It's guys like you in the media who no longer speak the truth.

I guess people just can't believe it when they have a good thing. I think Obama is trying to deliver on the promises he made to us but the "blue dogs" and the republicans are being paid a million dollars a day by the insurance companies to convince the public that they already have a good thing. I'm afraid the public is determined to be "screwed."

I don't think most Republican conservatives are done being poor losers over the election. Instead of finding a way to work with the current administration, Obama's opposition continues to report slanderous information like the validity over his birth certificate or his ties with Muslim heritage. The conservative gang in the house and senate are not giving this man an inch to govern.

Liberals elected Obama and the Democrats in order to start reversing the terrible policies of the previous administration, but have been repeatedly disappointed. Gays in the military, prosecution of Bush administration officials for torture, attorney firings, wiretapping, etc, closing Guantanamo, true health care reform, reversing tax cuts for the wealthy, and so much more – it just isn't happening, or happening fast enough for us.

He is still campaigning., not governing..people grow tired of constant whining...sure he inherited a mess...but Pelosi has been in charge three years as Harry Reid has, and they, as well as Obama, voted for a lot of the garbage that caused this mess. Great orator, but says nothing in different ways...his lack of experience is becoming evident...and all of the excuses will not make that go away.

Possibly next week iI will care more about health care when I am a 50 year old unemployed widow after 28 consecutive years employment. I am sure I may get Swine or the Flu in a homeless shelter. EAting fattening food that Obama wants to tax. I hope I have a Dollar to order something from the $1.00 menu.

I think Obama is pressing to hard on the Health Care Reform. He should just give the people a vote on what they want. He doesn't say where some of the money is coming from. I say leave things the way they are.

President Obama's job rating will continue to drop in direct proportion to his "stupid" mistakes. i.e. Medicare for illegal immigrants, Sotomayor and Crowley/Gates. Add to that his everyday appearance on TV. Guess he never heard the phrase, "familiarity breeds contempt"

I'm a white male who voted for and supports President Obama.
I believe he made a mistake by stating the Cambridge Police Dept
"acted stupidly" . Race is a very sensitive issue to white (caucasian) Americans as well. He shouldn't have spoken on the arrest of his friend during a scheduled public health care speech. I believe it turned off a lot white Americans. I want healthcare reform now!

President Obama has come a long way in becoming the first Africa American to become the president of the United States. There is so much opposition against him, AND IT HAS LITTLE TO DO WITH ISSUES. He also has to deal with and tackle REAL issues that this country is facing. The United States is very much immature when it comes to real issues facing this country today. PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! grow up, wake up, stand up, do whatever you have to do in order to get past the bias. Its not right.

I believe that the fall in support behind Obama is a mixture of both people wanting him to push healthcare through and others who want him to wait. He is walking a fine line right now between both groups of people, far left liberals want the Healthcare bill to go through now while more moderate thinkers want more talk and examination. Both sides are feeling a bit ignored right now because the bill seems to be stalled completely which is frustrating everyone.

I am one of the people who wishes Healthcare gets through as soon as possible. I still believe in Obama though and support him all the way.

The problem that is causing a drop in President Obamas rating is : they should be discusing and arguing on Health Insurance Reform NOT Health Care Reform. Too little time and as usual the Insurance companies will pressure as they did with Plan D which is a total abuse to those of us who did better BEFORE it was enacted. The other problem is that the government officials discusing it DO NOT get affected by the decision. DO you really think Medicare would be in the state its in if they needed to use it???

While I agree that the “foot in mouth” comment about the arrest of the professor may have impacted his popularity. However, I believe that “hate radio” is the main reason. I was a frequent listener to talk radio and I found that I was becoming very negative and depressed. It is difficult to hear such negative talk about the president all day long and it has not impact on you. I finally had to stop listening. My opinion of the president was becoming negative and I voted for him. So I believe the Republicans’ campaign to “bash him daily” and insight fear is working.

Obama's approval ratings were originally based on his promises. He promised a lot, at no sacrifice. People approve of getting something for nothing. He promised to end our role in Iraq and Afghanistan. He promised to save jobs with the stimulus. He promised universal health care that would save money.

Now Obama's approval ratings are based on the his results. His results have been far less than promised, and they have saddled us with a huge deficit to pay for it.

Well let's see. He's talking about raising taxes in a horrible economy and is continuing to borrow money at an expanding rate which will eventually bankrupt this country and destroy the dollar.The deficit is 2 trillion dollars and the stimulus has had no effect whatsoever. Now he wants to completely socialize our economy by having a government takeover of the healthcare system. The American people are finally waking up. 2012 cannot come fast enough.

The people of America aren't seeing the results they were promised. Don't forget the extravagant claims made by President Obama during the elections. While I do think that some of the results awaited by the average citizen require a little patience, people are demanding tangible evidence that what Obama is doing is working. Unemployment is up above 9%. Also, people really don't know the details of his health plan. They know he is for change, but I think the specifics have not yet been clearly related to the public or they have been distorted by the political tensions in Washington.

I find it amazing that his approval rating is as good as it is! There is a concentrated effort across this country by the right wing (think Limbaugh and company) to discredit him about anything that they can. I've heard criticism of everything from his jeans at the all-star game to whether he's really a citizen–even though we've seen his birth certificate and the Honolulu newspaper birth announcement, at his (true) statement that the Cambridge Police acted "stupidly" in arresting Prof. Gates, (these are the same people that would go through the roof if a white man was arrested because he dared to complain about being hassled in his own home).

The people that are panning him aren't giving the first honest, decent leader we've had in (at least) 8 years a real chance, and that's going to turn out to be a regret for many of his critics, I fear.

America is finally waking up to Obama's rush to fix everything at once, rather than fixing the economy and then moving on to other issues, healthcare etc. He as well as Congress/Senate are not given time to read the thousands of pages most legislative changes generate.

I am so sorry I voted for him !

The media and the Republicans say the ratings have dropped. Why not ask a few Democrats and soured Republicans who are wanting Health care reform.. Until you ask me you haven't told the "Rest of the Story".

Oregon

Pres Obama is like a superman, and we just discover that there is some criptonite in the Senate, we will take care of that at the next election, because we need superman to get us out of this mess.

Jack,
blame the sole loser republicans.

The honeymoon is over. We still love him, but some of the things he did at the reception were handled "stupidly". Much of our complaints has more to do with congress mishandling of healthcare. That transference is undeserved. It is something every president has to deal with. The buck stops on his desk.

Not a whole lot. American's "stupidly' find meaningless quotes and hang on to the the media's poor market place of revolving ideas. Obama has done more in 6 months than Bush did in 8 years. The Republican party with their "Birthers", and "fear mongering" of the populous do more to effect popularity polls to the uninformed.

President Obama is doing exactly what he promised the people who voted for him when he was running for President. Only a person who has been insured all their lives would oppose his plans. Those of us who have lost health insurance understand this problem completely. The stresser's involved in no coverage, the costs, the frustration of not having penicillon for an infection without sitting in an emergency room for six to eight hours and costing hundreds of dollars. Greedy insurance companies and Doctors are to blame not President Obama.

I sure do not remember tracking every single thing that President Bush said, or week by week tracking of his popular poll numbers. And every commetatory going over every little thing that President Obama says or does. I am sick of the news people and their obsession with finding something wrong with President Obama. The Bush White House gutted out all of the departments, and not a peep from the news people. Doesn't that seem a little wrong to all of you?

I think the people expect things right away and for free. Scare tactics from the republicatios and insurance companies don't help. People are scared.When are the American people going to give credit where credit is do. Alex said Obama has to ask another president . Well what did Bush do? He went to daddy thats why your in Iraq, and that is a big giant loss in your money.
Their more afraid of their own losses than helping the poor people that can't take their kids to a doctor cause they don't have money to buy insurance.
Adopt the Canadian way,
President Obama is trying to look after your people in the states,
Might help to start listening to the right people.

That's a mystery to me, Jack! The previous president was grossly neglectful regarding domestic issues and we paid a high price for it: pensions and house values on the downward slope, troops sent in harm's way without cause, and our reputation abroad was in the dumps. Now we have a president who seeks to address issues that affect most Americans and somehow we've regressed to the politics of fear. We wanted change. We voted for change and now too many people are skeptical of it. Perhaps the answer isn't a mystery. Perhaps too many people are just plain flaky!

The fall in approval rating is for the same reason as during the election -the lies the other side is telling. Not every Ameican has done what I have, which is to download the ENTIRE health reform bill so I can read it for MYSELF, and 95% of the things these republican leaders are saying and the ads they are running are not even CLOSE to rrue, they are saying them solely to SCARE the American people from supporting Obama on this. It is clear the republicans would LOVE to squash this bill and stick feathers in their oversized ego hats!
Pat in Oregon

Polling is influenced by news coverage. When newspeople continually accept the oppositon's claims at face value; even when their claims have been debunked, can you expect the casual observor to have an accurate picture of the debate?

His healthcare proposals are ridiculous. My healthcare should be determined by myself and my doctor, not a group of physicians who are appointed by Democrats who will never look at my medical files or the other millions of other American's medical files. That is downright obsurd.

The President is trying to do to many things too fast. The more government is in our lives the more the government wants to be and the more rules the government wants to place on the United States Citizens.

Maybe the American people are finally getting to know the real Obama. I feel like I'm now living in the land of OZ – and Obama is waving his arms and shouting "Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain"! He says one thing – and its almost a guarantee that the opposite is reality. Somehow truth is no longer part of the political debate – only rhetoric. And, Jack – please – enough of trying to say the current economic mess is something inherited – the problems may have been started under Bush, but the out-of-control spending response by Obama and the dems made it worse, not better.

Most Americans have the attention span of a gnat. They contributed to the financial failure of the last 8 years by electing representatives who allowed the Bush Administation to do everything "off the budget". They continued to contribute to the current economic problem by living well beyond their means for years. Suddenly, the house of cards comes down and they expect the President to fix it over night because a recession is a buzz kill. Wake up folks, the economy is a fast moving freight train and in this case is was heading down the wrong track...trains take miles to stop and get back on the right track.

The Democratic Party is taking down their own President. Hopefully, in 2010 the American people will get rid of these crazy Blue Dog Dems along with their Republican counterparts. 24/7 news channel reports which repeats and constantly speculates on what Ifs...also is not helping.

Obama is falling off in the polls because americans are impatient and want instant gratification as far the economy goes. The situation with professor Gates and the white police officer is in some ways dividing the nation even more so Obama being the first black president is dealing with some racial issues as far as polls and approval go.

Hi Jack,

The reason Obama's poll ratings are dropping are obvious. The American people have realized that Obama is just another politican and lawyer. He is trying to force his agenda on the American people before they have a chance to review it. It's like hurry up and pass everything before Americans can understand anything. He must think we are "incredibly stupid". Obama must be incredibly stupid to think that Americans are just going to stand by and let him continue in this way. I think he has forgotten who he works for, "We the people". If the polls were an evaluation he'd already be clearing his desk and heading for the door.

Jack,
President Obama knows exactly what he is doing. I have 100% confidence in him. The polls are not accurate. I do not know who takes part in them, it sure wasn't me. I am not black or young. I've been around 68 years and Obama is the first President who is open and down to earth with the people. I never thought I would see a President that laid back and refreshing. He is doing a great job, but "patience". It will take a little more time for things to really get better. Just wait until December!

Hey Jack,

Obama's approval ratings are the result of big money throwing every lobbyist, right wing tool and John Boehner at him. When the insurance companies pay a million dollars a day in ads against a public option, how can Obama or my uninsured family compete with that? Here's how. By writing to your show and telling Rep. Boehner that I want the same insurance he and his family enjoy.

Pres.Obama showed the world that he sometimes acts without having all the fact when he responded to a question concerning the Prof Gates break-in arrest. I believe that, by responding emotionally, he showed signs of having a hidden agenda by showing that he too is capable of playing the race card. he has given everyone reason for concern. i hope I'm wrong!

Pres.Obama is sounding more "shifty" every day. For example, I heard him twice asked if he thought Congress should accept the same health care bill they are creating for the rest of us. Each time, he failed to answer directly by saying the new plan is very similar to what Congress now has. If so, why are we creating a new bill, that will exempt Congress?

Pres. Obama, you can call a dead fish a rose, but it still smells!
Give us citizens more credit.

Prior to the 2008 election, I was concerned about the work load of the next president. The Wall Street Collapse, the War in Iraq, a failing Healthcare System, a Tax Policy in need of review. The work-load I envisioned would require a younger man, and I voted for President Obama. America is in the early stages of a major turn around program, and I say we let the man finish what he has started.

I'm with Jack ! Pile of manure that was inherited. Where are you going for these polls? Never popular when talking about sore topics! Why are the insurance companies so scared that there profits are going to drop. How about the trust of insurance companies poll!

For one thing, at six months in, the "honeymoon is over." Yes, he did inherit one hellova mess, and he's getting his hands soiled because he's working hard in the middle of it now.

But I also think that he is the victim of a lot of NO party spam slogans, misinformation, and lobbyist-bribed politicians being paid by huge business interests, that represent only their stockholders, not the American people in general, and only know how to play dirty.

Why are his numbers falling? My guess is because for the first time in about 20-30 years this President is trying to pass hard core legislation. Legislation this huge such as health care will of course cause heads to slam against each other. Different opinions, causes different views. I’m a teacher and when I watch the news drool over this fascination with rankings and popularity it seems simply childish. The opposition is doing nothing but yelling such things like the old is going to be killed off. You will have no choice, and democracy is going to die as we know it. It’s the media job to speak the truth and kill these facts on the spot. Instead, fear sells well, and representatives and lobbyists are winning this war. This is why the numbers are falling. This is why America will never change.

Two things: The Republicans are absolute MASTERS at scare tactics. How soon the American people forget what a tremendous mess that crowd got us into during the past eight years.
Secondly, we in the U.S. have lost any ability we ever had to deal with delayed gratification. If an action doesn't produce IMMEDIATE results we switch gears (or fall to scare tactics).
For the above reasons we'll NEVER get out of the 20th century and into the 21st! We scare too easily to take any risks.

Obama is taking a hit for many reasons. the stimulus that had to be passed right away has done nothing to create jobs. most people are happy with their health care and do not like the idea of a massive overhaul being rushed. once again a massive amount of money. where are they getting all this money? presidents stay out of local issues and he should have never called the police "stupid". obama may have inherited problems but he set the bar high, he said he was going to help the little guy and he led people to believe he would fix whatever needed fixing.

Obama's approval ratings are the result of big money throwing every lobbyist, right wing tool and John Boehner at him. When the insurance companies pay a million dollars a day in ads against a public option, how can Obama or my uninsured family compete with that? Here's how. By writing to your show and telling Rep. Boehner that I want the same insurance he and his family enjoy.

The Honeymoon is Over for the american people, although the media may take exception. The President is on a spending binge with no end in sight and the american people recognize that we can't continue down that path without serious consequences. The irresponsible republican spending helped get us into our current debt. The CHANGE people voted for is not what we are getting from Obama......

Tom

The cause is a few different factors. Every president has a honeymoon period that lasts until the emotions of the people settle down, and they begin to look at the policies of the man.

Obama is doing just fine. His stimulus package did work. No doubt it saved several existing jobs and it created a few new jobs.
Wait for a year before you say any negative things on Obama policy. In 1984, Regan took almost a year to fix the economy. We need to help him to promote his Healthcare plan. We need it.
I would rate Obama 6 in 10.

Inflicted Fear. Period. Republicans and those big greedy insurance companies who are opposed to Obama's healthcare agenda which would do good for the America are using scary tactics to inflict fear. During the election Obama was able to transcend the culture of fear with a culture of hope. Now it seems like America is back on reverse gear. It is sad and pathetic to see this trend of the past. I hope America will not fall in to that trap again, which consumed this nation for 8 years.

Nuwan from Houston, TX

What got the country into this mess? "Politics as usual" by the two incumbent parties. What's happening now? Lots of finger pointing, followed by more "politics as usual." With their own excellent taxpayer paid health care and retirement benefits, politicians in Washington have no incentive to provide that for those of us who don't

Both the health care lobbyists and the Republicans have put so much $ and advertisements into killing health care reform that it was bound to have an effect. I'm glad President Obama is willing to take on for-profit health insurance companies because we cannot continue to allow them to cancel policies without justification and refuse to cover pre-existing conditions.

After practically walking through hot coals to become the first African American President, as well as the first president in a long time to speak the truth to the American public, I am sure that President Obama doesn't lose too much sleep over silly popularity polls.

He is on a bigger quest- to help the average American, who has been victimized by the ultra rich for too long.

I think that's exactly it (andrea, ca), people ARE getting smarter. They're starting to realize that it's politics as usual and Chicago politics are at play here. The president and his cronies are trying to cram down our throats a bill of goods that promises everything but with no way to pay for it except to increase taxes...and not just on the wealthy! People want the rep's to take their time and read the fine print to make sure we know what we're getting, not sign off on thousands of pages of who-knows-what in the middle of the night like the stimulous package. Thanks for your time, Jack!

Jack, this is the easiest question to answer, you have ever asked-it is because of an avalanche of false and negative propaganda ads by the Republicans—trying to scare the wits out of the American people—so they can keep the status quo in our healthcare in America—that is, so the Republicans can keep lining the pockets of their richest contributors! In short, with the Republicans it is politics as usual—regardless of how many Americans are injured in the process!-and if their lips are moving-–!

Maybe we are finally noticing that Obama is just a politician when he speaks without his teleprompter... he has big ideas but can't answer the questions he is asked about how to make EVERYONE happy at the same time....Jay Nanuet NY

In my opinion, President Obama's ratings are dipping because his supporters are upset that he has not fought back against the Republicans. His goal of bipartisanship has been rendered foolish and doomed because of Republican politics. He needs to name names and tell the truth about those Republicans who may be spreading untruths (lies). Example: "Sen. (blank) was heard today saying "...........". Sen. (blank) was not correct. Either he is misinformed or he wants his supporters to be swayed by misinformation. The truth is.....................

Bill Peresman, Huntington, NY

Because Obama is doing what he said he would do. Roughly speaking, the country is evenly divided between people who want a 21st century country and those who want to return to the dark ages. Since Obama really is dragging the country into the 21st century, all those who want to go back to the dark ages are kicking and screaming.

Jim, Craig, CO

Considering the constant barrage of negativity aginst President Obama coming from the MSM and the Republicans, it's no wonder his poll numbers are slipping.There are far too many people out there who believe what they are "fed', instead of paying attention and informing themselves.
I have a question;why must there be a poll every day or two? What possible use does it serve, except perhaps to make the public nervous? When Bush's poll numbers were "in the tank", did he resign? No. Will Mr.Obama complete his whole term? Yes. He won't be pulling a "Palin".Leave him alone and let him get his work done.

Jack it;s no wonder the presidents polls have been slipping,
even Superman has his limitations,the u.s. and the majority of the free world expects results based on his campaign promises,not
to mention his future problems that are unfolding at an unpredictible rate, Yet the obvious reason is acutely notible....too much too fast,
seems to be the buzz words for global chaos? Go figure?

Two words: Republican distractors. They have no plan for healthcare, fixing the economy, or ending the two wars their hawks started. So what's their big strategy? distract with lies about Obama killing grandmas, attack everything Dems are for, stir racial differences, & introduce unnecessary bills on human-animals and birth certificates. Oh and then there's Palin. If the American people allow Republicans to let these tired games run their course, we deserve what we get!

The GOP is putting up roadblocks and telling half truths which is hurting Obama. They had their chance for 8 years to fix our economy and health crises and they once again put our citizens last. Now again they are putting their needs first and the heck with the rest of us.

Well Jack, clearly the honeymoon is over.. Americans always want a quick fix and they want it for nothing.. Obama made it quite clear from the beginning what Americans might expect, and when they might expect it,. However memories are short and there are no miracles. The Republicans are in Full attack mode now. Most Americans still sadly watch FOX news as its the only channel they get. You have every Republican working not for the American people, but for the party's interest only, which is to defeat Obama at all costs, American public be damned.. Its so sad.. None the less Obama has risen above the fray, time and time again. Personally, I'm still thrilled with our dear leader, and there is NOBODY out there, who could even begin to do the job this man is doing for this country. Hang in there America!

I think the President is not as popular these days due to his constant appearance on television. He continues to make numerous speeches, allowing the masses to grow accustomed, and even expectant, to his "urgent" briefs regarding the nation's every move. Former Presidents like FDR and LBJ seldom were in the camera's spotlight. Perhaps President Obama should keep the public on a need to know basis, in oppose to behaving like a celebrity.

Wow being proactive rather than reactive, government by leadership not by polls. Health care reform with solutions not just answers, downsizing in Iraq, Pakistan battling the Talban, Iran in uproar.
If Cambridge police acted truthful, why did he lie about the 911 caller stating that she said there were two black men in the house? How much did this arrest cost the tax payers, stupidly whatever.
No wonder he is slipping in the polls, God bless America.

The Gates incident is a problem for him. In this country people are afraid to talk honestly about race and blacks who do even the President will suffer. Blacks walk a fragile line where race is concerned. This is why Obama had to basically avoid the issue during the campaign. This is why his ratings are suffering. Also, people want jobs and I am not so sure the people who run the companies and are in control of banks and financing are not avoiding giving people jobs to make Obama look bad. There should have been more requirements of accountability for the stimilus money.