Obama Approval Index -2%. Independents now evenly split.

*update: 39% now blame the economy on Obama policies

[poll id=”196″]

President Obama’s approval ratings index slipped into the negative. Thats where more STRONGLY DISAPPROVE than STRONGLY APPROVE. In addition to that, his overall numbers have fallen below the 60% “WE CAN DO WHATEVER WE WANT” area, to 53% or 56%, depending on which poll you read.

Of most interest to Juice Readers, Obama has fallen from a 60% approval among independents to 46% approving and 44% disapproving.

The honeymoon is coming to an end and its not personal. Its professional. The country is becoming more and more alarmed at the deficit, with 60% saying more should be done to bring down the deficit even if it takes longer for the country to recover. A distinct gulf exists between Mr. Obama’s overall standing and how some of his key initiatives are viewed, with fewer than half of Americans saying they approve of how he has handled health care and the effort to save General Motors and Chrysler. A majority of people said his policies have had either no effect yet on improving the economy or had made it worse, underscoring how his political strength still rests on faith in his leadership rather than concrete results.

About Terry Crowley