“As President Barack Obama is set to begin his second term next week, he finds himself with a job-approval rating above 50% and with majorities supporting his general direction on gun control and immigration.”… “But he also confronts an American public holding mixed attitudes about the next four years, concerns about the economy and a belief that tougher times lie ahead.” “It’s a stark reversal from four years ago, when Obama’s first inauguration – despite taking place in the midst of the Great Recession – contained high expectations and seemed more like a “coronation,” says Democratic pollster Peter D. Hart, who conducted the survey with Republican pollster Bill McInturff. “IF 2009 WAS ALL ABOUT HOPE, 2013 IS ALL ABOUT THE ABILITY TO COPE,” Hart adds of the public’s lower expectations about the economy and reducing partisanship in Washington. EVEN MORE “SOURED” ON CONGRESS A whopping 81% overall disapproval rating, with 49% having a negative view of the Republican Party, by comparison, the Democratic Party has a 38% unfavorable. And the Tea Party is at an all-time low, with 47% viewing it unfavorably.
18
Jan 2013