(Week of 10/20/2012) Incumbent Presidents usually hold an advantage on foreign policy issues, as they have been dealing with international crises for four years. And President Obama’s approval rating rose after the killing of Osama bin Laden in 2011. But Americans see weaknesses in the President’s management of foreign policy — something his opponent may have been able to take advantage of in the final debate.
Americans are currently divided in how the President is handling the war in Afghanistan and the issue of terrorism. And there has been some erosion in the last week on evaluation of his handling of terrorism, as Congress continues its investigation of the Administration’s handling of the Benghazi attacks and the killing of four Americans, including the U.S. Ambassador to Libya. Just 47% approve of the President’s his handling of terrorism. Last week 52% approved.
On Afghanistan, 45% approve; 45% do not.
Those Americans who are not content with the President’s foreign policy stewardship may see Romney as a better choice. In fact, more think Romney will make the country safe from terrorism in the next four years than think President Obama would.
And by a smaller margin, more say that Romney would make the country more respected.
When these questions were asked in late September, Romney held a six-point lead when it came to make the country safer from terrorism; there was little difference between the two when it came to earning more respect for the United Stated from other countries.
Economist/YouGov poll archives can be found here
Photo source: Press Association
