President Barack Obama starts the New Year off with one of his highest approval ratings in months. 46% in this week's Economist/YouGov approve of the way he is handling his job; 47% disapprove. Only three weeks ago, before the conclusion of the lame duck session of Congress, his approval rating was at a low of 39%.
Still, majorities disapprove of how he is handling critical issues, including the economy, the budget deficit, and health care. And fewer Americans expect he will make even some progress improving the economy, improving the U.S. image in the world, and changing the partisan tone in Washington than expect he won't.
Looking ahead to 2011, how much progress do you think Barack Obama will make in achieving these campaign promises?
| A lot | Some | Only a little | None | Not sure | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Changing the partisan tone in Washington | 6% | 17% | 22% | 41% | 14% |
Improving the U.S. image in the world | 20% | 22% | 13% | 35% | 10% |
Improving the economy | 14% | 26% | 20% | 31% | 9% |
