(Week of 6/2/2012) The upcoming presidential campaign will clearly center on the economy, the issue that is by far the most frequently chosen as the country’s most important. But while a poor economy usually hurts the incumbent, many Americans may not yet be ready to hold Barack Obama completely responsible for poor economic conditions. In the latest Economist/YouGov Poll, 42% say he should receive a great deal or a lot of the blame for recent poor economic conditions, but even more hold his predecessor, President George W. Bush, to blame.
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Those percentages are only a little changed from a month ago, when 40% blamed the current President, and 54% held his predecessor responsible. When it comes to judging the President’s overall economic performance, 42% approve while 51% do not. His overall approval rating remains in the low 40s.
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Far more blame Wall Street bankers than blame either President Bush or Obama, echoing some of the negative findings about business in last week’s poll. Two-thirds of Americans blame Wall Street a great deal or a lot for poor economic conditions.
Despite the bad economic news, President Obama continues to maintain the electoral edge he has held in most recent Economist/YouGov polls. This week, the President leads challenger Mitt Romney 47%-42%.
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Economist/YouGov poll archives can be found here
Photo source: Press Association