Half the country finds it difficult to evaluate President Barack Obama’s relationship with the black community, but African-Americans interviewed in the latest Economist/YouGov Poll have no such problem. They reject criticisms of his style, and favor his approach and insight.
Blacks disagree with the statement that President Obama is too close to the style of older African-American leaders, and also disagree that he is too quick to give up on African-American concerns. Most blacks agree that he has more insight into the issues facing African-Americans than any other President they know, and also agree that he has a “new, creative” approach to issues facing African-Americans.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statements about President Obama's approach to issues facing African-Americans? (African-American respondents only)
| Agree | Disagree | No Opinion | |
|---|---|---|---|
He's too close to the old-fashioned approach of older African-American leaders | 11% | 56% | 33% |
He's too quick to give up on African-American concerns to win broader support | 18% | 47% | 35% |
He has more insight into the real issues facing African-Americans than any president in my lifetime | 57% | 9% | 34% |
He represents a creative, new approach to addressing issues facing African-Americans | 53% | 11% | 36% |
While an overwhelming majority of African-Americans approve of the way Barack Obama is handing his job as President, Americans continue to be more negative than positive. In this week’s poll, 43% approve of the way he is handling his job overall, 48% disapprove.
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