Lowered Expectations for the President

YouGov
October 14, 2010, 9:56 PM GMT+0

Nearly four in ten Americans interviewed in the latest Economist/YouGov Poll claim that President Obama has accomplished less than they expected he would when he was elected. Just 15% say he has accomplished more.

While this is a partisan question for many (more than half of Republicans say he has accomplished less than expected), there is dissatisfaction among sizeable minorities of the President’s expected supporters. More than one in four Democrats and 2008 Obama voters say he has accomplished less than they expected; 34% of liberals agree.

Since taking office do you think Barack Obama has accomplished...

TotalDemocratsRepublicansIndependents

More than I expected

15%

22%

10%

14%

About what I expected

37%

46%

31%

39%

Less than I expected

39%

28%

51%

39%

Not Sure

9%

4%

8%

10%

Since taking office do you think Barack Obama has accomplished...

Total2008 Obama VotersLiberals

More than I expected

15%

22%

17%

About what I expected

37%

46%

48%

Less than I expected

39%

28%

33%

Not Sure

9%

4%

2%

The President’s overall approval rating has suffered in recent months, and this poll is no exception. Just 42% of Americans approve of the way the President is handling his job overall, 51% disapprove. There has been little change in this measure in recent months.

Image Source: The White House

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