{"id":56593,"date":"2012-03-14T17:52:22","date_gmt":"2012-03-14T22:52:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/2012\/03\/14\/section-3-obama-job-approval\/"},"modified":"2024-04-14T03:50:32","modified_gmt":"2024-04-14T08:50:32","slug":"section-3-obama-job-approval","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2012\/03\/14\/section-3-obama-job-approval\/","title":{"rendered":"Section 3: Obama Job Approval"},"content":{"rendered":"

For the first time since shortly after the killing of Osama bin Laden, half of all Americans (50%) say they approve of Barack Obama\u2019s job performance, while just 41% disapprove. Over the course of 2012, Obama\u2019s job approval has improved from 44% in January to 47% in February to 50% today.<\/p>\n\n

For the second month in a row, about as many independents say they approve of how Obama is handling his job as president as disapprove (45% vs. 42%, virtually unchanged from 45% vs. 44% in February). This is a substantial improvement from the previous seven months. From July 2011 through January 2012, significantly more independents consistently disapproved than approved of Obama\u2019s job performance.<\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n

There also has been a recovery in Obama\u2019s job ratings among Democrats \u2013 fully 85% approve of his performance today. While this is little changed from February (84%) it represents an improvement from January (79%) and a recent low of 77% in August. Just 11% of Republicans approve of the job Obama is doing, with no significant change in recent months.<\/p>\n\n

While modest, the improvement in Obama\u2019s job approval rating has spanned most demographic groups.<\/p>\n\n

His approval has risen significantly among Americans age 50 and older, from 40% in January to 50% today \u2013 closing what had been a substantial age gap. Among those 18-49, there has been little shift in overall job approval (48% in January, 50% today).<\/p>\n\n

Obama\u2019s job approval also has risen notably among white college graduates, from 42% in January to 53% today. Whites without a college degree remain, on balance, critical of Obama\u2019s job performance, with just 35% offering a positive assessment.<\/p>\n\n

Obama\u2019s Handling of Issues<\/h3>\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n

On the key issue of the economy, more Americans continue to disapprove (53%) than approve (43%) of Obama\u2019s job performance. But evaluations have improved in recent months, with approval rising from 35% in November to 38% in January and reaching 43% today.<\/p>\n\n

Democrats continue to support Obama\u2019s handling of the economy, though at 73%, his approval on this issue is significantly lower than Democratic job approval ratings overall. Republicans continue to be highly critical of Obama\u2019s economic job performance (90% disapprove). Notably, fewer independents now disapprove (54%) of his handling of the economy than in January (67%).<\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n

Currently, 49% approve of how Obama is handling the situation in Afghanistan, down from 56% in January and 60% in May 2011 following bin Laden\u2019s killing. The number of independents who approve of Obama\u2019s job on Afghanistan has slipped from 52% in January to 43% today, and fallen among Republicans from 42% to 29%.<\/p>\n\n

The president\u2019s approval rating on Iran, by contrast, is largely unchanged from January. About half (47%) approve of the way Obama is dealing with Iran, while 40% disapprove.<\/p>\n\n

The federal budget deficit continues to be a point of weakness for the president. Majorities have disapproved of his handling of the deficit going back to July 2009. Currently, 58% disapprove of his handling of the deficit, while 36% approve.<\/p>\n\n

About as many now approve as disapprove of Barack Obama\u2019s job on energy policy (42% vs. 45%). The president\u2019s rating on energy has rebounded from the start of the year. In January, more disapproved (46%) than approved (36%) of his policies.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

For the first time since shortly after the killing of Osama bin Laden, half of all Americans (50%) say they approve of Barack Obama\u2019s job performance, while just 41% disapprove. Over the course of 2012, Obama\u2019s job approval has improved from 44% in January to 47% in February to 50% today. For the second month 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