The White House said they ran into a buzz saw. Then the description was a blizzard of opposition. The metaphors might change, but new poll figures show that Independent voters have not flinched in their disapproval of President Obama’s job performance. In addition, the White House’s unapologetic pursuit of policies that alienate Independents has a direct impact on congressional Democrats in 2010, in case there was any confusion about Virginia, New Jersey and Massachusetts.

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Barack Obama and congressional Democrats face their own version of Zugzwang today.  The party needs an energized and enthused base going into November midterm elections. That means trying to forge ahead on health care and other parts of a congressional agenda backed by liberals. Yet moderate Democrats worry these ambitious plans portend electoral disaster.

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President Obama

President Obama’s approval ratings continue to suffer, especially among Independents, and the intensity favors those who strongly disapprove.

• Majorities of Americans disapprove of President Obama on creating jobs (51 percent), the economy (53 percent), health care (53 percent) and the federal deficit (56 percent). Post/ABC Survey, 2/4-8.
• The intensity favors those who strongly disapprove of President Obama on creating jobs (35 to 25 percent), the economy (38 to 22 percent), health care (43 to 24 percent), and the federal deficit (40 to 17 percent). Post/ABC Survey, 2/4-8.
• More Independents disapprove (46 percent) than approve (43 percent) of President Obama’s handling of foreign policy. Quinnipiac Survey, 2/2-8.
• By a 57 to 29 margin, Independents disapprove of President Obama’s job performance. Marist Survey, 2/1-3.

Economy

Americans overwhelmingly believe that the economy is still in a recession, which does not speak well to the proclaimed benefits of the one-year old, $862 billion stimulus.

• 88 percent of Americans believe the recession is not over, up 6 points since October. Post/ABC Survey, 2/4-8.
• By 53 to 45 percent Americans believe the economy has not begun to recover. Post/ABC Survey, 2/4-8.
• Among those who believe the economy has not begun to recover, 72 percent believe it will take longer than a year, and among those who believe the economy has started to recover, 75 percent believe the recovery has been weak. Post/ABC Survey, 2/4-8.

Health Care

Public opinion has consistently opposed Democrat-led health care reform, but that does not mean Americans want Congress to drop the issue altogether.

• By a 61 to 28 margin, Americans want Congress to start over on health care reform. Rasmussen Survey, 2/9-10.
• While public opinion has strongly opposed Democrat-led health care reform, Americans prefer that Congress does not drop health care altogether, 63 to 34 percent. Post/ABC Survey, 2/4-8.
  

• Nearly 6 out of 10 Americans believe the proposed changes to the health care system are too expensive. Post/ABC Survey, 2/4-8.
  

• Americans oppose the health care reforms being considered by Congress 51 to 37 percent. In August, opposition to the reforms was 45 to 40 percent. Ipsos/McClatchy Survey, 1/28-31.

National Security

The White House stated that it will take local opinion into consideration in deciding where to try terrorists. What would they find by considering national opinion?

• 55 percent of Americans believe 9/11 terrorists should be tried in military court, up 7 points since November. Post/ABC Survey, 2/4-8.
• Americans believe 9/11 terrorists should be tried in a military court, 59 to 35 percent. Quinnipiac Survey, 2/2-8.
• The opposition margin widens when asked if terrorists should receive all the constitutional rights afforded in a civilian trial, 68 to 25 percent. Quinnipiac Survey, 2/2-8.
• More specifically, 76 percent of voters believe the alleged Christmas day bomber should be tried as an enemy combatant. Quinnipiac Survey, 2/2-8.

Resurgent Republic is on Facebook and Twitter. Connect with us to stay informed on the latest public opinion trends, including how Independents feel about the mounting Federal spending and debt and why Independents are now more aligned with Republicans.

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