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     President Obama and the Obama Administration  (p. 13)

 
 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). June 12-15, 2009. N=1,008 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.1.

             

"In general, do you feel that President Obama is taking on too many issues and is not focused enough on the most important ones, or do you feel that President Obama is focused and is taking on this many issues because our country is facing so many problems?"

 
    Taking On Too
Many Issues
Country Facing
Many Problems
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

6/12-15/09

37 60 3    

 

Diageo/Hotline Poll conducted by FD. June 4-7, 2009. N=800 registered voters nationwide. MoE ± 3.5.

             

"Now I would like to read you a list of several issues related to domestic and foreign policy. After I read each one, please tell me whether you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling the issue. . . ."

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"Foreign affairs"

 

6/4-7/09

62 32 6    
 
 

"Terrorism"

 

6/4-7/09

60 33 7    
 
 

"Health care"

 

6/4-7/09

55 36 9    

 

Marist College Marist Poll. June 1-3, 2009. N=1,028 registered voters nationwide. MoE ± 3.

             

"Do you approve or disapprove of how President Barack Obama is handling the economic crisis?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

6/1-3/09

53 39 8    
 

4/21-23/09

55 41 4    
 

4/1-3/09

57 35 8    
             

"Do you approve or disapprove of how President Barack Obama is handling foreign policy?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

6/1-3/09

54 32 14    
 

4/1-3/09

55 24 21    
             

"Do you approve or disapprove of how President Barack Obama is handling the war on terrorism?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

6/1-3/09

51 32 17    
 

4/1-3/09

50 29 21    

 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. May 29-31, 2009. N=1,015 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

             

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling the situation in the Middle East?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

5/29-31/09

55 37 8    
             

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling the situation with North Korea?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

5/29-31/09

47 33 20    
             

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling controlling federal spending?"  Half sample, MoE ± 5

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

5/29-31/09

45 51 4    

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. April 23-26, 2009. N=2,019 adults nationwide. MoE ± 2.

             

"Do you think big business does or does not have too much influence over the decisions made by the Obama administration?" N=1,005 (Form A), MoE ± 3

 
    Does Does Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/23-26/09

53 43 4    
             

"Do you think big financial institutions, such as major banks and insurance companies, do or do not have too much influence over decisions made by the Obama administration?" N=1,014 (Form B), MoE ± 3

 
    Do Do Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/23-26/09

58 37 5    

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). April 23-26, 2009. N=1,005 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.1.

             

"When you look at the first one hundred days of Barack Obama's presidency, would you say that he is off to a great start, a good start, only a fair start, or a poor start?"

 
    Great Good Only Fair Poor  
    % % % %  
 

4/23-26/09

19 35 25 21  
             

"In looking at what President Obama is doing in terms of his leadership and plans for the country, do you feel more hopeful or more doubtful?"

 
    Hopeful Doubtful Mixed (vol.) Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/23-26/09

64 30 5 1  
 

2/26 - 3/1/09

67 28 4 1  
             

"Which of the following best describes your feeling about how Barack Obama will do during his presidency? Optimistic and confident that he will do a good job. Satisfied and hopeful that he will do a good job. Uncertain and wondering whether he will do a good job. OR, Pessimistic and worried that he will do a bad job."

 
    Optimistic,
Confident
Satisfied,
Hopeful
Uncertain,
Wondering
Pessimistic,
Worried
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

4/23-26/09

30 32 23 15 -
 

1/9-12/09

32 34 24 9 1
             

"And how confident are you that Barack Obama has the right set of goals and policies to be president of the United States: extremely confident, quite confident, only somewhat confident, or not at all confident?"

 
    Extremely
Confident
Quite
Confident
Only
Somewhat
Confident
Not at All
Confident
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

4/23-26/09

25 27 25 23 -
 

2/26 - 3/1/09

31 23 26 19 1
 

1/9-12/09

29 25 30 15 1
 

12/5-8/08

30 24 29 16 1
             

"Do you think that in his first one hundred days in office Barack Obama has accomplished a great deal, a fair amount, only some, or very little?"

 
    A Great
Deal
A Fair
Amount
Only
Some
Very
Little
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

4/23-26/09

28 31 20 20 1
             

"When it comes to how President Obama has dealt with the Republicans in Congress, would you say that he has been too stubborn, too willing to compromise, or that he has struck the right balance?"

 
    Too
Stubborn
Too Willing to
Compromise
The Right
Balance
Depends
(vol.)
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

4/23-26/09

25 14 48 3 10
             

"When it comes to how the Republicans in Congress have dealt with President Obama, would you say that they have been too stubborn, too willing to compromise, or that they have struck the right balance?"

 
    Too
Stubborn
Too Willing to
Compromise
The Right
Balance
Depends
(vol.)
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

4/23-26/09

55 15 19 3 8

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. April 22-26, 2009. N=973 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

             

"In his first few months in office, do you think Barack Obama has accomplished more than you expected, less than you expected, or about what you expected him to accomplished by now?"

 
    More Less As Expected Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/22-26/09

28 12 57 3  
             

"Are you generally optimistic or pessimistic about the next four years with Barack Obama as president?"

 
    Optimistic Pessimistic Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/22-26/09

72 22 6    
 

2/18-22/09

77 18 5    
 

1/11-15/09

79 16 5    
 

12/4-8/08

75 17 8    
             

"Do you think Barack Obama is tough enough to make the hard choices a president has to make, or not?"

 
    Tough
Enough
Not Tough
Enough
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/22-26/09

74 18 8    
             

"Compared to the way the news media have treated other presidents, have the news media been harder on Barack Obama, easier on Barack Obama, or have they treated him the same as other presidents?"

 
    Harder Easier Same Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/22-26/09

18 40 38 4  
             

"Since he has been president, do you think Barack Obama has started to make progress in bringing real change in the way things are done in Washington, or hasn't he done that yet?"

 
    Has Has Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/22-26/09

48 45 7    
             

"Since Barack Obama has been president, do you think the United States' image in the world has gotten better, gotten worse, or has Barack Obama's presidency had no effect on the United States' image in the world?"

 
    Better Worse No Effect Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/22-26/09

59 11 25 5  

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. April 21-24, 2009. N=1,072 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

             

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Obama is handling [see below]?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

"U.S. relations with Cuba" Half sample (Form A)

 

4/21-24/09

61 28 11    
             

"Obama has been president for about three months or nearly 100 days. Would you say he has accomplished a great deal during that time, a good amount, not very much, or little or nothing?"

 
    A Great
Deal
A Good
Amount
Not Very
Much
Little or
Nothing
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

4/21-24/09

24 39 21 15 1
             

"Is Obama keeping most of his major campaign promises, or not?"

 
    Yes No Some (vol.) Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/21-24/09

60 26 8 6  
             

"Do you think Obama has reduced the political partisanship in Washington, or not?"

 
    Has Has Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/21-24/09

37 54 9    
             

"Please tell me whether the following statement applies to Obama, or not. . . ."

 
    Does Does Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"He can be trusted in a crisis" Half sample (Form A)

 

4/21-24/09

73 21 6    
 

1/13-16/09

69 18 13    
 
 

"He is honest and trustworthy" Half sample (Form B)

 

4/21-24/09

74 22 4    
 

1/13-16/09

75 19 6    
 
 

"He is a good commander-in-chief of the military" Half sample (Form B)

 

4/21-24/09

56 34 10    
             

"Do you think Obama's policies are making the United States safer from terrorism, less safe, or are they not making much difference in that?" Options rotated

 
    Safer Less Safe Not Much
Difference
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/21-24/09

32 21 43 4  
             

"Obama has met or said he's willing to meet with leaders of foreign countries that have been hostile toward the United States. Do you support or oppose his approach to dealing with such countries?"

 
    Support Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/21-24/09

71 27 2    

 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. April 20-21, 2009. N=1,051 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

             

"How would you rate the job Barack Obama has been doing as president so far: excellent, good, just okay, poor, or terrible?"

 
    Excellent Good Just Okay Poor Terrible
    % % % % %
 

4/20-21/09

23 33 23 9 11
             

"In your view, what is the best thing Barack Obama has done since he became president?" Open-ended. Multiple responses.

 
          %  
 

Improving relations with other countries/U.S. image abroad

14

 
 

Economic stimulus package

9

 
 

Improving the economy (general)

8

 
 

Bailout plans

6

 
 

Fixing past mistakes/Making things better in general

5

 
 

Keeping Americans informed

3

 
 

Helping get the troops back home

3

 
 

Dealing with Somali pirates

3

 
 

Good/Strong leadership

2

 
  Let the girls get a dog

2

 
 

Plans for reforming health care

2

 
 

Working hard in general

2

 
 

Trying to reduce deficit/stay within budget

2

 
 

Closing Guantanamo Bay prison

2

 
 

Other

11

 
 

Nothing

19

 
 

Everything

2

 
 

Unsure

15

 
             

"And what is the worst thing Barack Obama has done since he became president?" Open-ended. Multiple responses.

 
        %    
 

Giving away too much in bailouts

14    
 

Too much spending/Too large deficit

10    
 

Too friendly with U.S. enemies

7    
 

Economic stimulus package

6    
 

Making poor cabinet choices

3    
 

Not being totally honest/Keeping promises

3    
 

Making changes to taxes

2    
 

Closing Guantanamo Bay prison

2    
 

Too much public media attention

2    
  Pro-abortion regulations/laws 2    
 

Lack of punishment for those who abused power

2    
 

Ongoing wars/No end in sight

2    
 

Other

16    
 

Nothing

24    
 

Unsure

14    
             

"Now, thinking about the work Barack Obama has done in some specific areas, how would you rate the job he has been doing in handling the economy: excellent, good, just okay, poor, or terrible?"

 
    Excellent Good Just Okay Poor Terrible
    % % % % %
 

4/20-21/09

14 34 25 14 12
             

"Now, thinking about the work Barack Obama has done in some specific areas, how would you rate the job he has been doing in handling national security: excellent, good, just okay, poor, or terrible?"

 
    Excellent Good Just Okay Poor Terrible
    % % % % %
 

4/20-21/09

15 38 24 10 9
             

"Overall, has Barack Obama done better than you expected as president, worse than you expected, or about as you expected?" N=524 (Form A), MoE ± 5

 
    Better Worse About as
Expected
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/20-21/09

24 13 62 1  
             

"In dealing with the problems facing the country, do you think Barack Obama has or has not made a sincere effort to work with the Republicans in Congress to find solutions that are acceptable to both parties?"

 
    Has Has Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/20-21/09

66 30 4    
             

"Do you think the Republicans in Congress have or have not made a sincere effort to work with Barack Obama and the Democrats in Congress to find solutions that are acceptable to both parties?"

 
    Have Have Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/20-21/09

38 56 6    
             

"Do you think the Democrats in Congress have or have not made a sincere effort to work with the Republicans in Congress to find solutions that are acceptable to both parties?"

 
    Have Have Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/20-21/09

44 50 6    

 

Pew Research Center Poll. April 14-21, 2009. N=1,507 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

             

"What ONE WORD best describes your impression of Barack Obama? Just the one word that best describes him." Open-ended. Up to two responses accepted. N=742 (Form 1), MoE ± 4.

 
 

The numbers listed represent the number of respondents who offered each response; the numbers are not percentages. Top responses shown. 

   
 

 

         
 

Intelligent (30)

       
 

Good (29)

       
 

Socialist (20)

       
 

Liberal (17)

       
 

Great (16)

       
 

Confident (15)

       
 

Inexperienced (13)

       
 

Honest (12)

       
 

Trying (12)

       
 

Smart (11)

       
             

"Overall, has Barack Obama done better than you expected as president, worse than you expected, or about as you expected?" N=762 (Form A), MoE ± 4

 
    Better Worse About as
Expected
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/14-21/09

25 9 61 5  
             

"So far, does Barack Obama seem to be a stronger leader than you expected, a weaker leader, or is he about as strong as you expected?" N=745 (Form B), MoE ± 4

 
    Stronger Weaker About as
Expected
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/14-21/09

25 11 59 5  
             

"Do you think that Barack Obama has a new approach to politics in Washington, or Barack Obama's approach to politics in Washington is 'business as usual'?" Options rotated

 
    New
Approach
Business
as Usual
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/14-21/09

63 27 10    
 

2/4-8/09

66 25 9    
             

"Thinking about some issues: Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling [see below]?" N=742 (Form 1), MoE ± 4

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

"Tax policy"

 

4/14-21/09

50 33 17    
             

"So far, do you think Barack Obama is trying to address too many issues at once, focusing on too few issues, or doing about right?" N=765 (Form 2), MoE ± 4.

 
    Too Many Too Few About Right Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/14-21/09

34 4 56 6  
             

"When it comes to national policy, who do you think Barack Obama is listening to more: liberal members of his party or moderate members of his party?" Options rotated

 
    Liberal
Members
Moderate
Members
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/14-21/09

40 33 27    
             

"When it comes to foreign policy, do you think Barack Obama pushes American interests too hard, not hard enough, or about right?" N=742 (Form 1), MoE ± 4

 
    Too Hard Not Hard
Enough
About Right Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/14-21/09

5 31 58 6  

 

Cook Political Report/RT Strategies Poll. April 8-11, 2009. N=833 registered voters nationwide. MoE ± 3.5.

             

"Which ONE of the following four statements about President Obama comes CLOSEST to your own personal opinion? I like Obama personally and I like his policies. I like Obama personally but I do not like his policies. I do not like Obama personally but I like his policies. I do not like Obama personally and I do not like his policies." Options rotated

 
    Like Obama,
Like Policies
Like Obama,
Don't Like
Policies
Don't Like Obama,
Like Politics
Don't Like
Obama, Don't
Like Policies
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

4/8-11/09

51 23 3 13 11
             

"Thinking again about next year's election for Congress, which one of the following two statements comes closer to your opinion? We need to have a Democratic Congress in order to help President Obama enact his legislative program. We need to elect a Republican Congress to act as a check and balance, to keep Democrats from going too far." Options rotated

 
    Democratic
Congress
Republican
Congress
Neither
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/8-11/09

41 48 6 5  
             

"Thinking about President Barack Obama and the way he is handling his job so far, which of the following two statements comes closer to your opinion? President Obama is just more of the same Democratic policies. OR, President Obama is bringing the right kind of change to Washington." Options rotated

 
    More of
the Same
Is Bringing
Change
Neither/
Other (vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/8-11/09

35 56 4 4  

 

Pew Research Center Poll. April 4-6, 2009. N=884 adults nationwide.

             

"As you may know, Barack Obama is traveling on his first overseas trip as president. From what you've read and heard, do you think Obama has done an excellent, good, only fair, or poor job of representing America's interests on this trip?"

 
    Excellent Good Only Fair Poor Unsure
    % % % % %
 

4/4-6/09

28 35 19 9 9

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. April 3-5, 2009. N=1,023 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

             

"As you may know, Barack Obama is currently on his first overseas trip as president. In the meetings that Obama has had so far with leaders of other countries, do you think he has accomplished a great deal, a fair amount, not much, or nothing at all on his trip so far?"

 
    A Great
Deal
A Fair
Amount
Not Much Nothing
At All
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

4/3-5/09

16 45 24 11 5
             

"Regardless of how you feel about the result of his meetings with the leaders of other countries, what effect do you think Barack Obama's actions have had on the way ordinary people living in other countries view the United States? Do you think Barack Obama's actions have made people in other countries feel much more positive toward the United States, somewhat more positive, somewhat more negative, or much more negative toward the United States?"

 
    Much
More Positive
Somewhat
More Positive
Somewhat
More Negative
Much
More Negative
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

4/3-5/09

28 51 11 8 2
             

"Do you think Barack Obama does or does not have a clear plan for solving the country's economic problems?"

 
    Does Does Not      
    % %      
 

4/3-5/09

58 42      
             

"Do you think the Republicans in Congress do or do not have a clear plan for solving the country's economic problems?"

 
    Do Do Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

4/3-5/09

24 74 2    

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. April 1-5, 2009. N=998 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

             

"Regardless of how you usually vote, who do you think is more likely to make the right decisions about the nation's economy: Barack Obama or the Republicans in Congress?"

 
    Barack
Obama
Republicans
in Congress
Both (vol.) Neither (vol.) Unsure
    % % % % %
 

4/1-5/09

63 20 2 8 7
             

"Regardless of how you usually vote, who do you think is more likely to make the right decisions about keeping the nation safe: Barack Obama or the Republicans in Congress?"

 
    Barack
Obama
Republicans
in Congress
Both (vol.) Neither (vol.) Unsure
    % % % % %
 

4/1-5/09

61 27 3 5 4
             

"Do you think leaders of other countries around the world have respect for Barack Obama, or not?"

 
    Have
Respect
Don't Have
Respect
Mixed (vol.) Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

4/1-5/09

67 18 6 9  
             

"Do you think Barack Obama cares more about protecting the interests of ordinary working people or cares more about protecting the interests of large corporations?"

 
    Ordinary
People
Large
Corporations
Both (vol.) Neither (vol.) Unsure
    % % % % %
 

4/1-5/09

71 17 3 3 6
             

"In general, do you think the policies of the Obama Administration favor the rich, favor the middle class, favor the poor, or do they treat all groups equally?"

 
    Rich Middle Class Poor Treat All
Equally
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

4/1-5/09

12 25 15 40 8

 

Newsweek Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. April 1-2, 2009. N=1,003 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.5.

             

"Wed like your opinion of the way Barack Obama is handling certain aspects of his job. What about [see below]?" "Do you approve or disapprove of the way Obama is handling this issue or problem?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

"Taxes"

 

4/1-2/09

48 37 15    
 
 

"The mortgage crisis and home foreclosures"

 

4/1-2/09

47 41 12    
 
 

"U.S. auto companies in danger of going bankrupt"

 

4/1-2/09

43 47 10    
 
 

"The federal budget deficit"

 

4/1-2/09

42 45 13    
 
 

"Major U.S. banks and other financial institutions in danger of failing"

 

4/1-2/09

40 49 11    

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. March 12-15, 2009. N=1,019 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

             

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling [see below]?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

"Education" N=497, MoE ± 4.5

 

3/12-15/09

65 30 5    
             

"As you may know, later this month Barack Obama will make his first overseas trip since he became president. Do you think Obama will do a good job or a poor job representing the United States to the world on that trip?"

 
    Good job Poor job Unsure    
    % % %    
 

3/12-15/09

86 13 1    
             

"If the economy does not improve over the next 12 months, whose policies would you blame for that: the policies of George W. Bush and the Republicans, or the policies of Barack Obama and the Democrats?"

 
    Bush and
Republicans
Obama and
Democrats
Both (vol.) Neither (vol.) Unsure
    % % % % %
 

3/12-15/09

54 32 9 4 1

 

Newsweek Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. March 4-5, 2009. N=1,203 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.5.

             

"How confident are you that, as President, Barack Obama will be able to turn around the economy? Are you very confident, somewhat confident, not too confident, or not at all confident?"

 
    Very
Confident
Somewhat
Confident
Not Too
Confident
Not at All
Confident
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

3/4-5/09

25 40 16 17 2
 

1/14-25/09

23 48 17 9 3
             

"Now I have a few questions about the way the President, congressional Democrats, and congressional Republicans have conducted themselves since Barack Obama took office.

"Do you think Barack Obama has made a reasonable effort to work with and listen to congressional Republicans, or not?"

 
    Has Has Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

3/4-5/09

71 24 5    
             

"Do you think congressional DEMOCRATIC leaders have made a reasonable effort to work with and listen to congressional Republicans, or not?"

 
    Have Have Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

3/4-5/09

45 45 10    
             

"Do you think congressional REPUBLICAN leaders have made a reasonable effort to work with and listen to Barack Obama, or not?"

 
    Have Have Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

3/4-5/09

40 52 8    
             

"Do you think congressional REPUBLICAN leaders have made a reasonable effort to work with and listen to congressional Democrats, or not?"

 
    Have Have Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

3/4-5/09

37 55 8    
             

"On big issues like the economy, which of the following do you think should be MORE important to your elected officials in Washington: achieving bipartisanship, or working toward legislation that has support in both parties, even if it takes longer or less gets done; OR, getting things done more quickly, even if it means some important legislation is passed without bipartisan support?"

 
    Achieving
Bipartisanship
Getting
Things Done
Quickly
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

3/4-5/09

51 40 9    

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). Feb. 26-March 1, 2009. N=1,007 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.1.

             

"When it comes to the presidency of Barack Obama, will you strongly relate to him as your president, somewhat relate to him as your president, relate to him only a little as your president, or not really relate to him as your president?"

 
    Strongly
Relate
Somewhat
Relate
Relate Only
a Little
Not Really
Relate
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

2/26 - 3/1/09

43 26 13 16 2
 

1/9-12/09

50 26 12 8 4
 

12/5-8/08

47 27 12 9 5
             

"Thinking about what you have seen in Washington, do you feel that there is a sense of bipartisan cooperation on dealing with the problems facing the country, or do you feel that there is still the same partisan divide that has existed in the past?"

 
    Bipartisan
Cooperation
Partisan
Divide
Depends/
Mixed (vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

2/26 - 3/1/09

14 79 4 3  
             

"When it comes to the partisanship that goes on in Washington, how much blame for this situation do you feel that [see below] deserve(s): almost all the blame, a major part of the blame, at least half the blame, a minor part of the blame, or almost none of the blame?"

 
    Almost All A Major
Part
At Least
Half
A Minor
Part
Almost
None
    % % % % %
 
 

"The Bush administration"

 

2/26 - 3/1/09

33 23 25 13 5
 
 

"Republicans in Congress"

 

2/26 - 3/1/09

17 24 42 12 3
 
 

"Democrats in Congress"

 

2/26 - 3/1/09

9 15 45 20 8
 
 

"The Obama administration"

 

2/26 - 3/1/09

4 7 15 25 43
             

"When it comes to the partisanship going on in Washington, do you feel this is mainly due to an unwillingness of the Republicans to compromise and find a middle ground to work with the Democrats, or that this is due to an unwillingness of the Democrats to compromise and find a middle ground to work with the Republicans, or do you feel that it is equally the fault of both parties?" Half sample, MoE ± 4.4 (Form A)

 
    Republicans'
Unwillingness
Democrats'
Unwillingness
Both Parties
Equally
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

2/26 - 3/1/09

29 14 56 1  
             

"Do you think the Republicans in Congress have opposed President Obama's policies and proposals more because they are standing up for their principles OR more because they are trying to gain political advantage?" Half sample, MoE ± 4.4 (Form B)

 
    Principles Politics Mixed (vol.) Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

2/26 - 3/1/09

30 56 10 4  

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Feb. 24, 2009. N=484 adults nationwide who watched the presidential speech. MoE ± 4.5. Per CNN: "Survey respondents were first interviewed as part of a random national sample on Feb. 18-22, 2009. In those interviews, respondents indicated they planned to watch tonight's speech and were willing to be re-interviewed after the speech. Some questions were asked of each respondent both in the pre-speech questionnaire on Feb. 18-22 and on tonight's questionnaire. Where applicable, results for tonight's respondents from both the pre-speech survey and the post-speech survey are reported. 21% of the respondents who participated in tonight's survey identified themselves as Republicans, 47% identified themselves as Democrats, and 30% identified themselves as independents."

             

"What was your overall reaction to President Obama's speech tonight: very positive, somewhat positive, somewhat negative or very negative?"

 
    Very
Positive
Somewhat
Positive
Somewhat
Negative
Very
Negative
 
    % % % %  
 

2/24/09

68 24 6 2  
             

"Do you think the policies being proposed by Barack Obama will move the country in the right direction or the wrong direction?"

 
    Right
Direction
Wrong
Direction
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

2/24/09

88 11 1    
             

"How confident are you in Barack Obama's abilities to carry out his duties as president: very confident, somewhat confident, not too confident, or not confident at all?"

 
    Very
Confident
Somewhat
Confident
Not Too
Confident
Not at All
Confident
 
    % % % %  
 

2/24/09

55 32 10 3  
             

"Do you generally support or oppose the economic plan that President Obama outlined tonight?"

 
    Support Oppose      
    % %      
 

2/24/09

82 17      
             

"Do you think that President Obama's plan will or will not succeed in [see below]?"

 
    Will Will Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"Improving the economy"

 

2/24/09

80 18 1    
             
 

"Reducing the federal budget deficit"

 

2/24/09

68 30 2    
             
 

"Improving the nation's health care system"

 

2/24/09

75 23 2    
             
 

"Creating or saving millions of jobs"

 

2/24/09

82 17 1    
             

"In his speech tonight, did Barack Obama make you feel more optimistic or more pessimistic about the direction the country is headed in over the next few years?"

 
    More
Optimistic
More
Pessimistic
Neither
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

2/24/09

85 11 3 1  

 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. Feb. 20-22, 2009. N=1,013 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

             

"Do you think Barack Obama is moving too fast, doing about right, or not moving fast enough in addressing the major problems facing the country today?" Options rotated

 
    Too Fast About Right Not Fast
Enough
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

2/20-22/09

27 59 10 4  
 

1/30 - 2/1/09

22 63 10 5  

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Feb. 19-22, 2009. N=1,001 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

             

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Obama is handling appointments to his cabinet and other top positions in his administration?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

2/19-22/09

64 30 7    
             

"Do you think Obama is or is not bringing needed change to Washington?"

 
    Is Is Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

2/19-22/09

68 26 6    
             

"Do you think Obama is or is not trying to compromise with the Republican leaders in Congress on important issues?"

 
    Is Is Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

2/19-22/09

73 22 5    
             

"Do you think the Republican leaders in Congress are or are not trying to compromise with Obama on important issues?"

 
    Are Are Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

2/19-22/09

34 59 7    

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Feb. 18-22, 2009. N=1,112 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

             

"Do you think Barack Obama is trying to work with Republicans in Congress in order to get things done, or isn't he?"

 
    Is Trying Is Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

2/18-22/09

74 20 6    
 

2/2-4/09

81 12 7    
             

"Do you think Republicans in Congress are trying to work with Barack Obama in order to get things done, or aren't they?"

 
    Are Trying Are Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

2/18-22/09

31 57 12    
 

2/2-4/09

41 47 12    
             

"Do you think Democrats in Congress are trying to work with Republicans in Congress in order to get things done, or aren't they?"

 
    Are Trying Are Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

2/18-22/09

45 43 12    
 

2/2-4/09

49 38 13    
             

"So far, do you think Barack Obama is trying to bring about real change in the way things are done in Washington, or isn't he doing that?"

 
    Is Is Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

2/18-22/09

77 18 5    
             

"How confident are you in Barack Obama's ability to make the right decisions about the economy: very confident, somewhat confident, not too confident, or not at all confident?"

 
    Very
Confident
Somewhat
Confident
Not Too
Confident
Not at All
Confident
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

2/18-22/09

31 45 15 8 1
 

1/11-15/09

36 46 11 4 3
 

12/4-7/08

31 46 14 7 2
             

"Which do you think should be a higher priority for Barack Obama right now: working in a bipartisan way with Republicans in Congress or sticking to the policies he promised during the campaign?"

 
    Working in
Bipartisan
Way
Sticking to
Policies
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

2/18-22/09

39 56 5    
             

"Which do you think should be a higher priority for Republicans in Congress right now: working in a bipartisan way with Barack Obama and the Democrats in Congress or sticking to Republican policies?"

 
    Working in
Bipartisan
Way
Sticking to
Policies
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

2/18-22/09

79 17 4    

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Feb. 18-19, 2009. N=1,046 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3. RV = registered voters

             

"Thinking about the following characteristics and qualities, please say whether you think it applies or doesn't apply to Barack Obama. . . ." Each item asked of half the sample, MoE ± 4.5

 
    Applies Doesn't
Apply
Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"Can end the partisan gridlock in Washington"

 

2/18-19/09

46 48 6    
 

6/26-29/08

31 64 5    
             

"In general, would you rather see Barack Obama attempt to reach a bipartisan compromise on bills that he tries to get through Congress, or would you rather see him try to pass laws that he thinks are right for the country even if they aren't supported by Republicans?"

 
    Attempt
Bipartisan
Compromise
Pass Laws
Even Without
GOP Support
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

2/18-19/09

55 44 2    

 

AP-GfK Poll conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media. Feb. 12-17, 2009. N=1,001 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.1.

             

"Overall, please tell me whether you approve, disapprove, or neither approve nor disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling the economy." If neither: "If you had to choose, do you lean more toward approving or disapproving of the way Barack Obama is handling the economy?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Neither Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

2/12-17/09

68 27 3 3  

 

Gallup Poll. Feb. 9-12, 2009. N=1,022 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

             

"Do you think leaders of other countries around the world have respect for Barack Obama, or do you think they don't have much respect for him?"

 
    Have
Respect
Don't Have
Respect
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

2/9-12/09

67 20 14    

 

Ipsos/McClatchy Poll conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs. Feb. 6-9, 2009. N=1,042 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

               

"When it comes to the following issues, please tell me what grade you would give President Obama for his performance. Let's use the same grades they use in school: A, B, C, D, or F. What grade would you give President Obama for his performance when it comes to [see below]?"

 
    A B C D F Unsure
    % % % % % %
 
 

"The economy and jobs"

 

2/6-9/09

29 24 18 12 14 4
 
 

"Diplomacy"

 

2/6-9/09

34 28 19 8 5 6
 
 

"Terrorism"

 

2/6-9/09

26 25 22 9 10 8
 
 

"The war in Iraq"

 

2/6-9/09

26 25 21 10 11 7
 
 

"The war in Afghanistan"

 

2/6-9/09

23 24 23 8 12 9
 
 

"Health care"

 

2/6-9/09

30 24 22 8 9 8
 
 

"Education"

 

2/6-9/09

33 28 21 6 5 6
 
 

"Energy independence"

 

2/6-9/09

28 29 21 7 8 7

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Feb. 7-8, 2009. N=806 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.5.

             

"Do you think President Obama is doing a good job or a poor job on each of the following? . . ."

 
    Good Job Poor Job Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"Providing strong leadership for the country"

 

2/7-8/09

80 19 1    
 
 

"Handling foreign policy"

 

2/7-8/09

76 22 2    
 
 

"Handling the economy"

 

2/7-8/09

72 28 1    
 
 

"Handling policies on terrorism"

 

2/7-8/09

68 28 3    
 
 

"Choosing members of his Cabinet and other senior government officials"

 

2/7-8/09

61 38 1    
             

"As president, do you think Barack Obama will or will not be able to change the country?" If "Will": "Do you think the country will change for the better or change for the worse?"

 
    WILL: Better WILL: Worse Will Not Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

2/7-8/09

68 8 23 1  
 

11/6-9/08

63 9 25 2  

 

Pew Research Center Poll. Feb. 4-8, 2009. N=1,303 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

             

"What ONE WORD best describes your impression of Barack Obama? Just the one word that best describes him." Open-ended. Up to two responses accepted. N=660 (Form 1).

 
 

The numbers listed represent the number of respondents who offered each response; the numbers are not percentages. Top responses shown. 

   
 

 

         
 

Intelligent/Intellectual (33)

       
 

Change (17)

       
 

Honest (16)

       
 

Confident (15)

       
 

Inexperienced (15)

       
 

Hope/Hopeful (14)

       
 

Smart (13)

       
 

Socialist (13)

       
 

Good (12)

       
 

Charismatic (11)

       
 

Great (10)

       
             

"As I read some pairs of opposite phrases, tell me which one best reflects your impression of Barack Obama so far. Does Barack Obama impress you as warm and friendly or cold and aloof?"

 
    Warm and
Friendly
Cold and
Aloof
Neither
Particularly
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

2/4-8/09

87 8 2 3  
             

"Does Barack Obama impress you as well informed or NOT well informed?"

 
    Well
Informed
Not Well
Informed
Neither
Particularly
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

2/4-8/09

79 15 1 5  
             

"Does Barack Obama impress you as well organized or NOT well organized?"

 
    Well
Organized
Not Well
Organized
Neither
Particularly
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

2/4-8/09

81 12 1 6  
             

"Does Barack Obama impress you as liberal, middle of the road, or conservative?"

 
    Liberal Middle of
the Road
Conservative None
Particularly
(vol.)
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

2/4-8/09

38 40 13 2 7

 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. Feb. 4, 2009. N=1,012 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

             

"Thinking back to the way you felt before Barack Obama took office, would you say you now have more confidence, has there been no change, or do you now have less confidence in the Obama administration's [see below]?" Options rotated

 
    More
Confidence
No Change Less
Confidence
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 
 

"Ability to improve the economy"

 

2/4/09

55 25 17 2  
 
 

"Ability to manage the federal government"

 

2/4/09

51 27 18 3  
 
 

"Ethical standards"

 

2/4/09

50 29 19 3  
             

"Barack Obama promised in his campaign to change the way Washington works. Based on what you have heard or read about his administration, do you think he has made progress or not made progress in doing this so far?" N=513, MoE ± 5 (Form A)

 
    Has Made
Progress
Hasn't Made
Progress
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

2/4/09

50 41 9    
             

"Barack Obama promised in his campaign that lobbyists would have less influence on his administration than on any prior administration. Based on what you have heard or read about his administration, do you think he has made progress or not made progress in doing this so far?" N=499, MoE ± 5 (Form B)

 
    Has Made
Progress
Hasn't Made
Progress
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

2/4/09

53 35 12    
             

"As you may know, former Senate majority leader Tom Daschle withdrew his nomination to the cabinet on Tuesday. Based on what you have heard or read about this situation, do you think Daschle should have withdrawn, should have continued his efforts to be confirmed to the cabinet, or don't you know enough to say?" Options rotated

 
    Should Have
Withdrawn
Should Have
Continued
Don't Know
Enough
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

2/4/09

56 10 33 1  
             

"Which best describes your view of this situation involving Tom Daschle: it is another example of a culture of corruption in Washington, it is an isolated case of wrongdoing or a mistake on one individual's part, or don't you know enough to say?" Options rotated

 
    Another
Example of
Corruption
Isolated
Case
Don't Know
Enough
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

2/4/09

39 24 36 1  
             

"As you may know, in addition to Tom Daschle, some of Obama's other nominees have generated controversy. Which comes closer to your view? These controversies are just a normal part of the process of filling high level government positions in any new administration. OR, The Obama administration appears to be having more problems filling high government positions than is typical for new administrations." Options rotated

 
    Normal Part
of Process
More Than
is Typical
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

2/4/09

58 29 12    

 

CBS News Poll. Feb. 2-4, 2009. N=864 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

             

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling foreign policy?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

2/2-4/09

50 15 35    
             

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling the economy?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

2/2-4/09

55 24 21    
             

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling the campaign against terrorism?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

2/2-4/09

52 17 31    
             

"Do you think Barack Obama is trying to work with Republicans in Congress in order to get things done, or isn't he?"

 
    Is Trying Is Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

2/2-4/09

81 12 7    
             

"Do you think Republicans in Congress are trying to work with Barack Obama in order to get things done, or aren't they?"

 
    Are Trying Are Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

2/2-4/09

41 47 12    
             

"Do you think Democrats in Congress are trying to work with Republicans in Congress n order to get things done, or aren't they?"

 
    Are Trying Are Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

2/2-4/09

49 38 13    

 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2009. N=1,027 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

             

"Thinking now about some of the specific actions Barack Obama has taken since he has been in office, would you say you approve or disapprove of each of the following. How about [see below]?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"Naming special U.S. envoys to deal with the situations in Afghanistan and Pakistan and the Middle East"

 

1/30 - 2/1/09

76 15 9    
 
 

"Restricting former lobbyists from working in the Obama administration, and restricting administration officials from working as lobbyists after leaving the government"

 

1/30 - 2/1/09

76 17 6    
 
 

"Requiring that all interrogations of military prisoners be conducted according to the Army Field Manual"

 

1/30 - 2/1/09

74 19 7    
 
 

"Ordering the Environmental Protection Agency to institute higher fuel efficiency standards"

 

1/30 - 2/1/09

74 22 3    
 
 

"Signing a bill that makes it easier for workers to sue companies for pay discrimination"

 

1/30 - 2/1/09

66 29 5    
 
 

"Ordering the Guantanamo Bay prison for terrorist suspects be closed within a year"

 

1/30 - 2/1/09

44 50 5    
 
 

"Allowing U.S. funding for overseas family planning organizations that provide abortions"

 

1/30 - 2/1/09

35 58 7    
             

"Since Barack Obama was elected, do you think the overall tone and level of civility in Washington between Republicans and Democrats has improved, stayed the same, or gotten worse?" Options rotated

 
    Improved Stayed the
Same
Gotten
Worse
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

1/30 - 2/1/09

21 51 23 5  
             
 

Asked of those who think the tone has not improved, N=740, MoE ± 4:
"Who do you blame more for the lack of improvement in the overall tone in Washington: the Republicans in Washington or the Democrats in Washington?"
Options rotated

 
    Republicans Democrats Both
Equally (vol.)
Neither
(vol.)
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

1/30 - 2/1/09

41 30 23 4 3
             

"Thinking now about the news media: In its coverage of Barack Obama and his administration so far, do you think the news media has been too tough, about right, or not tough enough?"

 
    Too Tough About Right Not Tough
Enough
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

1/30 - 2/1/09

11 48 38 3  
             
 

Asked of those who think the media is not being tough enough, N=391, MoE ± 5:
"How concerned are you that the news media will not fulfill its duties of providing oversight to the public about what the administration is doing: very concerned, somewhat concerned, not too concerned, or not concerned at all?"
Options rotated

 
    Very
Concerned
Somewhat
Concerned
Not Too
Concerned
Not at All
Concerned
 
    % % % %  
 

1/30 - 2/1/09

61 24 9 5  

 

FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll. Jan. 27-28, 2009. N=900 registered voters nationwide. MoE ± 3.

             

"In the week since Barack Obama became president, do you think he has been making policy changes too quickly, not quickly enough, or at about the right speed?"

 
    Too Quickly Not Quickly
Enough
About Right Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

1/27-28/09

24 5 66 5  
             

"How many campaign promises do you think Barack Obama will accomplish during his presidency: almost all of them, most of them, only some of them or hardly any of them?"

 
    Almost All Most Only Some Hardly Any Unsure
    % % % % %
 

1/27-28/09

13 35 39 10 4
             

"How confident are you the Secret Service can protect President Obama from harm: extremely confident, very confident, somewhat confident or not at all confident?"

 
    Extremely
Confident
Very
Confident
Somewhat
Confident
Not at All
Confident
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

1/27-28/09

28 38 26 6 2

 

Diageo/Hotline Poll conducted by FD. Jan. 21-24, 2009. N=800 registered voters nationwide. MoE ± 3.5.

             

"Did you happen to watch Barack Obama's inaugural speech on Tuesday?"

 
    Yes No      
    % %      
 

1/21-24/09

68 32      
             
 

Asked of 543 voters who watched Obama's inaugural speech, MoE ± 4.2:
"How would you rate his speech, compared to past inaugural speeches given by previous presidents in your lifetime: the best inaugural speech, better than most but not the best, about the same as past speeches, worse than most but not the worst, or the worst inaugural speech?"
Options rotated

 
    The Best Better
Than Most
About the
Same
Worse
Than Most
The Worst
    % % % % %
 

1/21-24/09

33 45 16 1 1
             
 

Asked of 543 voters who watched Obama's inaugural speech, MoE ± 4.2:
"Having watched the speech, how does it make you feel about how well the U.S. will meet its challenges: much more optimistic, somewhat more optimistic, somewhat more pessimistic, or much more pessimistic?"
Options rotated

 
    Much More
Optimistic
Somewhat
More
Optimistic
Somewhat
More
Pessimistic
Much More
Pessimistic
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

1/21-24/09

45 39 8 4 5
             

"And, overall, has the election of Barack Obama and his inauguration as president inspired you to want to take action and do whatever you can to become more involved in helping the country meet its challenges?"

 
    Yes No Unsure    
    % % %    
 

1/21-24/09

67 27 6    

 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. Jan. 20, 2009. N=1,012 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

               

"Turning now to the inauguration of Barack Obama as president today: Based on what you have heard or read about today's inauguration, does it make you feel more hopeful about the next four years, less hopeful, or does it not make any difference?"

 
    More
Hopeful
Less
Hopeful
No
Difference
Unsure    
    % % % %    
 

1/20/09

62 11 23 4    
               

"Which of the following applies to you: you watched or listened to the inauguration ceremonies as they happened; you watched, listened to, or read news reports about the inauguration ceremonies; OR, you did not do either?"

 
    Watched/
Listened as
Happened
Saw/Heard
News Reports
Neither      
    % % %      
 

1/20/09

60 20 20      
               
 

Asked of 836 adults who watched/listened to the inauguration or saw/heard news reports, MoE ± 4:
"Based on what you have heard or read, how would you rate Barack Obama's inauguration speech? Would you rate it as excellent, good, just okay, poor, or terrible?"

 
    Excellent Good Just Okay Poor Terrible Unsure
    % % % % % %
 

1/20/09

46 35 12 2 1 5

Obama Administration continued

 


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