Obama Approval Rating: 55 Percent Disapprove of President's Management as Obamacare Opposition Increases
President Barack Obama's approval rating has decreased while his disapproval rating remains higher by double-digits, but it is the Affordable Care Act that could still play a factor in November's elections.
According to a CNN and ORC International poll, Obama's approval rating slipped to 42 percent, a point lower than the two organizations' previous poll conducted between May 29 and June 1. The highest approval rating for Obama was 76 percent during February 2009.
The president's disapproval rating has remained the same since early May, at 55 percent. The highest disapproval rating for Obama was 56 percent for two consecutive polling periods in November and December 2013.
The respondents said Obama does not agree with them on issues they care about -- 56 percent to 43 percent. He also isn't viewed as a "strong and decisive leader" by a narrow margin of 52 percent to 48 percent. A majority of respondents also stated Obama cannot manage the government effective -- 57 percent-- while 42 percent said he could.
A slightly larger majority does believe Obama cares about people, 51 percent, while 48 percent stated he doesn't care about the people. However, 53 percent stated he doesn't share their values, while 46 percent believed Obama does.
Regarding Obama's sincerity, respondents tied at 49 percent with 1 percent unsure.
With the midterm election looming this year, the topic of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or Obamacare, has continued to receive critical attention and could spell trouble for Democrats. According to the survey, 59 percent opposed the new healthcare law while 40 percent favored it. From the 59 percent of respondents opposing the ACA, 38 percent believed the law is "too liberal" but 17 percent stated it was "not liberal enough."
Despite the majority in opposition of Obamacare, 46 percent stated they and their family are "about the same" since the law went into effect, but 35 percent believed they are "worse off." Eighteen percent of respondents stated they are "better off" since the major provisions of the ACA went into effect.
According to survey of 1,003 Americans by Bankrate, 68 percent of Americans said the ACA will be a factor in how they vote in November, particularity in House elections. While 25 percent stated the ACA will not be a factor for this year's elections, 44 percent stated it will be a "major" factor while 24 percent believed it will play a "minor" role in determining their decision at the voting booths.
The CNN and ORC International poll included interviews with 1,012 adults between July 18 and July 20. The interviewees include 899 registered voters. According to the poll's methodology, 32 percent aligned themselves as Democrats, 24 percent as Republicans and 44 percent were Independents or members of another political party.
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