Obama Approval Rating Hits New Low: 4 in 10 Americans Approve Handling of Economy and 'Dissatisfied' with Immigrations Crisis
A majority of Americans believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, and President Barack Obama's approval rating dropped to new lows.
According to NBC News and the Wall Street Journal, 71 percent of adults said the U.S. in on the "wrong track." The latest polling data showed a 8 percent increased from June's survey, when 63 percent said the country is moving in the wrong direction. While the majority believed the country is on the wrong track, 22 percent of respondents said the U.S. is heading in the right direction. Five percent had mixed opinions, while 2 percent were unsure.
President Obama's approval rating dropped by 1 point, from June's 41 percent to 40 percent. Obama's disapproval rating increased from June's 53 percent to 54 percent. The approval rating is 21 percent below his 61 percent high in April 2009.
Obama's handling of the economy was no better. Respondents, with 53 percent, disapproved of his management of the country's economy. The disapproval is not a new peak for Obama as its 6 percentage points down from August 2011's high of 59 percent. The president's approval rating is an increase from June's 41 percent to 42 percent. Obama's highest approval rating on the economy was 56 percent in February 2009, while the lowest rate was 37 percent in August 2011.
When asked if the U.S. economy is in recession, 49 percent said it was, while 46 percent replied no.
Although perceptions of Obama's handling of the economy are negative, 52 percent of respondents said, "The economy has improved a bit, but we have a long way to go before things get better."
Unlike the economy rating, Obama's handling of foreign policy hit new peaks. The approval rating hit new lows with 36 percent, down from May 2011's peak of 57 percent. The disapproval rating for Obama's management of foreign policy hit a new milestone with 60 percent.
In comparison to Congress, Obama fared better. Congressional approval rating stood at 14 percent, just 2 percent shy of typing the all-time low of 12 percent in July 2013. The disapproval rating for Congress is 79 percent, which is down from January's 81 percent.
In regards to the midterm elections, 44 percent want a Republican-controlled Congress, while 43 percent want Democrats in the lead.
One of the top issues Americans are "totally dissatisfied" with is the immigration crisis, specifically unaccompanied Central American children crossing the border. Respondents, at 64 percent, are dissatisfied with how the U.S. is handling immigration, while 11 percent are satisfied, but 20 percent "don't know enough to have [an] opinion."
Respondents were given two options to consider when it comes to immigration; the first stated, " We have a responsibility to look out for children who are fleeing crime and violence in their own country and have come here for their safety. These children need a process to determine whose life is in danger if they are sent back and those children should be allowed to stay here, while others should be sent back to their country."
The second option read, "We do not have the resources to deal with the thousands of children who have entered the country illegally and they should be returned immediately. Allowing them to stay will be a signal that will encourage thousands more to try and come here, placing an even greater burden on limited public services such as hospitals and schools."
With the two statements considered, 51 percent leaned toward the second option, while 43 percent went for the first statement.
__
For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!