What Americans Really Think About Obama

Poll analysis divides Americans into five sharply divided groups
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 19, 2010 8:07 AM CST
What Americans Really Think About Obama
Crowds gather to watch the inauguration of President Barack Obama, in this Jan. 20, 2009 file photo, on the west side of the Capitol.   (AP Photo/Scott Andrews, Pool, File)

Since his inauguration, Barack Obama’s approval rating has plummeted from 67% to just 50%. But to add some nuance to the numbers USA Today broke respondents down into five profiles. They are:

  • Sunny Side Up (33%): This diverse, optimistic group overwhelmingly believes the economy will improve, and gives Obama a 71% approval rating.
  • Right Man for Hard Times (18%): This group has lower incomes and pessimistic economic outlooks, but they’re Obama’s biggest fans—81% approve of him, and 100% say he “shares their views.”

  • Upbeat, Downbeat (10%): They’re upbeat on the economy, but only 15% approve of Obama. The reason? This is the oldest, most conservative and most religious group; only 3% believe Obama shares their values.
  • Not Up to the Job (18%): This group wants a president who manages the government well, and doesn’t think Obama is it. Only 20% approve of him, blaming him for the weak economy.
  • It’s All Bad (19%): Only 6% of these consummate pessimists believe the economy will improve, and only 21% approve of Obama. Many see themselves as independents of the tea party variety.
(More Barack Obama stories.)

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