OBAMBI's POLL NUMBERS TRAIL W's

OBAMA'S POLL NUMBERS TRAIL THOSE OF W.; GALLUP COVERS IT UP

History News Network ^ 4/25/2009 Judith Apter Klinghoffer

Gallup reports that 56% of the public believes that Obama is doing an excellent/good job. Gallup reported 62% approved of George W. Bush's job performance after the first 100 days. MSM tells us how popular Barack Obama is but the numbers tell a different story especially when used comparatively. Comparing the Gallup poll taken following the first 100 day of George W. Bush and Barack Obama is rather informative especially given the highly contentious nature of the 2000 election.

Here are the numbers for other presidents:

April approval ratings in first year in office

Bush now 62%
Clinton, 1993 55%
Bush, 1989 58%
Reagan, 1981 67%
Carter, 1977 63%
Nixon, 1969 61% Sampling error: +/-3% pts

Now justify these headlines:

Gallup: First-100-Days-Obama-Meets-Exceeds-Expectations.

By the way, the wording of the question is most suspect as many (including me) expected him to do just as poorly as he is doing. But Gallup is going even further. It uses his daily tracking poll to cover up the results of the 100 day poll.

USAToday:Poll: Public thinks highly of Obama

Chicago Tribune: Obama riding high in polls

The CNN headline for W. at the time was: Poll shows praise for Bush in most cases

Here are some more of the W. numbers:

Has vision 74%
Can get things done 69
Tough enough 68
Honest and trustworthy 67
Strong leader 60
Cares about people 59%
Shares your values 58
Keeps his promises 57
Understands issues 56
Inspires confidence 55 Sampling error: +/-3% pts

The same discrepancy can be found in the celebration of Michelle popularity. 79% approve of her performance compared to 85% that approved of Laura Bush.

Ergo? Much of America is still willing to give Obama time to prove himself even if 80% admit that his economic policies will harm their children and grand children and the rest are concerned about his reckless spending.