Obama Leadership Takes A Hit, But GOP Approval Ratings Decline To 34%

There has been a substantial erosion of US President Barack Obama’s leadership image since the announcement of the killing of Osama bin Laden in May, accompanied, however, by a continued slide in the image of the opposition Republican Party, according to a new survey.

Following the drawn-out debt deal and downgrade to US rating, not surprisingly politicians from all mainstream beats are taking a beating.

In general, Americans are profoundly discontented with conditions in the United States, its government, political leadership and several of its major institutions, according to a new Pew Research Center Poll.

The latest national survey by the Pew Research Center, conducted Aug. 17-21 among 1,509 adults, finds that Barack Obama’s job approval rating has declined markedly since the killing of Osama bin Laden.

Additionally, for the first time in his presidency, significantly more disapprove than approve of the way Obama is handling his job as president at 49% versus the previous 43%, and the margin of strong disapproval over strong approval has widened – currently, 38% strongly disapprove of Obama’s job performance while 26% strongly approve.

According to the poll, fully 79% of Americans are dissatisfied with the way things are going in the country, and even more (86%) say they are frustrated or angry with the federal government.

Along those lines, favorable ratings for both political parties are in negative territory and have declined since the beginning of the year.

According to latest poll figures, just 22% approve of the job performance of Republican congressional leaders, down from 36% in February with ratings for Democratic leaders only somewhat better with a 29% approval.

More generally, the Republican Party’s favorable rating has declined from 43% in early February to 34% currently. At 43%, the Democratic Party is viewed more favorably than the GOP, but it too was rated a bit better earlier in the year at 47% in February.