Obama’s Charm Offensive

President Obama’s approval rating dropped at least 5 points since March 1, and his average is now below 50 percent. In fact, several polls have the president at 45 percent, with disapproval higher than approval, polling numbers not regularly seen since before the September Democratic Convention. It reflects the failed sequester strategy of all campaign and no negotiations.

The good news for centrist members of the public looking for solutions is that Obama has changed course and launched a charm offensive, which offers negotiations and claims to present compromise. At least he has initially found some takers among Republicans and now must see if his party will go along. Obama’s political problem is that on the economy and federal finances, people are not happy with his performance.

• The public remains strongly dissatisfied with the economy.
• They are increasingly concerned about the federal government’s finances (debt and spending).
• They rate Obama very poorly in his handling of the economy – 30% approve, 55% disapprove – and even worse on his handling of the deficit – 31% approve and 65% disapprove.

Voters, contrary to the President’s political advisors, are not framing the problem in a sufficiently partisan context to let his partisan advantage, however modest, carry the day.

The administration would be wise to stay on the negotiation course for now.

See Gallup:
Americans most satisfied with military, least with economy
Obama rated highest on foreign affairs, lowest on deficit

Also see blogs:
Obama backs up
Risk of permanent campaign
Why the president’s sequester strategy failed to lift off
Are the 2014 congressional elections being decided this week?