2009-09-16-皮尤-Obama_Approval_Ratings_Steady,_Personal_Image_Remains_Positive_16页_67kb

Analysis of President Obama's Approval Ratings and Public Image (September 2009)

The Pew Research Center's September 2009 survey provides an overview of President Barack Obama's job approval, personal image, ideology, and public opinion on health care reform. Key findings include:

• Job Approval and Personal Image: Obama's approval rating is 55%, steady since late July, despite a decline from his 100-day mark (63% in spring 2009). His personal image depicts him as a good communicator (83%) and warm and friendly (78%), but ratings have declined slightly since February 2009, particularly in traits like trustworthiness (64%), ability to get things done (58%), and caring about people (81% in February to 68% now). These declines mirror those in his job approval rating, which fell from 64% in February to 55%. However, overall positive views remain high, especially among Democrats.

• Partisan Differences: Democrats view Obama favorably on most traits, with 95% seeing him as trustworthy and caring, and 91% rating him as a strong leader (down slightly from earlier in the year but still strong). Independents show some decline, while Republicans have become more critical, with sharper drops in positive views for traits like caring (down to 40% favorable) and leadership.

• Health Care Reform: Public opinion on health care proposals is evenly divided, with 42% favoring and 44% opposing (similar to earlier surveys but less opposition than July/August). The division is consistent across people attentive and less attentive to the debate. Democrats show strong support (up to 52% very supportive), while Republicans oppose more intensely but with no significant increase in intensity.

• Comparisons to Past Presidents: Obama's ratings on personal traits are generally comparable to, or slightly better than, Bill Clinton's first year and similar to George W. Bush's September 2003 ratings, though Bush had higher marks in ability to get things done and caring in earlier polls.

The survey, based on 1,006 adult respondents in September, highlights steady public opinion and ongoing partisan divisions, with methodology details confirming the reliability of findings.

Key Changes from February 2009:

• Flat or modest declines in support for various positive traits, yet overall sentiment remains positive.
• Increased criticism from Republicans, particularly on trustworthiness and leadership.
• Health care opposition balances, but Democrats' support strengthens.