Changes

In the wake of the [[financial collapse of 2008]], Obama initially enjoyed the goodwill and moderate approval ratings of Americans.  The growing perception of Obama's [[socialism|far left]] agenda marked a reversal of trends particularly after the "Gates flap."<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/30/AR2009073004097.html</ref> Polls shortly after revealed Obama's personal popularity and approval ratings declined significantly across the board, on every major subject and among all demographic groups<ref>http://people-press.org/report/532/obamas-ratings-slide</ref> with the greatest declines among poor people. The Pew Research Center noted "Some of the larger declines are among members of his own party."

In the wake of the [[financial collapse of 2008]], Obama initially enjoyed the goodwill and moderate approval ratings of Americans.  The growing perception of Obama's [[socialism|far left]] agenda marked a reversal of trends particularly after the "Gates flap."<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/30/AR2009073004097.html</ref> Polls shortly after revealed Obama's personal popularity and approval ratings declined significantly across the board, on every major subject and among all demographic groups<ref>http://people-press.org/report/532/obamas-ratings-slide</ref> with the greatest declines among poor people. The Pew Research Center noted "Some of the larger declines are among members of his own party."

A February 2010 Marist Poll showed for the first time since taking office, a majority of Independent registered voters - 57% - disapproved of jhis job performance with only 29% approving. 47% of registered voters nationwide report President Obama has fallen below their expectations. 42% say he has met their expectations while just 7% think he has exceeded them.<ref>Marist Poll, [President Obama’s Approval Rating & The 2010 Midterm Elections], February 8, 2010.</ref> The Marist Poll reported "Democrats have become less positive toward Obama and Independents have become more negative."

A February 2010 Marist Poll showed for the first time since taking office, a majority of Independent registered voters - 57% - disapproved of j

his job performance with only 29% approving. 47% of registered voters nationwide report President Obama has fallen below their expectations. 42% say he has met their expectations while just 7% think he has exceeded them.<ref>Marist Poll, [President Obama’s Approval Rating & The 2010 Midterm Elections], February 8, 2010.</ref> The Marist Poll reported "Democrats have become less positive toward Obama and Independents have become more negative."

Obama’s approval rating for handling health care has fallen steadily since April 2009 led by a steep a 17-point slide among independents. An ''[[ABC News]]/[[Washington Post]]'' poll in August 2009 showed public doubt about [[health care reform]] with a rise in views the president's proposals would do more harm than good.

Obama’s approval rating for handling health care has fallen steadily since April 2009 led by a steep a 17-point slide among independents. An ''[[ABC News]]/[[Washington Post]]'' poll in August 2009 showed public doubt about [[health care reform]] with a rise in views the president's proposals would do more harm than good.