AP-GfK Poll: Obama popular but doubts on progress

[onehandle]

Source: AP

WASHINGTON – Thumbs up for President Barack Obama's personality. Thumbs down for his progress. An overwhelming majority of Americans like Obama, but most say he hasn't accomplished much on two top goals — fixing the sluggish economy and changing how Washington works, according to a new Associated Press-GfK poll midway through the first term of his presidency.

Half of those surveyed say he deserves a second term, and independents, whose support will be critical in 2012, are evenly divided on that question. Obama is getting the benefit of the doubt despite concerns about his policies, a reflection based in large part on his likability. "He's doing a pretty good job," says Alan Bliven, 54, of Tucson, Ariz. "I'm not all sold on him," but the president's performance is good enough that he should be re-elected.

Joanne Abbott, 46, of Sebring, Fla., disagrees. "I don't dislike Obama. I like him as a person," she says, but adds, "I don't think he's accomplished much. ... I wish the economy would come back."

The AP-GfK poll is a snapshot in time, and plenty could happen between now and November 2012, including an economic upturn that could cut the 9.4 percent unemployment rate. But, in a polarized nation, the findings portend a competitive presidential race no matter who the GOP candidate is.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_ap_poll_obama_two_years

[Teaser]

1. here's what happened

They got a good result for the president's approval, didn't like the result, and went back out into the field to ask questions until they found something negative to say.


Hilarious.

[BumRushDaShow]

2. Yes, the spin is obvious... But then this is AP. n/t

[grahamhgreen]

3. Gravel in 2012!

[bluestateguy]

4. The more likeable candidate always wins

Even if voters say that have issues with some of his policies, voters always go with the guy they like better than the one they don't.

[avaistheone1]

5. Supposedly that's what gave us George W. Bush as president

[bluestateguy]

6. Yes that's right

And his campaign team played up that attribute to win votes.