Pew: Obama Better Positioned For Re-Elect Than Reagan

[Pirate Smile]

Obama Better Positioned For Re-Elect Than Reagan

By Jeremy P. Jacobs
October 26, 2010 | 7:55 AM

More Americans want Pres. Obama to seek re-election in 2012 than wanted Ronald Reagan to run for a second term when he was facing his first midterm election in 1982, according to new polling.

Still, Obama's position isn't particularly strong in the Pew Research/National Journal Congressional Connection poll that was sponsored by SHRM. The poll found that 47 percent want Obama to seek a second term. In August of 1982, only 36 percent wanted Reagan to run again.

And, unlike Reagan, less say Obama should not run for re-election. Forty-two percent responded that Obama should sit out 2012, compared to a majority -- 51 percent -- who said the same of Reagan in 1982.

The numbers indicate the well-documented struggles presidents typically have when they face their first midterm election after winning the White House. Both Reagan and Obama faced severe economic problems in their first two years in office. Like Reagan, Obama will undoubtedly seek to rebound after what looks like it will be a devastating midterm election for his party this year.

Obama's numbers are most reminiscent of Pres. Bill Clinton's when he was going into the GOP tidal wave in the 1994 midterm election. That year, 44 percent wanted Clinton to run again while a higher percentage -- 47 percent -- said he shouldn't.

The Pew survey was conducted Oct. 21 to 24. It surveyed 1,006 adults and had a margin of error of +/- 4 percent.

http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2010/10/obama-better-po-1.php

[Jackpine Radical]

1. Obama does have some things to contend with

that St. Ronald didn't. Things like the fruits of Citizens United, a hostile corporate propaganda machine mainstream media, and the crazed Teabagger movement.

[JaneQPublic]

2. Well sure, since Reagan is dead. (nt)

[Ter]

3. Yet Obama won't win 49 states, so go figure

n/t