Topics At A Glance: Presidential Approval

(Next, I'm going to read you some more pairs of statements about where the two parties stand on some key issues after (Barack) Obama's first year in office (as President). After I read each pair, please tell me which statement comes closer to your own view, even if neither is exactly right.)...On the issue of energy...Republicans say that Democrats are trying to pass a bill called cap and trade that will be an energy tax on businesses. The bill will lead to thousands of lost jobs, including sending more manufacturing jobs to China, higher energy costs to all Americans, and higher costs for products made here in the USA. Republicans say it makes no sense to increase energy costs during a recession and we should encourage the production of all forms of energy here in the United States--oil, wind, solar, nuclear, clean coal, and biofuels to make us less dependent on foreign oil and will create jobs here. Democrats say we have relied too long on dirty energy from the Middle East. Obama and the Democrats have moved to change that, passing an energy bill in the House that will reward companies that reduce pollution and increase production of cleaner, alternative energy. It requires that more of our energy come from alternative sources like wind and solar. Now we need to pass this bill into law because it uses America's technological know-how to re-charge our economy with new industries, creating one point seven million new jobs while reducing our dependence on foreign oil. It will cost families less than fifteen dollars a month. Which statement comes closest to your own opinion?

Sample: National likely voters
Note: Asked of Form A half sample.
NPR Poll, [Jan, 2010]

(Next, I'm going to read you some more pairs of statements about where the two parties stand on some key issues after (Barack) Obama's first year in office (as President). After I read each pair, please tell me which statement comes closer to your own view, even if neither is exactly right.)...Now, thinking again about President Obama and his first year in office...Republicans say that Barack Obama came into office making many promises about working across party lines and pledging to put people first. Instead, Obama has gone on a reckless spending sprees, is trying to force through a government-run health care program, took control of car companies, is giving terrorists rights as criminals instead of treating them as enemy fighters, and has spent more time apologizing to foreign countries than standing up for America's interests. Obama's current approach is more government control and more government spending. During this year, unemployment has skyrocketed because Obama has all but ignored jobs. Obama and the Democrats who run Congress are not listening to the American people, so we need more balance in Washington. Democrats say that President Obama was elected to bring change. He inherited two unfinished wars, record deficits and an economy losing seven hundred and fifty thousand jobs every month. Washington had done nothing about health care costs or Middle East oil. Republicans sided with oil and insurance interests and rejected bipartisan cooperation, but Obama has pressed ahead to bring change. He is reducing US (United States) troops in Iraq and restored respect for America. His economic plan tries to stabilize the economy, save local jobs, and get credit to small businesses. His health care reforms would make insurance affordable for all and his energy reforms shift America to renewable, domestic energy. It is time to work together for change to get a new jobs bill and deficit reduction plan. Which statement comes closest to your own opinion?

Sample: National likely voters
Note: Asked of Form B half sample
NPR Poll, [Jan, 2010]

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling foreign policy?

CBS News Poll, [Jan, 2010]

Topics At A Glance: Presidential Approval

Nixon and Vietnam

Johnson and Vietnam

Barack Obama and Foreign Affairs

Other Presidents and Foreign Affairs

Barack Obama and Economy

Other Presidents and the Economy

Barack Obama and Health

Other Presidents and Health

Barack Obama and the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars

George W. Bush and the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars

From the Archives

Many Sources

Obama Job Ratings

Broad coverage

Most Important Problem Facing the Country