Obama Still On Top
Published in Le Figaro
(France) on 1 April 2013
by Jean-Sébastien Stehli (link to original)
A new opinion poll from the Washington Post and ABC News reveals that Obama is still at the height of his popularity. Six out of ten Americans have a favorable opinion of the 44th president of the United States. According to the poll, 57 percent have a positive opinion, versus only 41 percent with a negative opinion of him. These results are almost identical to those from an opinion poll carried out just after his inauguration at the end of January.
The results contrast with America’s opinion of his performance as president. Regarding his actions as head of state, 50 percent approve of his actions, while 46 percent disapprove.
These two sets of results are not surprising. Since the beginning of his term, Americans have had a favorable opinion of the man, but less so of his actions.
The favorable opinion of Obama himself allowed him to win last November. According to one survey from outside voting stations, more than 20 percent of voters claimed that they voted “for someone who cares about people like me.”* In that area, Obama received 81 percent of votes.
More surprising, however, is that the incessant guerrilla warfare between Congress and the White House did not adversely affect him. Rather, it became a source of frustration for conservatives, who did everything they could to knock him off his pedestal, including accusing him of being too intellectual and too far removed from the concerns of Americans. It does not seem to have been worth their trouble.
But will these favorable polls give him an advantage in the difficult discussions that lie ahead, such as the debates over gun control and immigration, among others? It is still too early to tell.
* This quote, while accurately translated, could not be verified.
The results contrast with America’s opinion of his performance as president. Regarding his actions as head of state, 50 percent approve of his actions, while 46 percent disapprove.
These two sets of results are not surprising. Since the beginning of his term, Americans have had a favorable opinion of the man, but less so of his actions.
The favorable opinion of Obama himself allowed him to win last November. According to one survey from outside voting stations, more than 20 percent of voters claimed that they voted “for someone who cares about people like me.”* In that area, Obama received 81 percent of votes.
More surprising, however, is that the incessant guerrilla warfare between Congress and the White House did not adversely affect him. Rather, it became a source of frustration for conservatives, who did everything they could to knock him off his pedestal, including accusing him of being too intellectual and too far removed from the concerns of Americans. It does not seem to have been worth their trouble.
But will these favorable polls give him an advantage in the difficult discussions that lie ahead, such as the debates over gun control and immigration, among others? It is still too early to tell.
* This quote, while accurately translated, could not be verified.