WASHINGTON — Heading into a critical period in the debate over health-care reform, public approval of President Barack Obama’s stewardship on the issue has dropped below the 50-percent threshold for the first time, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll.
Obama’s approval ratings on other front-burner issues, such as the economy and the federal budget deficit, have also slipped over the summer, as rising concern about spending and continuing worries about the economy combine to challenge his administration. Barely more than half approve of the way he is handling unemployment, which tops 10 percent in 15 states and the District.
The president’s overall approval rating remains higher than his marks on particular domestic issues, with 59 percent giving him positive reviews and 37 percent disapproving. But the poll is the first time in his presidency that Obama has fallen under 60 percent in Post-ABC polling, and he is 6 percentage points lower than he was a month ago.
Since April, approval of Obama’s handling of health care has dropped from 57 percent to 49 percent, with disapproval rising from 29 percent to 44 percent.
