Congressional Democrats worried over Obama ratings

South Africa News.Net
Tuesday 27th April, 2010

Barack Obama may not be welcome on the November Congressional election trail if his approval ratings don’t improve.

In a little more than six months, US voters will be asked to decide on who they want in Congress in elections that will have a major impact on President Barack Obama and his agenda.

Political experts have said they believe Republicans will have an easier time than Democrats in motivating their supporters this year due to the president’s poor standing in the polls.

Mr Obama's approval rating is around 50 percent or just below in most recent polls.

Public-opinion surveys show most Americans find the president likeable, but may not agree with his policies.

Historically, a president's public approval rating can have an impact on mid-term congressional elections.

When the president's approval rating dips below 50 percent, the party holding the White House usually loses seats in mid-term elections.

Even though the Democrats hold majorities in both the Senate and House of Representatives, they stand to lose seats in November with only one in five voters approving of the measures Congress is taking in health and the economy.

One of the most significant weaknesses for Democrats and their election prospects at the moment is the economy and high unemployment rate.

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