Something really strange is going on. Normally, when a candidate has a bad stretch--makes a gaffe, has a scandal, receives poor news-- either their favorable numbers, or (if they are in office), their approval numbers drop significantly.
We all agree Barack Obama had a bad debate, which was further aggravated by terrible press coverage. So we would expect his favorable/approval numbers to fall.
Not only is that not happening, but President Obama is having some of the best favorable/approval numbers in recent months (or even years!)
Take the new ABC Washington Post poll. While the head to head hasn't been released yet, we do know this- People LIKE Barack Obama. He boast an impressive 55/44 favorable score, his highest in years. Meanwhile, Mitt Romney is still underwater at 47-51. The poll results are here. Meanwhile-
over in Gallup, something funny is going on. While the new "likely voter" screen has Romney leading by 2 points, Obama's approval rating is UP, at 53-42! Once again, this is one of the BEST approval rating showings Obama has had. The same Gallup also indicates that economic confidence is near its year long high!
Even Rasmussen, who has Obama at 49/50 approval rating, still gives Obama a significantly higher than it did a month ago, when Obama led in most polls by a wider margin.
So, what gives? Admittedly, the ABC and Gallup numbers are from registered rather than "likely" voters. But there is something important in these numbers: unlike Jimmy Carter, who suffered from a 30 something approval rate when Reagan overtook him after a late debate, people like Obama personally AND approve of the job he is doing as president!
What we have here is a few really bad polling days (Thursday to Saturday or so) based on a bad debate and the massive negative press coverage. Those bad numbers are already receding.
Meanwhile, Obama is doing what he needs to do- campaigning hard. Joe Biden is doing what he needs to do, preparing to land a knock out punch on Paul Ryan. Things will change by the weekend!
But we need to do SOMETHING POSITIVE!
What can you do? Donate, campaign, campaign, AND CAMPAIGN! Talk to co-workers, send out Facebook messages, and, if you're talented, make your own YouTube video campaign ad!
We all know this race will be close, likely 3 or 4 points. But Obama has the CLEAR EDGE, and that edge will only grow if we all put forward a strong effort, and don't get down!
p.s. Don't forget- Obama's got the money he needs ($181 million raised in September) and the BEST turnout operation EVER! LET'S MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Please REC this up so we get a another positive, proactive diary into the rec list! And give me your comments!
UPDATE: Thanks for putting this on the rec list. I have a special request for anyone who is interested.
Update- Thanks to all for the recommends! I have a special request.
An organization I work with, the National Youth Rights Association, is organizing a new movement called Votes for Youth. It's a youth led effort to lower the voting age! To learn more go to Votes for Youth.
The first big rally is Friday, October 12th at 4:00pm at: DC Board of Elections and Ethics, 441 4th Street, NW, Suite 250 North Washington, DC 20001 Please join us or help spread the word!