For those waiting for better economic news to be reflected in the polls, the numbers are now showing up. At this early stage, polls aren't predictive, they're snapshots. Still, Gallup's latest snapshot is good news for the White House:
After falling perilously low last summer, President Obama's approval rating on the economy has climbed to 38%, similar to the economy ratings he received from 2010 through the first half of 2011. That less-than-stellar rating is significantly lower than his 47% overall job approval rating in the latest Gallup Daily tracking figures -- indicating Americans are factoring more than the economy into account when reviewing the president's job performance. Obama's relatively strong ratings on national defense and foreign affairs could be playing a role. Further, if Americans' economic mood continues to improve, as is indicated in Gallup's latest Economic Confidence Index figures, Obama's economy rating will almost certainly continue to rise accordingly.
When you look at
where the improvement is, it's in the economic numbers. And when you look at it for the point of view of independents (Republicans don't matter, indies do):
Gee, no social issues on that list? Don't worry. Republicans will try and add some, since they literally have nothing else to offer. And for anyone who thinks that it's a coincidence that social issues are their
outrage du jour, I have a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn.