The Hill News

A CBS News/New York Times poll that was released at the end of June contained three key ratings, that when looked at together, seem contradictory and have stumped pundits for the past year. Even though 52% of Americans disapprove of how President Obama is handling the economy and a significant 63% feel the country is “on the wrong track,” his approval rating remains in the black. The mystery of course is why is he more popular than unpopular in the midst of a stagnating economy and an unemployment rate over 9%?

Whenever this question is posed in the media, some respondents immediately fall back on what Obama did right in 2008. They talk about how successful he was at building a “coalition for change,” how he pulled so many first time voters out of their seats of complacency, and how his inspiring and unifying message of hope captured the hearts and imaginations of Americans. Others simply state that people just like him personally, chalking this up to ! his charm and charisma. Indeed, these are all valid points, but none of them adequately explain why more Americans approve than disapprove of him.

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