Obama's personal popularity still high, not so his handling of economy, finds survey

Washington, June 9 (ANI): While most Americans still view President Barack Obama favorably as a person, his performance ratings of his handling of the economy have gone down by 12 points since taking over the White House, according to a new USA Today/Gallup poll.

Overall, 67 percent of Americans view Obama favorably, but many Americans now disapprove of the way he has handled specific issues like federal spending and budget deficit.

According to the survey, 51 percent disapproved of his measures to control federal spending, and 48 percent disapproved of his handling of the budget deficit.

However, 61 percent approved of his overall job performance, and 55 percent his handling of the economy.

"Obama's job approval rating for his handling of the economy has dropped from 59 percent in February to 55 percent today, while his disapproval rating has risen by 12 points, from 30 percent to 42 percent," Politico quoted Gallup, as saying.

"The fact that Obama's approval on the economy has become more negative over this time period is of interest, given that Gallup's measure of consumer mood has become more positive between March and the current time," it added.

Obama scores higher marks for his handling of international matters, with 59 percent approving of his handling of foreign affairs, and 55 percent approving of his handling of terrorism and the situation in the Middle East, the survey said. (ANI)