Obama's job approval rating nosedives to all time low of 46 percent

Washington, Mar. 13 (ANI): The job approval rating of US President Barack Obama has hit a record low (46 percent) amid rising doubts over his ability to push health care reforms - the centrepiece of his domestic policies - through Congress.

According to a new Gallup survey, Obama's approval rating fell to a record 46 per cent, which was 69 percent in the early days of his presidency.

His popularity among Democrat supporters fell due to doubts about his ability to pass health care reforms, while independents and Republicans consider it to be an expensive government venture, The Telegraph reports.

Obama was supposed to leave for Guam, Indonesia and Australia this week. Obama had spent four years as a boy in Indonesia, which was supposed to be the highlight of the trip.

But with the future of health care change now in a critical condition the White House has decided Obama needs to stay in Washington to twist arms in Congress, the paper says.

A likely target will be up to 12 Democrats who say they will not vote for the proposed bill because it doesn't prevent federal funds being used for abortions, it adds.

According to the report, Obama will also make his case at further town hall meetings with the aim of building public support and raising the pressure on stubborn Democrats.

His plans would extend coverage to 30 million uninsured Americans, financed by slowing the growth of government-run health care for the elderly and raising some taxes. (ANI)