Topic: Decline of the West
As his various domestic policies demonstrate. Barack Obama is a profligate spender. And along with all our hard-earned tax dollars, the President has been spending something else, a form of currency that is absolutely essential to the success of any presidency: the trust and confidence of the American people. It's all there in the latest Fox News/Opinion Dynamics poll, and it surely makes gruesome reading for Obama and his supporters.
Obama's standing with independents—the key to his election—has collapsed. Only 46% now approve of the job he's doing as president, while 41% disapprove. In June, those numbers were 66% and 21% respectively. His overall approval rating stands at 50% approve, 42% disapprove, compared with 62% and 31% respectively back in June.
If this slippage had been the result of tough decisions on key issues like health care, the economy and Iran, it would be less worrisome for Obama. Tough decisions often have that effect on a leader's popularity. In Indiana the Republican governor, Mitch Daniels, saw his approval ratings plummet when he undertook to lease the money-losing Indiana Toll Road to a private company. But he persevered, his policy paid off for the state, and he was reelected in 2008 by a handsome margin.
In dismal contrast, Obama has nothing to show for the loss of his popularity. Instead of tackling the tough issues before him, the President dithered and passed the buck. As a result the vaunted stimulus plan is a bust, health care reform is stalled, climate-change legislation is moribund and the Administration's foreign policy is in disarray. Just six months ago, Barack Obama had the wind at his back and the sun in his face. Now he and his administration are foundering. Whatever this is, it certainly isn't presidential leadership.
