The legislative wrangling over the health care reform bill that became law last week has not translated into improved poll ratings for any of the principal participants.
In the latest CBS News Poll, 44 percent approve of how President Obama is handling his job, down from 49 percent in a poll taken just before the health care bill passed in the House of Representatives. Mr. Obama received a 41 percent disapproval rating in both surveys.
The public is particularly unhappy with Mr. Obama’s management of health care. Only a third, 34 percent, approve of the president’s handling of health care, down from 41 percent before the health care bill passed. Fifty-five percent disapprove, including a majority of Republicans and independents. While most Democrats approve of how Mr. Obama is handling health care, almost a third disapprove.
Other recent national polls have given the president higher marks for his job handling. In the Gallup tracking poll based on interviews conducted March 30 through April 1, 50 percent approve of Mr. Obama and 43 percent disapprove.
A Super Tuesday of sorts is coming in six weeks when voters will go to the polls in three potential bellwether states, offering a preview of the pivotal midterm elections in November in which Democrats hope to fend off a Republican surge to regain control of Congress.
This election cycle has perplexed pollsters in a year marked by a brutal fight over health care overhaul, the rise of the Tea Party Movement and the continued descent of record-low job ratings for members of Congress.
But the three primary races on May 18 in Arkansas, Kentucky and Pennsylvania could reflect the mood of the nation toward establishment candidates and insurgent challengers, political strategists say.
Voters will also cast ballots in five other states in the month of May: Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Nebraska, and Idaho.
Candidates backed by their political parties typically have the money, the endorsements and the name recognition to stomp the challengers. But political strategists say voters who are angry with Washington can send a clear message to incumbents if the establishment candidates are defeated in the the May elections.
