Approval numbers show most Americans don't want Obama's change

Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Commentary by Chris Carter

A common theme has resonated from pollsters in 2009: 'Obama's approval ratings hit new low.' Gallup's latest poll puts President Obama's approval at 47%, the lowest-ever for a U.S. president in his first year in office.

Now that President Barack Obama's first year in office is almost over, a glance at other presidents' approval ratings confirms that Obama's 47% approval rating marks the lowest for a president in his first year.

A look at past presidents shows that he could also set the lowest average approval rating. According to Gallup , Obama's first-year average approval is 50%. Only Ronald Reagan and Harry Truman (both at 49%) were listed as having a lower approval rating than Obama. Highest on the list? George W. Bush's average was highest, at 86 percent in 2001.

The White House's reaction? Attack the pollsters. the rest