AP Poll: 51% blame Bush for economy 31% Obama & more blame congressional GOP

[WI_DEM]

Despite the perception of a weakening recovery, there has been no significant change in the number of people who say he deserves re-election: 47 percent as opposed to 48 percent two months ago. That's a statistical dead heat with those who favor a change in the White House.

And more Americans still blame former President George W. Bush rather than Obama for the economic distress. Some 31 percent put the bulk of the blame on Obama, while 51 percent point to his Republican predecessor.

"I think Bush had a hand in it, too. Obama's not totally responsible," said Mary Parish, 68, of Troy, Tenn. An independent who voted for Republican John McCain in 2008, she said she doesn't believe Obama has what it takes to heal the economy. "He's a smooth-talking man. But he does not know what he's doing."

Obama also fares better than Congress in the blame department. Some 44 percent put "a lot" or "most" of the blame on Republicans while 36 percent point to congressional Democrats.


http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iYJjLzcIh-ygvAwfW141caX-SnQA?docId=349917d1dda34110aa8b75c0c200fcd5

[rfranklin]

1. Now, why can't that translate into massive Democratic victories?

Why is it that the Republicans can fool so many again and again?

[Kingofalldems]

2. The media

[w4rma]

4. Yup, the same media that Obama's pick for the FCC just voted for wiping the Fairness Doctrine right

off of the books. It's like Obama has no long term strategists, only Wall Street money hoarders.

[Ozymanithrax]

3. Too bad Bush won't be running for President next year.

He would lose in a landslide.

[WI_DEM]

5. and might be why Obama will win despite a sluggish economy

because people seem to understand the huge mess that was handed him.

[Ozymanithrax]

8. If he were running against Bush...

that might be true. I think it will be a very difficult and close election. In a close election it is easier to cheat and push it one way or the other. Historically, in most cases where employment was high and the economy is bad or in recession, The President was punished. This correlates directly to 1992 with Bush and 1980 with Carter. They were sitting Presidents, in a bad economy with high unemployment. They both lost.

Now it doesn't always happen that way, so there is a chance if the people can (a) be convinced that Republicans will make things worse; and or (b) Republicans run someone who can not appeal to the public.

Personally, I think that the economy is pushing this election and that people will be voting out of fear that they can not find a job or that they will lose their jobs or their children can not find work. If Republicans can run someone who can pretend to be a moderate, they are likely through a combination of their rabid base, fear by the public, and electoral manipulation to win.

[uponit7771]

11. Or even a Bush light in any of the GOP candidates

[Ozymanithrax]

14. I'm sorry, but it won't work that way, unless Jeb runs...

In 2008, Obama ran during a time of high unemployment and a economy in full recession, promising to fix things and get America back to work. He did not do it. That is the issue and whatever empty suit Republicans run will have some advantage. This is about people working now and next year, not the past.

[daa]

10. But Obama isn't trying to do anything about it. No leadership nt

[uponit7771]

13. this is boring

[daa]

18. Boring is Obama sitting around Martha's Vineyard and you

You really added a non-comment. How did you refute what I said? What IS he doing? Nothing.

[Ozymanithrax]

15. I wouldn't say that. He chose an economic team that he thought would...

fix the economy. They were from Wallstreet and banks, and they chose solutions that helped Wallstreet and the banks continue to fucntion. Saving the auto companies was about the best thing he did in that area., but it wasn't enough.

[PoliticAverse]

6. The 2012 election will likely hinge on who people feel is more likely to fix the economy...

instead of who was to blame for it. n/t

[Ozymanithrax]

9. + 1

[uponit7771]

12. That'll be easy, the GOP policies GOT us into this economy why would one go back to them?

[Ozymanithrax]

17. Because people are living today and suffering today, not four years ago..

Obama is the person in power, and historically, the electorate tends to punish Presidents who serve during times of high unemployment and bad economies. Both Bush Sr. and Carter were victims of this trend.

Most voters are not members of DU or our Conservative counterpart, and don't obsess over these things. But they know they are miserable and frightened.

[Major Hogwash]

7. Obama can't hire enough people fast enough to lower the unemployment rate.

So, he is going to face that issue as his biggest hurdle.

[RagAss]

16. Good, Can I haz cheezburger, now?