Does 2012 still feel like an inverse 2004 to anyone else?

[King]

In July 1983, Ronald Reagan's approval rating was 39%.
In July 1963, John F. Kennedy was still alive.

In July 2011, we know nothing about Obama's first term.

[jaichind]

A rule of thumb is that any incumbent running for re-election for Prez either wins a greater share of the popular vote or loses re-election (ignoring the 1940 1944 FRD re-election campaigns).  It seems pretty hard for me to see Obama winning greater than 53% of the popular vote.

[Middle-aged Europe]

In July 1983, Ronald Reagan's approval rating was 39%.
In July 1963, John F. Kennedy was still alive.

In July 2011, we know nothing about Obama's first term.

And in July 1991, George H.W. Bush had an approval rating of 72%.

[Dan the Roman]

A rule of thumb is that any incumbent running for re-election for Prez either wins a greater share of the popular vote or loses re-election (ignoring the 1940 1944 FRD re-election campaigns).  It seems pretty hard for me to see Obama winning greater than 53% of the popular vote.

Its also a rule that Senators haven't won since 1960.

[J. J.]

It feels more like 1979.

In July 1979, Carter had an approval rating of 28% and an umemployment rate of 5.7%.

(Doesn't make sense if you put it like that, but I guess there was other... stuff. )

Yes, inflation.  Carter actually rebounded in the late fall of 79.  Anyone expecting Obama to do so?

[King]

In July 1983, Ronald Reagan's approval rating was 39%.
In July 1963, John F. Kennedy was still alive.

In July 2011, we know nothing about Obama's first term.

And in July 1991, George H.W. Bush had an approval rating of 72%.

Yes, so why are we even here?!?!

[Mr.Phips]

In July 1983, Ronald Reagan's approval rating was 39%.
In July 1963, John F. Kennedy was still alive.

In July 2011, we know nothing about Obama's first term.

In July 1983, Reagan was actually on the rebound.  He was at 44% and 42%.

http://webapps.ropercenter.uconn.edu/CFIDE/roper/presidential/webroot/presidential_rating_detail.cfm?allRate=True&presidentName=Reagan

[pbrower2a]

It feels more like 1979.

In July 1979, Carter had an approval rating of 28% and an umemployment rate of 5.7%.

(Doesn't make sense if you put it like that, but I guess there was other... stuff. )

In July 2011, Obama had an approval rating of 47% and an unemployment rate of 9.2%

What the- when did the hostage crisis start again?

In November 1979... so not a factor in July.

But there were other factors contributing to Carter's 28%. Exploding inflation, the second oil crisis, a general sense of incompetence regarding the administration.

I see.

Add to that a paucity of legislative achievements. By 1980 President Carter, even without the Hostage Crisis and the cost-push inflation of his Administration, had practically no record on which to run, so he had to make fresh promise for a second term and excuses for the first.
Jimmy Carter is arguably the second-from-the bottom of American Presidents since the Great Depression, better only than George W. Bush.

WORST PRESIDENTS IN AMERICAN HISTORY:

Buchanan
A. Johnson
George W. Bush
Hoover
Millard Fillmore
Grant
Carter
Pierce
Franklin Pierce