Why Is Obama So Popular at the Moment?

[humder]

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http://us.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/31/obama.leadership.poll/index.html

Why do you think his ratings are so high?
Could it be a 'things can only get better' feeling?

[Scam of God]

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http://us.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/31/obama.leadership.poll/index.html

Why do you think his ratings are so high?
Could it be a 'things can only get better' feeling?

That's exactly right. I expect Obama will have relatively high poll numbers throughout his first term, regardless of conditions. As a corollary to this, as long as there's even a slight modicum of improvement in the economy, he'll probably cruise to re-election.

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

He's not Bush.

[Tyrion The Unbanned]

he is an improvement over our last president, which isnt hard, so his approval numbers are high

[Countess Anya of the North Parish]

I think it is cause of the previous president. Also McCain ran with a joke to his right. Also lastly keep in mind he is the fist Back president.When I mean black I mean his skin. But it is easy for most people to make skin color something that builds walls. But ppl will loose interest and he will go and live an unnormal life. I am looking torwards to the next election. I hope it will be more fun.

[opebo]

People are aware of the dire condition of the economy, and therefore their own desperate situation.  Obama is seen, rightly, as their only hope for being extricated from this.  In the same way, FDR was popular.

[A18]

The last thing we need in a president is another "strong and decisive leader." That kind of politician is always an unmitigated disaster.

[RIP Robert H Bork]

You must be logged in to read this quote.

http://us.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/31/obama.leadership.poll/index.html

Why do you think his ratings are so high?
Could it be a 'things can only get better' feeling?

Yes, people do FEEL that things can only get better. In reality, things CAN get worse.

[Padfoot]

He's not Bush.

Exactly.  The fact that Bush's approvals almost match up perfectly with those who disapprove of Obama is not a coincidence.  I'd expect Obama's approvals to come down by at least 10 points after his first 100 days.  He's going to have to make some decisions or compromises that will make somebody unhappy.  But as long as the majority of people feel as if "things are getting done" he'll have a net positive rating.

[Matt Damon™]

white guilt

[bgwah]

He's the Democratic Reagan.

[Matt Damon™]

He's the Democratic Reagan.

So his tenure in the white house will see lots of glib and charisma combined with socioeconomic policies which initially work but screw us over epically in 20 or so years?

[J. J.]

He's not Bush.

Exactly.  The fact that Bush's approvals almost match up perfectly with those who disapprove of Obama is not a coincidence.  I'd expect Obama's approvals to come down by at least 10 points after his first 100 days.  He's going to have to make some decisions or compromises that will make somebody unhappy.  But as long as the majority of people feel as if "things are getting done" he'll have a net positive rating.

I expect a drop, and half the board to be screaming with another third dancing with glee. 

Basically, Obama hasn't done anything except make some good cabinet picks (on paper). 

People are excited about change and the milestone of swearing in a black president.  Once that goes, the numbers will drop.  That is not an overall weakness in Obama, just a normal shift between expectations and reality.

[Tyrion The Unbanned]

he is popular because he is black, and i am happy for it, he deserves it, but his popularity will die down with time, but that wont stop him from being a good president

[memphis]

He's not Bush.

Exactly.  The fact that Bush's approvals almost match up perfectly with those who disapprove of Obama is not a coincidence.  I'd expect Obama's approvals to come down by at least 10 points after his first 100 days.  He's going to have to make some decisions or compromises that will make somebody unhappy.  But as long as the majority of people feel as if "things are getting done" he'll have a net positive rating.

I expect a drop

Shocker

[Scam of God]

I think it's fair to say it'll drop as the excitement wears off. All the same, I'd be surprised to see him hit below 55% in the next year and a half.

[Flying Dog]

Well, a good number of people thought that he'd appoint Rev. Wright, Bill Ayers, and Al Sharpton to his Cabinet.

[Grumpier Than Uncle Joe]

The messianic oratory we've come to expect is silent, that's why.

[TheresNoMoney]

He's acted quickly to fill his cabinet posts with competent, qualified people and he's done a great job maintaining communication with the country through is press conferences and media appearances.

Basically, he has shown good competency leading up to his inaugeration.

[Matt Damon™]

Well, a good number of people thought that he'd appoint Rev. Wright, Bill Ayers, and Al Sharpton to his Cabinet.

I wish.

[Eraserhead]

He's not Bush.

Exactly.  The fact that Bush's approvals almost match up perfectly with those who disapprove of Obama is not a coincidence.  I'd expect Obama's approvals to come down by at least 10 points after his first 100 days.  He's going to have to make some decisions or compromises that will make somebody unhappy.  But as long as the majority of people feel as if "things are getting done" he'll have a net positive rating.

I expect a drop, and half the board to be screaming with another third dancing with glee. 

Basically, Obama hasn't done anything except make some good cabinet picks (on paper). 

People are excited about change and the milestone of swearing in a black president.  Once that goes, the numbers will drop.  That is not an overall weakness in Obama, just a normal shift between expectations and reality.

You expect a drop when exactly? At any point in the future? No sh!t, Sherlock.

[The Duke]

Aren't approval ratings usuall absurdly high in transition periods (Exempting Bush, who had extenuating circumstances in his transition)?

[humder]

 Obama has higher ratings that Clinton had at this point.

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

Because he isn't Bush.