PRINCETON, N.J., July 3 (UPI) -- Americans may say President Obama is likable but that personal characteristic doesn't translate to his overall job approval rating, a Gallup poll indicated.
However, two other characteristics for which Obama received high marks were displaying good judgment in a crisis -- 58 percent -- and being honest and trustworthy -- 55 percent -- do relate highly to his overall job approval rating, the Princeton, N.J., Gallup said Tuesday when releasing polling data.
Seventy-six percent of Americans rated Obama highest on being likable among a set of personal characteristics.
Perceptions that Obama "shares your values" are the strongest predictor of approval, but his score on that characteristic was 48 percent. Other strong personal characteristics Gallup said were predictors of job approval were displaying good judgment and being honest and trustworthy.
Four other of the 12 characteristics also are predictive of Obama's approval, but to a lesser degree, Gallup said. These include managing the government effectively, choosing good advisers, getting things done and being a strong, decisive leader.
Gallup said the five characteristics that do not have a meaningful effect on job approval are being likable, having a clear plan for solving the country's problems, understanding the problems Americans face in their daily lives, working well with both parties in Washington to get things done and putting the country's interests ahead of his own political interests.
Results for this Gallup poll are based on nationwide telephone interviews with 2,048 adults conducted June 20-24. The margin of error was not included.
