Poll: Obama's approval slips on economic issues

PRINCETON, N.J., Aug. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. public approval of President Obama's handling of the economy has dropped significantly this summer, a Gallup poll indicates.

The latest poll, taken between Aug. 7 and Sunday, found that 35 percent of respondents approve of Obama's economic policy, down 7 percentage points from June. Approval of his handling of taxes and the federal budget deficit dropped 5 points each, Gallup said Wednesday.

Overall, the president's approval rating has dipped 3 points. But Gallup found the only significant declines on specific issues are on those related to the economy.

Only 14 percent of respondents said they approve of the Congress. Fewer than one quarter, 22 percent, said they are happy about the direction of the country.

While issues like immigration, the Affordable Care Act popularly known as Obamacare and race relations in the wake of George Zimmerman's acquittal for shooting Trayvon Martin have received a lot of publicity, they have not shifted public opinion on Obama's handling of them, Gallup said.

Gallup polled 2,059 adults in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The margin of error for the results is 3 points.