Advertisement

Poll: Voters don't like Republicans but will vote for them

President Obama's approval rating is only 3 percentage points above President George W. Bush's from September 2006, the year the Democrats swept Congress.

By Frances Burns
While Republicans in Congress are less popular than Democrats, President Obama's unpopularity is giving the GOP a boost in midterm elections, a new poll said. UPI/Kevin Dietsch
While Republicans in Congress are less popular than Democrats, President Obama's unpopularity is giving the GOP a boost in midterm elections, a new poll said. UPI/Kevin Dietsch | License Photo

NEW YORK, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- While Republicans in Congress are even less popular than Democrats, President Obama's unpopularity is giving the GOP a big boost in the midterm elections, a new poll said.

The New York Times/CBS poll released Wednesday found that 45 percent of all likely voters plan to vote for Republican candidates in November, compared to 39 percent for Democrats. Among independents, the split was 41-31.

Advertisement

Only 3 percent of Republicans said they would vote for Democrats, while 10 percent of Democrats were planning to vote for the opposition.

Voters trust the Republicans somewhat more on terrorism, foreign policy and the economy. They are split between the two parties on immigration and give the Democrats an edge on healthcare.

But with all that, only 19 percent said they approve of Congressional Republicans, while 70 percent disapprove. For Democrats, 30 percent approve and 61 percent disapprove.

The root of the Democrats' problems appears to be President Obama, whose approval ratings are only slightly higher than those of President George W. Bush in 2006. That was the year the Democrats seized majorities in both the House and Senate.

Advertisement

The poll found that 40 percent of respondents approve of the job Obama is doing, while 50 percent disapprove. In September 2006, Bush had a 37 percent approval rating while 56 percent disapproved.

Latest Headlines