Barely more than one in four of Americans say they approve of the work Obama's done. 71% disapprove Obama on economy

Ratings for President Barack Obama’s handling of the economy have fallen to their lowest level, with barely more than one in four Americans for a new poll saying they approve of the work he’s done.

Twenty-six percent of those surveyed for a Gallup poll released Wednesday support the president’s handling of the economy, while 71 percent disapprove of it. The last time the question was asked — in mid-May — 37 percent approved and 60 percent disapproved. The previous low was 35 percent in November 2010.


A little more than half of the Democrats surveyed support Obama on the economy, while 23 percent of independents and five percent of Republicans say the same.

The low ratings for Obama’s handling of the economy come as Americans’ satisfaction with the way things are going in the United States hit its second-lowest level ever in the Gallup survey, with 11 percent saying they are satisfied. The lowest figure came in December 2008, when seven percent of Americans were satisfied.

The top concern weighing on Americans’ views of the country’s path is the economy in general, which was cited by 31 percent of those surveyed. An additional 29 percent pointed to unemployment and jobs, while 17 percent said they were most troubled by the federal budget deficit and debt. Just 24 percent of those surveyed said they support Obama’s efforts on the deficit.

As Obama plans to announce a broader jobs plan with a speech in September, 29 percent of Americans they approve of his efforts to create jobs.

The poll was conducted Aug. 11-14 and included 1,008 adults. The error margin is plus or minus four percentage points.