Gallup puts Obama approval rating last quarter at 47.9%

David Jackson | USA TODAY

President Obama's job approval for the last three full months averaged 47.9%, the second straight quarter in which his approval rating dropped, reports Gallup.

During the first quarter of 2013, Obama's approval rating averaged 49.7%.

Like most predecessors, Obama's best ratings with Gallup came during the first three months of his presidency, averaging 63%.

"His worst was 41% during his 11th quarter, at a time when he and Congress engaged in contentious negotiations to raise the federal debt limit, after which the United States' credit rating was downgraded and the U.S. stock market tanked," Gallup said.

Obama's average approval rating for the last quarter of 2012 -- the time in which he won re-election -- was 51.9%.

Gallup compared the trajectory of Obama's approval ratings to predecessors Harry Truman and George W. Bush:

"Obama will hope the remainder of his second term plays out better than it did for Truman and Bush, who experienced steady declines in their popularity and registered some of the lowest approval ratings in Gallup records late in their presidencies.

"Both Bush and Truman certainly had significant challenges in their second terms, including protracted U.S. military engagements that began on their watches, and economies that were heading into recession. ...

"Given the historical trends, it would not be unexpected for Obama's approval rating to decline further during his next quarter in office. However, his ability to respond to the challenges he faces will determine whether his approval ratings continue to decline or improve in his final years as president."



