WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Given the choice between "success" and "failure," the majority of Americans view President Obama's time in the White House as a failure according to a new Washington Post and ABC News poll.

Overall, 51 percent of Americans said they disapprove of "the way Barack Obama is handling his job as president," compared to 42 percent who approve. When asked specifically if they thought Obama's presidency has been more of a success or failure, the numbers broke nearly identically -- 52 percent of the country views the Obama Administration as a failure, versus 42 percent who view it as a success.


Despite what sounds like a headline-grabbing indictment, Aaron Blake of the Washington Post notes that "we shouldn't read too much into these numbers."

"The question is a binary one, in which people are asked to choose between 'success' or 'failure,' with no third option offered (though people were allowed to volunteer one). If the question was 'failure or not' rather than 'failure or success,' you'd likely see fewer people choosing the f-word."

Despite frustrations with the White House, Americans still identify more with the Democratic Party and disapprove of Republican attempts to kill the Affordable Healthcare Act. While 43 percent of the country still opposes Obamacare and want it repealed, 57 percent support the new healthcare law as it stands.

Asked if they thought the president was honest and trustworthy or if he understands their problems, Americans were nearly split down the middle, with a slight majority answer in Obama's favor, 49 percent versus 48 percent for both questions.

In the context of party politics, questions of values and trust broke overwhelmingly for the Democrats. Forty-five percent of Americans said the Democrats better represent their personal values versus only 40 percent who identified stronger with the GOP. Americans are even stronger in their assessment of which party has their best interests in mind, with 47 percent of the U.S. saying the Democrats are "more concerned with the needs of people like you" to only 35 percent who felt the GOP's interests were mainstream.