US Poll: Budget impasse cements public’s disapproval of Washington (and Republicans)

When it comes to dealing with issue No. 1, the economy, Obama has an advantage: 46 percent say they put more faith in the president, 34 percent say so about congressional Republicans. Obama has a similar 12-point lead on the question of who better understands the economic problems people face, and a nine-point edge on dealing with the deficit.

On the economy, trust in the GOP among independents dropped from 42 percent in January to 29 percent in the new poll. Obama’s overall approval rating stands at 51 percent, down slightly from January, with 45 percent saying they disapprove of the job he is doing. Among independents, half say they approve of the way he is conducting his presidency. Obama spent the bulk of 2010 below the 50 percent mark among this key segment and can be encouraged by this poll.

Poll: Budget impasse cements public’s disapproval of Washington - The Washington Post