STUNNING - AT 9:32 A.M. ET:  Rasmussen is today reporting the worst combination of numbers for President Obama since inauguration.   Only 47% approve of the president's job performance, while 52% disapprove, a gap of five points.

At the same time, Ras's presidential approval index, measuring the gap between those who strongly approve and those who strongly disapprove stands at minus nine.  Only 32% strongly approve, whereas 41% strongly disapprove. 

What is so striking here is that the president's numbers continue to deteriorate just as he's mounting a personal campaign for the Democratic health plan.  Usually a president who goes on the offensive can pick up some points simply because of the publicity he attracts.

Is it possible that the objections to President Obama, previously based on disagreement with his policies, are turning personal?  If so, he's in serious trouble, and I believe, very cautiously, that personal dislike is indeed growing.  The fact is that the very characteristics that won the election for Mr. Obama - his charm and his speaking ability - can turn against him if these things are seen as part of a pattern of deceit and dishonesty.  The likable man is suddenly seen as a fake.  The eloquent man is suddenly seen as slick, a shady salesman. 

We stress that polls are snapshots in time.  Only trends count.  We'll be watching the trends as people return from summer distractions and focus even more on the political combat.

August 16, 2009