OBAMA GALLUPS ON – AT 8:22 A.M. ET:  Well, maybe trots on.  A new Gallup poll paints a picture of relative stability for the president, but with serious danger signs: 

PRINCETON, NJ -- President Barack Obama's approval ratings remain polarized by political party and race, and continue to show a significant gap between younger and older Americans.

For example, 82% of Dems approve of the president, compared with 14% of Republicans.  The danger sign:  Only 47% of independents approve.  Without independents, Obama loses in 2012.

On race:  Some 89% of blacks approve, whereas 43% of whites do. 

Age:  Some 58% of 18-29 year-olds approve, whereas only 43% of those 65 and older approve.  The danger sign: Obama's approval is down to 50% among 39-49 year-olds, considered a "youngish" group these days. 

More broadly, Obama's 50% approval average among all Americans for the week ending May 9 continues an extended run of stable ratings for him. Since mid-November, Obama's approval ratings have narrowly ranged between 47% and 51%.

COMMENT:  Rasmussen also has Obama's approval in the mid to high 40s, but with a disapproval hovering at about 52%. 

So Obama, despite a dramatic drop from the lofty figures of inauguration day, 2009, is hanging on.  He will not be easy to beat in 2012.  Gear up now for a tough, but winnable race.

May 10, 2010