WHERE OBAMA STANDS – AT 10:45 A.M. ET:  Today's Rasmussen tracker shows a sharp drop for the president, with the public clearly disenchanted:

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Saturday shows that 23% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Forty-four percent (44%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -21.

Strong Disapproval of the president is now at the highest level since November 9, 2010. Additionally, 50% give the president poor marks for his handling of the economy.

And...

Overall, 44% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's performance. Fifty-six percent (56%) at least somewhat disapprove.

COMMENT:  Gallup actually picked up this trend first, but Rasmussen's numbers are now falling into line.  The president's approval is in the low forties.  Should it dip into the thirties, that would be real political news.  You'll see stories like, "Obama headed for George Bush country."

At the same time, we give our usual cautions – that polls are snapshots, and subject to major changes, and poor numbers for Obama do not translate into good numbers for Republicans.  Americans are down on just about everyone right now.  Mother Teresa would have a hard time getting elected.

July 30, 2011