The new polls are out and, as is usually the case these days, they contain nothing but bad news for the president.

First up is Rasmussen, which shows Obama’s overall approval rating at an all time low of 48%, while his approval index has fallen to  -12.  The index is representative of the disparity between those who strongly approve of the president’s job performance, and those who strongly disapprove.

The Rasmussen poll also found that only 34% of the American people believe the country is headed in the right direction, with 49% now claiming that our best days are behind us.  Only 23% believe that health care costs will drop if Obama’s health care plans pass, 54% say interest rates will be higher in a year, and Republicans have maintained their edge on the generic congressional ballot. 

Ouch.

Over at Gallup, the bad news continues.  While their presidential approval numbers are a little higher at 53%, the poll is trending in the same direction, and shows Obama losing 3 points in the last week alone.

No wonder Barry’s trying to ram health care through so quickly.  At the rate he’s burning through political capital, in a few months he’ll be lucky if he can still pass his basketball, let alone a major piece of legislation. 

Have a nice vacation, Mr. President, it looks like you need it.

- Robert Laurie