The Hill released results of a poll today:
A clear majority of likely voters believes President Obama has exercised his executive power inappropriately — particularly in blocking the release of documents relating to Operation Fast and Furious, according to a new poll for The Hill…
…The Hill Poll found that likely voters disapproved by an almost 2-to-1 margin of Obama’s assertion of presidential power in the case. Overall, 56 percent of voters disapproved of his action, while only 29 percent approved.
This is also bad news for the President as 61% disapprove of his use of executive privilege in the case of Fast & Furious.
Sixty-one percent of independents said they disapproved of the president’s actions, and just 25 percent approved. Among Republicans, opposition to the president’s use of executive privilege was more entrenched at 78 percent.
What’s worse (for Obama) is that 28% of his own party disagrees with him, and 30% of those who are self-described liberals. In general 52% disagree with President Obama’s use of executive power:
The margins were slimmer, but still significant, when voters were asked whether they believed Obama had, in general, used executive power appropriately or inappropriately.
Fifty-two percent said Obama had used his executive authority inappropriately, while 43 percent backed the president.
Republicans in Congress can’t take solace in this however.
By a 7-point margin — 48 percent to 41 percent — likely voters said Congress had been obstructionist toward the president. Independents sided with Obama by a margin of 13 points, 51 percent to 38 percent.
Giving added succor to the Obama reelection campaign, voters said, albeit by a narrow 43 percent to 38 percent margin, that he has been better than Congress at addressing the challenges facing the nation. While conservatives and liberals split in predictable ways, moderates favored Obama by a full 15 points.
I’d expect that there may be some compliance with Congress’ subpoena if more polling comes out like this. This poll also suggests that voters both Democrat and Republicans are frustrated with a divided government. It’s hard to see which party that favors at the moment.
HT: Memeorandum
