President Barack Obama’ approval rating remains below 50 percent in Louisiana and other southern states won by John McCain in 2008. But new polling numbers from Public Policy Polling suggest he may be gaining favor among white Democrats in those states.
According to PPP, Obama’s approval is more than three points greater than the percentage of votes he earned in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky and Louisiana — all states he lost by a healthy margin last fall. His overall approval rating in these states remains below 50 percent. But among white Dems he’s showing strong support, with the lone exception being Louisiana where 38 percent of that demographic voted for Obama and 51 percent now have a favorable opinion of the president. The greatest contrast is in Alabama: 47 percent of white Democrats voted for Obama and 72 percent now approve of his performance as president. The numbers are more static in Arkansas (68 percent - 74 percent) and Kentucky (62 percent - 69 percent).
According to PPP Communication’s Director Tom Jensen:
We can’t authoritatively solve the question of whether racism was the major factor for these voters or not, but we probably can conclude that with a group of voters that was clearly skeptical of him last fall Obama has won over some converts. Certainly not enough to put these states in the Democratic column in 2012 or any time soon, but perhaps enough to keep Obama from being quite as much of a drag on Democratic candidates in these places as GOP strategists might hope he would be.
... written by simple simon , July 24, 2009 - 05:08 pm
I don't believe the poll. 51%? Not likely. Another media hype
... written by Common Sense , July 24, 2009 - 07:00 pm
It is very possible to have a positive opinion of someone but doesn't mean you voted or will vote for them.
I have a favorable opinion of politicians whom I didn't vote for because I liked another candidate better.
... written by PlumpyBoy , July 24, 2009 - 09:17 pm
I heard a rumor , a large amount of crack has hit the streets..This poll is obviously proof of that...
... written by Phil , July 24, 2009 - 09:18 pm
Hey look honey, flying pigs! Honey? why do you have swine manure all over your head?
All the white Dem's I know who voted for him don't like him now. Stick that in your little poll.
... written by JP , July 27, 2009 - 12:33 pm
It would be surprising to see Obama's approval ratings going up in the South, since it seems that right-wing hate radio jocks (the last pitiful refuge of the sore losers) have been pulling out all the stops in their quest to make you despise the President because he's in the other party. And besides, Palin is on the loose now, so she will soon be whipping up a little more hatred and resentment.
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