Obama Hits Lowest-Ever Approval Ratings

Michael Krasny

Dec 5, 2013 at

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(BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)

Fewer than 40 percent of Americans approve of President Obama’s performance in office, based on an average of eight prominent polls. It’s Obama’s lowest approval rating so far, and it comes amid continuing problems with the Affordable Care Act. If the experience of other second term presidents is any guide, it will be very hard for him to bounce back. What does the president’s falling popularity bode for his effectiveness in the remainder of his term? And how much are Obama’s current problems likely to tarnish his legacy?

Guests:

Julian Zelizer, professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University

Chris LeHane, Democratic consultant, partner at Fabiani and LeHane and former aide to the Clinton White House

Charles Krauthammer, Pulitzer Prize-winning syndicated columnist, political commentator, contributing editor to the Weekly Standard and author of "Things That Matter: Three Decades of Passions Pastimes and Politics"

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