By Jeffrey Jones, Gallup

 Approval Drops Below 50 for the first time in a Gallup Poll

The latest Gallup Daily tracking results show 49% of Americans approving of the job Barack Obama is doing as president, putting him below the majority approval level for the first time in his presidency.

Although the current decline below 50% has symbolic significance, most of the recent decline in support for Obama occurred in July and August. He began July at 60% approval. The ongoing, contentious debate over national healthcare reform has likely served as a drag on his public support, as have continuing economic problems. Americans are also concerned about the Obama administration’s reliance on government spending to solve the nation’s problems and the growing federal budget deficit. Since September, Obama’s approval rating had been holding in the low 50s and, although it has reached 50% numerous times, it had never dropped below 50% until now.

Of the post-World War II presidents, Obama now is the fourth fastest to drop below the majority approval level, doing so in his 10th month on the job.

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Drudge Report

For First Time, Obama’s Approval Rating Falls Below 50%

Overall, 49% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the President’s performance, RASMUSSEN will report later this morning.

This marks the first time his overall approval rating has ever fallen below 50% among Likely Voters nationwide. Fifty-one percent (51%) disapprove.

Eighty-three percent (83%) of Democrats continue to approve of the President’’s performance while 80% of Republicans disapprove. Among those not affiliated with either major party, 37% offer a positive assessment.

The President earns approval from 51% of women and 47% of men.

RASMUSSEN was the most accurate pollster for the final results of the 2008 Presidential election.

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