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Is Obama doing a good job?

posted Tuesday, July 7, 2009 10:31am

See more on: Democracy, News & Current Affairs, Poll

Six months into his tenure as president, do you approve or disapprove of Barack Obama's job performance? Has he exceeding your expectations, or fallen short? Take our poll and watch "Colorado State of Mind: Obama's Report Card."

Jul 7, 2009 10:42am to Oct 27, 2009 10:38am

Tune In

Colorado State of Mind
"Obama's Report Card"

What's your point of view?

Betty Armstead
Tuesday, July 7, 2009 › 3:44pm
In general I approve, but there are a couple of areas that bother me.
1.Too little support of the gay community.
2. Finding a solution of the mess in the middle east, including pressuer on Iseral to STOP settlements.

Tom
Tuesday, July 7, 2009 › 3:55pm
I know he's following up on a mess 8 years in the making...I just worry that he is spread too thin over too many topics. He's doing the best he can.

Kaye Hainer
Tuesday, July 7, 2009 › 3:59pm
He's trying to do too much, too fast, and spending waaayyyy too much of our tax money in the process. We're headed for a disaster. He's obviously not qualified to handle the economy. He's just a smooth talker who's convincing a lot of people to do things we should think about more carefully.

Graham
Tuesday, July 7, 2009 › 4pm
As a lifelong registered Republican, I have issues with some of Obama's direction, such as his vow not to put a cap on medical malpractice suits, a problem that I believe drives up the cost of health care, but his stand on stem cell research has put this science back in American laboratories where it belongs. There are other issues with which I disagree, but I feel that the President is doing commendably in the most difficult job in the world.

Barbara
Tuesday, July 7, 2009 › 4:34pm
Obama has increased our national debt--to a dangerous place. We cannot afford all the programs that he wants us to have. There is no money to pay for them. He will have to raise taxes. Better to wait a while before passing more spending bills. I'm afraid he can't live up to his promise of no new taxes.

Frank Huber
Tuesday, July 7, 2009 › 8:57pm
President Obama is doing a great job. I do not approve of all his programs, such as his stand on abortion, but regarding the financial mess, the job market, international affairs and international relations, he is doing just fine. I would defy any detractor to accomplish as much as he has in the short time he has been in office. I do not expect miracles. The messes we are mow in are not of his making, either politically nor from past decisions. He is trying mightily to correct what he has inherited. I strongly support his stand on healthcare, and how to pay for it. Those who detract simply do not want to share of their good fortunes. We have always left it up to our children and grandchildren to correct our messes - this time it is no different; I trust him and I trust it to them.

laelk@optonline.net
Wednesday, July 8, 2009 › 9:32pm
I don't think that the stimulus package is working. Unemployment is heading higher and will probably reach 12 per cent or more. If the stimulus doesn't help this rate what is it good for? All of our politicians underestimated the economy and not planned accordingly.

Daniel R. Kane
Friday, July 10, 2009 › 5:20pm
My answer is that I don't know. The problems are far too complex for the average armchair politician to grasp let alone spout off "fixes" or failings. Yes we are having to deal with a massive debt and a failing economy. Both of these problems are huge in scope and NO ONE knows what the quickest and cheapest remedies are so most stand back and criticise knowing full well they've got nothing better to propose. I find that really distasteful.

Obama isn't the perfect President, but no one could be in this inherited mess. That said, I wish he would pick up the pace and do what needs to be done. It seems like he is still testing the waters when it's time for some all out swimming. Yes the US taxpayer is going to have to foot GWB's bill, but red state voters are to blame, not Obama.

Catherine Smith
Friday, July 10, 2009 › 5:57pm
he is doing an excellant job in destroying our freedoms. He owns the banking system, the auotmobile industry, soon the health care system so that he can decide who should live or die. He has gone all around the world apolgizing for the gratest people and nation who has given freedom to the blacks, who their own people from Africa sold them into slavery, gave freedom to the Germans from an evil tryrant and freedom to the people of Japan. Now freedom to the people of Iraq. He has promised Russia that we will not defend ourselves from any invadors, we will give away all our defenses. He refused to get involved by supporting the freedom fighters in Iran. But he has sided in with 2 dictators, Castro of Cuba, Chavez ofVenezuela and against the people of Hondures who wanted freedom . HELP

jestbill
Friday, July 10, 2009 › 7:58pm
The stimulus isn't working? You have been promised the money, why aren't you doing anything?

Obama gets better media attention? I'd say that covering up the fact that Bush & company tortured a bunch of people to death was pretty favorable to the previous administration.

The Bush administration destroyed the banks the automobile industry so it's no surprise that the government now owns 'em. Stupid policies and lack of oversight have consequences.

Robin
Friday, July 10, 2009 › 8:21pm
Obama is working hard and doing the best job humanly posiible. Republicans are hoping he fails - Rush is honest about this while the others are liars. It is patently obvious on the program that there is a city official from Pueblo who is a right wing nut job. Vera has a right to her opinions but it is obvious she is reguritating Fox talking points. So sad for the good folks of Pueblo. She is a hawk and dittohead.

Sam Wegh
Sunday, July 12, 2009 › 1:53pm
According to a previous post "he (Obama) is doing an excellant job in destroying our freedoms. He owns the banking system." The banking system was purchased during the previous administration, that incidently underminded the consitiution more than this or any previous president! Many who continue to blame the Democrats for our current mess choose to ignore, the Republicans control of congress from 1994 until 2006 and the White House the last for 8 years. No one can clean things up in 6 months.

Mario
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 › 2:16am
Catherine,
Obama makes no apologies for our country. He is just trying to clean up the huge mess that the very stupid president before him made. NOT an easy task... Is Bush who you consider one of the "Gratest" people. (greatest) ... Oh and America would have never had to give black people freedom from slavery if only that hadnt started using Black people as slaves in the first place?? President Obama is doing the best he can, and he has the floor so i suggest we support him and trust that he makes the best decisions for our country. If you think you can do a better job fixing the trillions of dollars worth of debt that president bush put us in then how about you run for president?

Citizen
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 › 12:03pm
All I can say is that I am worried about our future. Every president has inherited things from the previous president and all of them have had to deal with them. Like Catherine mentioned I think we are allowing the gov't to take control of too many things and if we aren't carefull we will no longer be a democracy and we will be at the mercy of the gov't who is "helping" us.

Robin
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 › 12:24pm
Why is America's economy struggling so much after 8 solid years of Republican rule? What happened? China grows in double digits and we are contracting - hemoraging jobs, stock market crash, medical inflation. Is this not reason enough to listen to the Democrats while our country struggles to heal. Blind allegiance to fundamentalis ideology closes the mind. Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is the definition of insanty. Republicans seem to be stuck in this mode of thinking. Maybe unfettered capitalism should have a tether so that it works better. Maybe we should make sure we have referees in the game? Just my humble thought . .

Alice M Eichelberger
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 › 1:06pm
I think this man is decisive and is moving the country towards prosperity. He understands the need for diplomacy and good communication. People get so upset about the deficit. This country is going to prosper so much in the coming years, this won't matter. The United States can't control what other countries do no matter what we say. So why even make an issue out of it? We needs to become energy independent as soon as possible and stay out of other countries affairs. That way we will be stong and prosper.

Joan Brehon
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 › 1:07am
He's intentionally creating chaos in many areas at one time, so he passes the serious issues before people wake up! He's bankrupting the country. UK & Canada have warned against socialized medicine & he's shoving it in anyway. Too smart to listen to experience. He has a "sell the used car that doesn't run before the voters try to start the engine" theory. Congress,with no backbone, is railroaded into slopping in serious programs without reading the issues.
Debates are "two -sided" not a room full of like- minded people where people with different views and hard questions are locked out. (ABC Socialized Health Care shove) The loss of too many freedoms at risk. Apologizing for this great country is pathetic. Too much change and NO hope! Good plans don't need to be secret "night plans!"

Robin
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 › 7:42am
Republicans sole objective is to win back power at all costs, with any means, including the destruction of the country. They stoop to every devious device possible. Democrats have presented multiple plans in an attempt to find some common ground but it is now clear they are against everything until they are back in power. Once a party that held "a government of, by and for the people shall not perish", is now that confederacy of dunces fighting to tear apart this country once again. Hopefully the union will survive and thrive once again under corageous leadership. Bigotry, selfishness, and ignorance go hand in hand with the party of "no".

John
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 › 12:39pm
I do not think the President is doing a good job, i do not think he is stopping to consider just what effects his programs will have on people. He has forgotten completely that people are a very big part of the equation, not just numbers. The stimulus package has failed, because unlike President Franklin Roosevelt, Obama has not created jobs, he is giving the money to those who misused it in the first place, and thus it is simply being flushed down the drain. Obama was never cut out to be President, and it is a shame he was elected in the first place, going to show that the American people are sheep, who follow whatever glamour and glitz blinds them the most.

Robin
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 › 1:41pm
John: The election is over and the Americans spoke. 2 years of campaigning is a pretty thorough vetting process. I am sorry your team lost. However, Obama inherited an economy in free fall and successfully arested going into a long term depression. For the 1st time since Reagan the Democrats won the college educated voters, as well as 22% of self described conservatives. Whatever you think of us supporters, we certainly are not "SHEEP". What is your primary new source?

Joan Brehon
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 › 1:51pm
Oh, the "college educated voters."

That's what it is!

Joan Brehon
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 › 2:12pm
Robin:
Nothing devious about passing stimulus package in the middle of the night and not waiting long enough for the legislators to read them. (Who would ask Nancy Pelosi anything a about the value of a dollar anyway?) Nothing devious about pushing Cap and Tax through and adding pages in the middle of the night so legislators can't or won't read the whole thing. I don't care who's running the country if their best interest IS the country! A stimulus was needed, but a well thought out plan with no pork! Health care reform is needed, but again, not over night. Many knowledgeable people in the different factions need to work together to put together the best policy. Takes time. Taxing small business will destroy more jobs and the businesses as well.

Alice M Eichelberger
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 › 2:17pm
Someone wrote that are like sheep,
who would vote for the "glitz" by voting for Obama. My view is this.
A lot of the forward movement of the country lies in the hearts and minds of the people when given hope. A president who gives the people hope is a gold mine. I feel proud of Obama when he shows great civility and respect to other nations leaders. Compared to President Bush, who acted like a backwards cowboy from the bush, I find Obama refreshing.
He instills faith in me in our future. That is really what is important. The rest will just take time.

Robin
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 › 2:39pm
Joan: I've been a homebuilding developer for 30 years in Colorado. Republicans offer an attractive, simple platform of low taxes, small government, less regulation. However, my experience leads me to believe it is not THAT SIMPLE. Taxes have been called a "necessary evil" that pays for civilized society and the infrastructure that lubricates commerce. Republicans have an automatic knee jerk reaction to any tax and become emotional and lose rational thinking. Warren Buffet, one of America's most successful businesman, supports Obama 100%. Why do you think this is?

Robin
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 › 2:57pm
Alice: Thank you for your thoughtful and heart felt comment. I agree totally that Obama offers hope for a more peaceful world.
Joan: Climate science is beyond the comprehension of most Americans, especially Republicans, who are well-known to be scientifically illiterate. Skeptics often reveal their ignorance when I ask them a few simple questions, eg. what is the current data point at on the Keeling curve: who and when coined the term "greenhouse effect". Forgive me if you already know this, but if not you might do some googling to get you up to speed. All the best.

Joan Brehon
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 › 3:01pm
Robin:
My fault, sorry, I didn't make myself clear.
The tax I should have specified is taxing small business when they can't provide health insurance. We all have to pay taxes. Over taxing is harmful and doesn't allow the money to go back into the economy or your business. Government doesn't have a clue (either party) as far as spending your tax money wisely. Give 'em what I owe, but I want to "distribute" the rest. I used to own a small business and there was always a place for what was left. Raise for employees, new(used)equipment, advertising. Warren Buffet brags that his secretary pays more taxes then he does. I would be interested to know why he supports Obama. Doubt that he will be in on the billionaire tax plan. Maybe I'm wrong.

Robin
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 › 3:18pm
Joan: Bill Gates father (another Obama supporter) wrote a brilliant book that would help you understand why these guys support Obama. It's titled Wealth and our Commonwealth. BTW, the "billionair tax" plan you speak of is being floated by congress. America needs to compete globally and it is clear we are at a disadvantage when we pay 20% of our GDP into health care, 25% more than the next most expensive country. UNSUSTAINABLE and a tax on our economy. Looking broadly and calmly, objectively, at the problems leads to our best solutions. Republicans strike me as very emotional and tend to have a hard time looking at the big picture. I am an independent btw.

Joan Brehon
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 › 3:34pm
So, does your statement "looking broadly and calmly, objectively, at the problems leads to our best solutions." mean we actually agree on something? That's exactly what I mean about shoving these very important issues through without looking broadly and calmly etc!!! Doing something instead of taking the time to do it right is wrong! Money is wasted and the problems still aren't solved. When Biden says maybe they didn't quite see the size of the problem (not a quote obviously) but they commit an amount of money I honestly do know know how much that is, I'm angry. You can't spend stupid like that or your wouldn't be building houses for 30! Anyway, why are you building houses. Sounds like you've missed your calling. Also grouping ALL republicans or what ever together is not right either

Joan Brehon
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 › 3:43pm
You stated you are an independentbtw.
Does that mean you are a billionaire in the tax plan or you're supporting the BTW. I really can't believe the billionaires or millionaires will part with their percentages without a fight or at all.

Robin
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 › 3:53pm
Joan: Depends on where you get your news and how filtered it is. Republican party membership shrunk last election. History tells us they will come back but I feel they need to reform and become more inclusive. The economy is going through a healthy correction and will come back stronger. My hope is that Obama and congress come together to tackle our most pressing problems. You can't deny the fact that Republicans spend most of their time trying to win points by obstructing every idea that the Democrats come up with. Why do the Fox News pundits attack Democrats with so much venom? I always say: follow the money. It seems to me that many Republicans carry water for wealthy CEO's and corporations, rather than looking out for the country as a whole. This is the whole premise of Gate's book.

Robin
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 › 4:02pm
Joan: I think Americans suffer from what might be called "money madness" which translates to universal hatred of all taxes. Surveys have shown that the Scandanavians are the happiest society - while their personal taxes are the highest on the planet. Ever wonder why this is? My theory is that Republicans tend to suffer "money madness" more than most. I am 60, retired, and independent, not wealthy, but concerned when I think America doesn't live up to her ideals. I will not blindly support Obama but I am convinced he is the right person for the job at this time. He is smart, listens, articulate and surrounds himself with good people. Question for you: Where do you get most of your news?

Joan Brehon
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 › 4:41pm
Now you sound like a politician! I think we agree on that one point! We said the same thing! Just different! So what is your take on stimulus, cap and tax, and now health care being railroaded through without looking broadly, & calmly and objectively? There needs to be well qualified professional people to work on this major issue. leave the politicians (both sides) out of the whole discussion until the professionals put together a plan. Hash and rehash. But with people from with in the industry from building hospitals ( a pet peeve of mine, when hospitals look like 5 star hotels) to whatever it takes to run the system. Not a Nancy Pelosi who's thing is expensive scarves and flying her butt on a too big jet.
I bake bread and shouldn't be commenting on home building!!!

Robin
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 › 5:04pm
i would rather see tax and dividend than cap and trade but am big into renewables and national security that will come from curing our addiction to oil. Health care - prefer a single payer system like medicare. i have a visceral dislike for giant for profit corporations governing us in the health insurance industry. I think it might be better to reform our constitution to have a parlimentary system with more parties - coalitions - coming together. with only 2 parties it invite too much partisanship - not enough creative thinking. USA has great potential if we come together - synergy - greater result from combined efforts rather than all this "rugged individualism" that Republicans like to promote. Building houses is a team effort - I never took full credit, and respect the worker.

Joan Brehon
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 › 6:25pm
Too bad you have such disdain for Republicans. You could be missing out on some nice people. News is from TV, many sources on computer, local newspaper which is to the left, but I subscribe. The editor and I have some spirited debates. He's very nice & many times agree to disagree. Sometimes we even agree on things. And yes, FOX. The other thing I learn from is listening to what the politicians say watching what they do. Doesn't always match up! I also have "left" friends. I'm happy for Sweden, but this is not Sweden nor do I want it to be. With all of your education & experience you would scorn my simple,content, life. with husband, extended family and grand kids. I give to charity,in money, time,& baked goods. I hope Obama is as good as you say. Time will tell. Adios!

Robin
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 › 6:47pm
Joan: I am certain you are a nice person and I appreciate sharing views with you - I still like to learn new things every day. My disdain is for the party base - which mounted many dishonest and viscious attacks - a real turn off to folks like me. I have a lot of respect for McCain when he finally stood up to them. I understand how you feel that painting all Republicans in this light may be unfair, but all I have to do is hear Hannity, Rush, Colter and it breaks my heart that they speak this way about Americans who happen to vote with another party. Rush honestly hopes Obama fails. The ad hominen attacks have been unrelenting. As I said before I don't support Obama blindly, just hope that our country pulls together and honors our ideals. He is only human . . .

Joan Brehon
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 › 7:35pm
Rush hoped for the policies to fail. No one took anymore of a beating then Sarah Palin and her family. She has the guts to stand up for what she believes. That is an American right. She didn't dishonor her children by having them with her. Even Obama said the family should be off limits. I never heard another word from him about it though. It's still a right to have a different opinion. No one should get slammed around for what they say or think. Obviously, you and I will never agree on probably much of anything, but nobody needs to name call or make mincemeat out of either one of us. You have your right to what you believe & I have mine. Hopefully, that is something that will never be taken away. So don't turn on FOX!!!

Robin
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 › 8:20pm
Palin was probably the most disrespectful and inflamatory with her Republican base at their rallies. McCain did try to stop it. She looks to be the most popular Republican at this point. I do hope she is the nominee in 2012 as I think it would be a stark contrast to the way Democrats conduct themselves. President Obama always treated his oponents with respect and honor and honesty. He is an excellent leader with a very calm temperment. History tells us that a prosperous working middle class is key to a strong economy. Obama's policies are directed at strenthening and supporting working families. Palin and Republicans policies, contrary to their rhetoric, have the unintended consequences of weakening supportive and empowering infrastructure for working families (education, healthcare, etc.)

Joan Kinsey
Monday, July 27, 2009 › 11:03am
He is in my estimation "EVIL" and is answering to a puppet/s master. Slick talk and full of hot air. I fear for our nation and the end result. Personally I am sick of everything getting blamed on George Bush and his admin. As a point, I think that other than keeping the "bad guys" away from another attack, G.B. was a real ineffective Pres. His best side was Laura. Obama acts like he was elected by the entire population, when in fact he wasn't and he acts like he does not represent the entire country only HIS SPECIAL PEOPLE.

Sam
Monday, July 27, 2009 › 1:36pm
Ms Kinsey,
Stop listening to Rush! Obama WAS elected by a majority of those voting, more than you can say about W, who lost the popular vote in 2000. The mess we are in took years to create. It can't be fixed in six months. You have your own party to blame for Obama's election. With viable canidates for pres and vp the election could have been a lot closer. "HIS SPECIAL PEOPLE"? Joan, you aren't playing the race card are you?

Anthony Mendez
Monday, July 27, 2009 › 6:24pm
President Obama is a nice man and I have benefited from his stimulus package (new glasses) at a cost over a trillion $$ these are the most costly glasses I'm liable to ever own!

Amy Hillman
Tuesday, July 28, 2009 › 7:21pm
Yes, I think Obama is doing very well with the mess he has inherited from 8 years of disasterous Rebublican ineptitude. He is very capable, and is actually promoting dialogue with other world leaders. It is just too bad that he is not going to introduce single-payer health care. It would take too much courage for most of us to accept that option. It's too bad. We could have a health care system that the world would look up to if we really wanted that. We really need it. We should have the best health care in the free world and we don't. What an embarrassment. We could divert a lot of money that we spend on war into providing stellar health care for all our citizens; the elderly, disabled, mentally ill and our veterans.

Viv
Friday, July 31, 2009 › 8:33pm
I think he is doing a very good job. To say he shouldn't do as much so soon is just another way of a republican saying let things be , because they don't want change. The ridiculous statement that he's taking away our freedoms 'I suppose the person wants the US banking system to plop. As for health care I only wish he would have taken this further and had a universal single payer system ..yeah you know like what they have in Austria , France, Switzerland , Germany ..You know the countries that pay less than we do but have BETTER health care than we do . Have you ever heard a Frenchman complain about his health care? People don't even know Obama doesn't plan to take anything away just add another option and that is giving us real FREEDOM ,,but some people really do not know the facts.

Betty
Saturday, August 1, 2009 › 4:37pm
I am tired of hearing "if we have a government option that a government bureaucrat will come between you and your doctor. I guess they prefer an insurance CEO making those decisions".

Kevin
Wednesday, August 5, 2009 › 10:53am
How can you say he is doing a good job? All he is worried about is running our country in the ground. He promised that if we agreed to another stimulus that jobs would be created. He said that that if we don't pass a new stimulus we would have 9% unemployment. Well it is double digits now. Now the left is saying that this recession is over. If it is, and I don't think it is, it sure isn't because of the Obama stimulus and policy's because only 5% of the money has been released. He needs to more effort in creating jobs not his take over of the health care industry. And yes get ready you will be paying more taxes even if you make less than $250,000 a year, because how else are you going to pay for it all with so many Americans unemployed.
http://www.showusobama.com/

Daniel
Wednesday, August 5, 2009 › 12:39pm
"But on Sunday even Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), Obama's general-election rival, conceded on CNN that the legislation has brought "short-term improvement in the economy." The most recent GDP figure showed the economy contracting at 1 percent over the most recent quarter, better than most forecasters anticipated. "
Washington Post
Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Fact checking is a good thing Kevin.

Daniel

ks
Monday, August 17, 2009 › 8:06pm
He and his cronies are destroying the USA.!
He uses scare tactics to pass every bill he and his totalitarian party puts forth. 'The US will be destroyed unless we do this, so don't worry about reading the bills first, TRUST ME' (as the Fox said to the Gingerbread Man).
We need to obtain his Kenyan birth certificate and oust him!!!

Mark
Friday, September 11, 2009 › 10:05pm
The end game that republicans tend to seek is to control the incoming president's agenda, by leaving the incoming administration with large national deficits. They raid and over-spend all the United States' national budget (that they don't support), to make sure that no one can support any social programs; such as health care, Medicare, and social security. It started with reagan and continued with bush. President Obama was left with extreme national problems that were left from the last eight years of a dysfunctional unaccountable president with unbridled political power. President Obama is being judged by trying to solve all the ridiculous problems (near-collapse of the US economy) that were left by bush.

Tom
Tuesday, July 7, 2009 › 3:55pm
I know he's following up on a mess 8 years in the making...I just worry that he is spread too thin over too many topics. He's doing the best he can.