Even as the jobs picture continues to improve steadily, the rise in gas prices is taking a toll on President Obama’s approval rating on the economy, according to a new ABC/Washington Post poll.
Thirty-eight percent approve of his handling of the economy while 59 percent disapprove, the survey found. The same poll’s numbers last month were 44 and 53, respectively.
Tellingly, the public said it disapproves of his handling of the “situation with gas prices” by a 65-26 margin.
A president cannot materially sway gas prices, which are set on the world market, but Americans tend to blame their president anyway when costs rise. Republicans have seized on this as a political weapon, and the White House is eager to fight back and make the case for Obama’s energy policy.
