Numbers Show Obama in Deep Political Trouble

The consensus among much of the political punditry is that President Barack Obama will cruise to re-election. “Don’t buy into it,” states a Politico news analysis.

The debt/deficit debate and ultimate deal showed that Republicans control the agenda rather than Obama, Politico says. Perhaps more important is the fact that the election probably will hinge on the economy’s performance. And right now, the country is at risk of a double-dip recession.

Unemployment stands at 9.2 percent, and the economy grew only 1.3 percent in the second quarter, following an anemic 0.4 percent expansion in the first quarter. Those aren’t the kind of numbers that are going to draw voters to Obama’s side, especially the independents who are so important for his re-election chances.

It’s no wonder that a Gallup poll released this week shows Obama’s approval rating at a paltry 42 percent overall and only 37 percent among independents.