Polling Memo: Are Scandals Moving Independents?

Obama & Independents: Tanking

Two weeks ago, in the midst of brewing scandals, questions remained about the impact on President Obama as some initial polls showed his approval ratings virtually unchanged.

Today, however, headlines are telling a very different story as new numbers show the “scandals [hammering] Obama’s approval ratings.” And, where is he hurting the most? Independents.

Here are the numbers:

According to new data from Quinnipiac, 57% of Independents disapprove of the way Obama is handling his job as President.  Only 37 % approve.  That’s a 20 point negative spread.  When it comes to favorability, President Obama sits net negative among Independents 42-56 unfavorable.  The last time Quinnipiac asked this question, Obama sat barely underwater at 46-49 among Independents.  That’s an 11 point swing against the President since February.

When it comes to character traits, 56-40, Independents say the President is  NOT honest and trustworthy, followed by another 51% who say Obama does NOT  “[care] about the needs and problems of people like [them].”

Turning to Benghazi and the IRS, 53-34, Independents believe the Obama Administration deliberately misled the American people about Benghazi.  Likewise, 47-39, Independents also believe the President intentionally mislead Americans about the situation with the IRS.

Looks like the Administration’s slew of scandals are finally catching up with President Obama.

POLLSTER: Quinnipiac University

DATE: Conducted 5/22-28/2013

SAMPLE: Sampled 1,419 LVs; MoE ±2.6%

SOURCE: http://www.quinnipiac.edu/images/polling/us/us05302013.pdf/