Americans are glad the guy with the smile is running the show. (Jason Reed/Reuters)
ORC for CNN. (PDF) December 16-18. Adults. ±3%.
Do you have more confidence in President Obama or in the Republicans in Congress to deal with the major issues facing the country today?
Obama: 50
Republicans: 31
Back in March, there was a 44-39 split—a net 14 point swing in President Obama's direction. It's reflected in his approval rating compared to that of Congress:
Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling his job as president?
Approve: 49
Disapprove: 48
Do you approve or disapprove of the way Congress is handling its job?
Approve: 16
Disapprove: 83
Back in January, Congressional approval stood at 26-72. President Obama's was 55-44. Neither one has had a good 2011, but while President Obama is making adjustments and is now heading in the right direction (up a net of 13 points from his 43-55 rating in early September), Congress isn't: It's improved only 2 points, from a net -69 approval in early September to a net of -67 today.
Among registered voters, President Obama has opened a wide lead over his Republican rivals. He leads Mitt Romney by 7 points, up from a deficit of 4 points last month. He leads Ron Paul by 7 points, up 4 in September. He leads Rick Perry by 18 points, up from 7 last month. He leads Gingrich by 16, up from 8, and leads Bachmann by 19, up from 12.
It's not just President Obama who is beating Republicans, however. Democrats are also doing better. Their net favorability rating is now +14. Republicans are at -9 and the tea party is at -16.