Freedom's Calling: The State of Things

Approval Ratings

The most recent Gallup poll shows a 50% approval rating and a 41% disapproval rating for Obama. [1]
Obama's approval rating has hovered in the high-40s and low-50s since the late last summer, after the grueling nationwide health care debate. [2]
Obama's approval numbers stand at "49 percent -- a loss of 18 points [from his standing last year at 67%] -- while his disapproval is 50 percent, a gain of 21 points [from his standing last year at 29%]." (Chris Cillizza, 2/16/2010)
Currently, 78% of Americans disapprove of Congress while 18% approve according to Gallup. [3]

Midterm Election Outlook

On a generic 2010 ballot, the two parties are currently tied at 45%. The incumbent Democrats are clearly vulnerable with a resurgent Republican party. [4]
The enthusiasm gap is also favoring the Republicans: 56% of Republicans are enthusiastic about voting in November, compared to 44% for the Democrats. [5]
HOUSE: According to The Cook Political Report, Democrats currently have 50 seats listed as Lean or Toss Up; Republicans currently have 10 seats listed as Lean or Toss Up. [6]
SENATE: Democrats have five senators retiring.

Two of these races (DE -- VP Biden's old senate seat -- and ND) are seen as likely GOP pick-ups. [7]
Democrats have to defend seats in IL (Obama's old senate seat) and IN. [8]
In CT, the Democrat has the advantage. [9]

SENATE: Veteran senators in AR and NV face an uphill battle. [10]
SENATE: Incumbent Democrats in CO and PA are vulnerable due to internal Democratic primary challenges which may weaken them against the Republican challenger. [11]
Sensing the urgency of maintaining the Senate, Obama will hit the campaign trail this week in CO and NV. [12]
Even DNC Chair, Tim Kaine, is lowering expectations for the Democrats with his recent comments that "Presidential midterms since Teddy Roosevelt have been very tough. The average president loses 28 seats, four Senate seats and governors' races. And we're not living in average times. We're living in times of significant economic anxiety." [13]

Freedom's Calling