Jozielee and Jared -

Well, like the economy, his poll numbers will continue to fluctuate depending on the issue at hand. Both sides, will try to use those numbers to support their claim that proposals and policies are either working or not working. I guess it depends on which side of the spectrum Americans get their news from.

I did find it interesting about Biden's recent claim about the economy differing from Obama's. Some say Obama's stimulus spending is working (Obama - "it's creating jobs"), some say, it still needs time (Biden if "we continue to spend"), and others (like me) think the spending as will tax increases will delay any recovery. Time will tell...

My point? The poll numbers for the economy, as for Health Care, will vary depending on who is being surveyed and who is affected.
-m

Thanks for the information, Jared. I based my 59% approval rate on a stat quoted on last Sunday's "Meet The Press" - David Gregory's interview with John McCain.

July 15, 2009
The “Why” Behind Obama’s Approval Rating
Americans who say they approve of the way Obama is handling his job as president are most likely to say it because he is "doing a good job" or "doing the best he can under difficult circumstances" (31%) and those who disapprove are most likely to say it is because he is "spending too much" (24%).

http://www.gallup.com/fvideo.aspx?i=-XdteFoHUPnwQV8zXVybgiNvE@5flet7k(.iWnE0pSrNcCj08Rlz-qC7Xqr5Syjf5fztbvqnU6kn5oLb9Dd6pyQaa&t=138

Gallup Daily: Obama Job Approval

http://www.gallup.com/poll/113980/Gallup-Daily-Obama-Job-Approval.aspx

-mike:

Obama poll numbers are 59% (Jun '09) from 66% (Feb '09). Not that much slippage considering the health-care controversy. Perhaps you're right, it's time to challenge Obama. Congress did and he hit back this afternoon with a speech assuring health-care would pass no matter what it costs.

Jozielee -
Of course many will (and should) challenge him. No one person should make policy alone. Hopefully, many Dems will hold out and battle against obama's health"scare" plan, that will cause even more havoc on this economy. He does have some sway (as you say lol) since he does have the majority power to pass some (not all) legislation proposals he would like. Fortunately, many are starting to see the consequences of his enormous budget proposals. Which is resulting in his poll numbers starting to decline a little...
you wrote: "While he continues to enjoy a high 50%+ approval rating,"
That's a lot lower than what you were bragging about a couple of months ago.
In any case, I agree with your final comment about him being challenged. Its true I do believe our leaders BOTH Republicans and Dems should be questioned... but, ultimately once a consensus is formed, they should be supported...
-m

-mike: "Too much power either way is not good."

Just because the Democrats have 60 possible ballots doesn't mean they'll vote in a block. Many have openly opposed Obama's health-care plan, opposed increased taxes for the rich, government involvement in the auto industry, stimulus payments, growing unemployment. Everybody thinks the President is taking on too much and can't possibly get it all done. Look how hard it's been to seat Sonia Sotomayor. I doubt the president has as much sway as you give him credit for. While he continues to enjoy a high 50%+ approval rating, the Democrates in Congress still challenge him, much like you do.

Jozielee -

I agree, there is probably nothing more grueling than supreme court nomination hearings, but then again the appointment is for life. It is probably one of the biggest if not THE biggest legacy a president may leave after office, since most judges stay on long after a president leaves. I also don't think she is lying with her answers, but rather like you mentioned is being very careful with how she answers. However, I wouldn't compare her hearing to that of Judge Thomas'. He was GRILLED from the senators on the Left about, well.... we all know what about. But, anyone who survives the tough questioning under the spotlight of not just the committee members, but the viewing audience, and political pundits as well, deserves to fill the position.

And with Franken, sorry I don't share your and your friends' enthusiasm about his nomination. However, I do appreciate the democratic process that got him elected. After all avenues were considered and exhausted, Coleman realized he had lost and conceded defeat. And if Franken turns out to not be qualified, the voters will vote somebody else in. It is just scary to think that he is number 60 on the democratic senate (if you count the two independants that vote with them) that gives our commander-in-chief some extra power. I just wish there was some checks and balances to keep that power in line. A democratic president with a republican senate or house or vice ver, I feel is better. Too much power either way is not good.
-m

-mike:

Can you imagine being subjected to such a hostile job interview? Most of us meet with a perspective employer who's listening for us to tell them how we'll fit into their organization, how we'll utilize our gifts and strengths to enhance their business. Not Judge Sotomayor. Four days of grueling questioning, she kept her cool, careful not to say anything that would inflame a group of senators looking for the smallest flaw, the tiniest mistake. Did she lie? Doubtful. Did she hedge? Perhaps. I didn't think she was trying to hide anything as much as ensuring she didn't say anything that would open a Pandora's box - think Clarence Thomas. She must truly want that job. Sounds like Judge Sotomayor was successful and will be confirmed. God bless her resilience.

Franken. The night of November 4th we attended a dinner party to watch election results. My friends are staunch Franken fans. That night they went to bed sure Franken won. Six months later we're finally celebrating his true confirmation. YEAH!

Jozielee -

I really appreciate the points you brought up about Judge Sotomayor and her hearings when you brought up both the Spector and Franken conversations with her. It is true that she appears to be very evasive when answering questions. It does seem that she is trying to stay focused on trying to appear as a moderate. When someone uses broad answers to answer a question, I tend to wonder if someone is trying to hide true feelings. Hopefully, the hearings will clear up any concerns about her.

Moving on to Franken, Minnesota is on a roll... Mondale, Jesse Ventura, and now Senator Smalley? Must be the long winters.

I guess if the senate wasn't a joke it is now... good luck Stuart!

-m

Eric, I agree 100%. I keep waiting for Al to say " I'm Al Frankin and your not". It's a very strange time. Jeff

Great song, Jared. So appropriate to how Judge Sotomayor must be feeling.

Another question I remember Franken asking: Is the word "abortion" in the Constitution? How about the word "privacy." Then he went on to ask about a woman's right to terminate a pregnancy. She sidestepped his questions handily and they quickly moved on to another question. The Franken/Sotomayer exchange was much smoother than her one-sided conversation with Sen. Spector. Never figured out what points Spector was trying to make. Apparently neither did she or she's adept at skirting an issue that might have drawn her into deep waters.

The talk of clowns and comedians.. i thought of this song.....

Stealers Wheels - Stuck In The Middle With You - Offical Video + Lyics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8StG4fFWHqg

Wait. I lied. The last humorous question Franken asked was about Perry Mason - Franken wanted to know the one episode Mason lost. Neither knew the answer. Wolf Blitzer named "The case of the Deadly Verdict (1963)."

Difficult following these proceedings. Candidate's forced to define questions before answering. Geez, what do these guys really want to know? That a Latina will don those robes and become amnesiac to everything except the law? Does Scalia forget he's Italian. Is that why we toured his working-class Italian neighborhood and elementary school last time "60 Minutes" interviewed him?

Wanted to watch the Franken segment before addressing your comment. Unfortunately my TiVo missed the humorous moments. Applaud Franken's opening question about the Internet. A lot of us want to know how one company can determine who gets access to the fastest lanes on the Super Highway when the Internet was built by the government. Franken's other questions weren't as interesting but they were understandable. Her legal answer made no sense to me. What a process.

Hope you find the tape.

Dan,

Comedians have to be quick on their feet and intelligent. Two qualities that would would work well for someone serving in public office.

Larry,
With all due respect. There's a difference between a "comedian" and a "clown". Franken is a "comedian"!

Was anybody else waiting to see Franken look right into the camera and yell; "LIVE FROM NEW YORK, IT'S SATURDAY NIGHT"???

Franken was very good I thought. Shoot, he is a Harvard graduate!

Eric, isn't better to know someone was a comedian before you elect them to office, than find that out after they are in office like we did with G.W.?

Well now as a Senator he can vote on his own pay raises..