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Poll Shows Sharp Drop In Obama's Approval Rating

In an apparent backlash from the numerous scandals facing the administration, the results of a new CNN/ORC International survey released Monday showed a sharp drop in President Barack Obama's approval rating.

The poll found that 45 percent of Americans approve of the way Obama is handling his job as president, down from 53 percent in a poll conducted last month.

Obama has also seen a significant increase in his disapproval rating, which rose to 54 percent from 45 percent and is now at its highest level since November of 2011.

The sharp drop in Obama's approval rating comes as his administration faces a number of scandals, including the National Security Agency's data collection programs, the IRS targeting of conservative groups, and the handling of last September's deadly attack in Benghazi.

The president has seen a particularly sharp drop in his approval rating among Americans aged 18 to 29, which fell 18 points to 48 percent in the latest poll.

Obama has also taken a big hit among independent voters, with his approval rating among that group falling to 37 percent from 47 percent.

The poll also showed notable decreases in Obama's approval ratings on a number of specific issues, including foreign affairs, the federal budget deficit, and terrorism.

Approval of Obama's handling of terrorism showed a particularly steep drop to 52 percent from 65 percent, potentially reflecting disapproval of the NSA's data collection programs.

Additionally, the poll found that 49 percent of Americans now say Obama is honest and trustworthy, down from 58 percent in May.

"It is clear that revelations about NSA surveillance programs have damaged Obama's standing with the public, although older controversies like the IRS matter may have begun to take their toll as well," said CNN Polling Director Keating Holland.

The CNN/ORC survey of 1,014 adult Americans was conducted June 11th through 13th and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

by RTTNews Staff Writer

For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com

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