The Pew Research Center released a survey today. Among its findings:
Obama’s favorable rating among voters has slipped eight points since late February, from 59% to 51% in the current survey. When those who express an unfavorable opinion are asked what they do not like about Obama, most (54%) cite his political beliefs. But nearly a third (32%) either mention the kind of person Obama is, or say their unfavorable views are influenced both by the kind of person he is and his political beliefs. White working class voters are among the most likely to mention the kind of person Obama is as a reason for their unfavorable opinion of him.
Obama’s slipping image is in some measure a negative reaction from frustrated Clinton supporters. Currently, just 46% of those who support Clinton for the nomination say the party will unite behind Obama if he is the nominee. In March, 58% of Clinton supporters said the party would rally behind Obama if he is the nominee.
Recent declines in Obama’s image have been pronounced among whites – especially white women. Currently, just 43% of white women express a positive opinion of Obama, down from 56% in late February.
While Obama lost eight percentage points of support among white women between April and May, that’s not his only problem. Obama lost nine percentage among voters that earn under $30,000 and he lost seven percentage points among those without a college degree.