High Marks for Obama on Iraq, but Not on Key Domestic Issues

A look at President Obama's approval ratings on seven key issues finds he does his best when it comes to handling Iraq, where he has been scaling down the U.S. presence, but he's drawing negative marks on the economy, health care and the deficit.

A USA Today/Gallup poll, conducted Sept. 11-13, says 56 percent of Americans approve of Obama's handling of Iraq compared to 38 percent who do not. He also draws positive marks on the environment (54 percent to 33 percent) and energy policy (50-37). Approval of his handling of Afghanistan is 49-42 -- positive, but also reflecting the growing doubts among the public that other polls have shown.

On the economy, Americans disapprove of Obama's performance, 51 percent to 46 percent, and they give him negative marks on health care (52-43) and the deficit (58-38). Since the start of his administration, views of Obama's handling of the economy have flipped. He started out in March with a 59-30 approval score, but started sliding into negative ratings this summer. His ratings on the deficit represent his worst showing on any of the seven issues, which is probably why it is one of the areas where Republicans have been able to get traction in questioning his policies.

Obama's overall job approval rating stands at 54 percent.