Public Turns Negative on Obama on Key Issues

And, after nine months in office, there is a sharp drop in the percentage of Americans who still believe Obama is a force for change. In February, 69 percent said Obama could bring the kind of change the public needs while 29 percent disagreed. Those numbers are now down to 54 percent to 46 percent.

Fifty-four percent disapprove of his handling of the economy compared to 46 percent who approve, a turnaround from September when 54 percent voiced approval and 45 percent disapproved.

Fifty-seven percent disapprove of his handling of health care policy compared to 42 percent who approve. In September, 51 percent approved and 47 percent disapproved.

The same has happened with Afghanistan as the Obama administration review of overall policy and a troop increase request from military leaders has stretched for weeks. Americans disapprove of his handling of the situation in Afghanistan by 56 percent to 42 percent, compared to late August when they approved by 49 percent to 46 percent. The margin of error is 3 points.

Sixty percent disapprove of Obama's handling of the federal budget deficit compared to 39 percent who approve. That ratio was also negative in September but by a lower margin than the other three issues (51 percent to 46 percent).

Fifty-four percent do not believe Obama has a clear plan for solving the country's problems while 45 percent do. In June, 53 percent did believe Obama had a clear plan while 45 percent didn't.

Although Americans still believe that Obama is a strong and decisive leader, and one who inspires confidence, it is by smaller numbers than before. Sixty-two percent call him strong and decisive compared to 37 percent who disagree. In June, that ratio was 70 percent to 28 percent. Sixty-three percent says he inspires confidence while 37 percent say he does not. That ratio was 72 percent to 27 percent in June.

During the election, Obama always bested Republican John McCain when voters were asked which candidate cared more about people like themselves. They still believe that by 59 percent to 41 percent, but that's down from December when they believed it by 73 percent to 27 percent.