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Obama’s approval rating drops to record low

For the first time, the number of negative evaluations exceeded the number of approvals

ITAR-TASS/ EPA/SHAWN THEW

ITAR-TASS/ EPA/SHAWN THEW

NEW YORK, October 31, 12:47 /ITAR-TASS/. U.S. President Barack Obama’s approval rating has dropped to a record low, with only 42% of Americans approving of his decisions in office, according to results of a Wall Street Journal/NBCTV network poll released on Wednesday.

The poll found 51% rated Obama’s performance unsatisfactory. For the first time, the number of negative evaluations exceeded the number of approvals. In early October, 47% described Obama’s performance as successful against 52 %in late 2012. For the first time in 40 years, only 30% voiced optimism about the U.S. political system.

Obama’s Democratic party has also remained highly unpopular, as well as its arch rival, the Republicans. Only 22% are positive about the latter, while the Democrats are supported by 37%.

Such weak results have been due to Americans’ discontent about the budget finance crisis that swept the country in early October for two weeks, the survey says. Deadlock was caused by an acute confrontation between legislators and the executive branch. A compromise that prevented U.S. sovereign default was reached at the eleventh hour.

Terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall

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