Obama Approval Rating Dips, Pollsters Blame President For Gas Prices

Although the GOP is struggling to put forth an accessible, relatable candidate in the 2012 election, President Obama doesn’t seem to be having an easy go of it- as his approval rating has dipped to 46% in some recent polls.

Sometimes it seems like re-election would be a slam dunk, but Obama’s fluctuating approval rating may make the race tighter than anticipated. And unsurprisingly, pain at the gas pump is what seems to be driving discontent in many Americans. The Washington Post says that in recent polling, Americans cite gas prices as the biggest influencer on Obama’s approval rating, and the paper explains:

“Gas prices are a main culprit: Nearly two-thirds of Americans say they disapprove of the way the president is handling the situation at the pump, where rising prices have already hit hard.”

It continues:

“Just 26 percent approve of his work on the issue, his lowest rating in the poll. Most Americans say higher prices are already taking a toll on family finances, and nearly half say they think that prices will continue to rise, and stay high.”

Gas prices are a hot topic right now, with many on social media sites linking to old Fox News footage (below) during which many Fox personalities asserted again and again that “no President has the power to increase or to lower gas prices,” a claim the network no longer seems to stand by. President Obama addressed the gas issue in a statement about energy, saying:

“Despite the gains we’ve made, today’s high gas prices are a painful reminder that there’s much more work to do free ourselves from our dependence on foreign oil and take control of our energy future… And that’s exactly what our administration is committed to doing in the months ahead.”

Do you think gas prices will continue to affect Obama’s approval rating?