We Don’t Expect Much Out Of Obama’s Second Term [Poll]

President Barack Obama officially starts his second term next Monday, and a recent poll suggests we don’t expect much out of him in the next four years.

Far from the liberal cry of “mandate,” recent polling suggests that we’re more willing to “cope” with Obama for another go-round than “hope” that he’ll actually enact positive changes, reports NBC News. The poll shows that while most of us like him for the most part, we don’t really think he’s capable of solving our problems.

An NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll shows that it’s not all bad for the POTUS. He still enjoys and over 50 percent job approval rate, and most of the country is behind him on issues like gun control and immigration.

However, most Americans have a very mixed view of his next four years, with fears of a weak economy still on everyone’s minds and a belief that we’re in for tough times ahead.

What’s worse, the new data shows a stark reversal in public opinion overall from 2008.

“If 2009 was all about hope, 2013 is about the ability to cope,” says Democratic pollster Peter D. Hart, who conducted the survey with Republican pollster Bill McInturff.

Some highlights from the recent poll:

• 52 percent of adults approve of Obama’s overall job performance, and 49 percent of his handling of the economy (This is down from previous months).
• 56 percent think laws covering the sale of firearms should be stricter (A dramatic first).
• 52 percent of Americans favor allowing domestically-employed illegal immigrants to apply for legal status in this country (highest this number has ever been).
• 61 percent of Americans find him likeable, 55 percent think he handles crisis well, 53 percent find him compassionate, knowledgeable and experienced, and 51 percent think he’s a good commander in chief.
• 44 percent think he’ll achieve his goals, 29 percent think he’ll be able to work with Congress, and 28 percent believe he’ll be able to break partisan gridlock in Washington.
• 43 percent are optimistic about the next four years, 35 percent are pessimistic, and 22 percent have a mixed opinion.
• 7 in 10 are dissatisfied with the economy, and only one-third think Obama will promote a strong and growing economy.
• 60 percent will buckle down in the coming year, while 34 percent think 2013 will be a year of prosperity.

“This feels like a long four years, and it feels like a long four years ahead,” said GOP pollster McInturff.

Some other good news for left-leaners, only 14 percent are satisfied with Congress, 49 percent hold a negative view of the GOP, and 23 percent are still favorable of the Tea Party.

What do you think? Will President Obama’s second term be better than the first, or worse?