Obama Approval Steady

Keep screaming Republicans!!

President Obama continues to enjoy high job approval ratings -- 62% of Americans approve and 31% disapprove -- according to the latest Fox News poll.

Obama's average approval in the poll since taking office is 61%.

Interesting: "The public is split on how things are going today, as about equal numbers say the economy is getting better (40%) as say it is getting worse (42%)... when asked if the government stimulus spending is working, 46% of Americans say yes, while almost as many people -- 39% -- say no. Three months ago sentiments were reversed..."

Justice Oprah?

You want empathy?

We don't know whether she's on President Obama's short list, but nearly one in four Democrats thinks television personality Oprah Winfrey would make a good Supreme Court justice.

So says Fox News, which surveyed 900 registered voters on May 12-13 on a variety of subjects, including the Supreme Court vacancy. Overall, 16 percent of respondents thought Winfrey would do well on the high court -- and 23 percent of Democrats and 10 percent of Republicans.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton did better among both groups, as did former Vice President Al Gore. But could either of those two get a book club going inside the reclusive court? Or shower the audiences at oral arguments with new cars?

Must note, it's a Fox poll.

Poll-itics: Obama Preferred Over Reagan -- In Fox News Poll

By GottaLaff

Fox took a poll:

Check out this question from the new Fox News poll: "What do you think the nation's economy needs more of right now -- the economic policies of Ronald Reagan or the economic policies of Barack Obama?"

The answer: Obama 49%, Reagan 40%.

But wait, there's more! Bonus questions about taxes!

Check out this question, clearly intended to get an answer that voters prefer low taxes and smaller government: "Which of the following statements do you agree with more? 1. I'd rather pay higher taxes to support a larger government that provides more services. 2. I'd rather pay lower taxes and have a smaller government that provides fewer services."

The answer: 35% for high taxes and bigger government, and 55% for low taxes and smaller government. But take a close look: The question's message is that you, the respondent hearing this question over the phone, are going to be personally paying higher or lower taxes.

On the other hand, take a look at these two questions about progressive taxation: "Do you support or oppose raising taxes on households earning over $250,000 a year and, at the same time, lowering taxes for most other households?" The answer: Support 66%, Oppose 30%. Even 41% of Republicans like the idea.

And this one -- also noted by Greg Sargent: "Do you think asking the wealthiest Americans to pay more in taxes is a good idea because it levels the economic and social playing field, or a bad idea because it punishes hard work and success?" Good idea 55%, Bad idea 39% -- with 29% support from Republicans.

I'm sorry, what? That flying pig distracted me.