USA Today Poll: Obama sports >75% approval rating [graphs added]

[mikiturner]

Lots of good stuff in this USA Today Poll:

Soaring ratings for the way he has handled the presidential transition so far — more than three of four Americans express approval — contrast with a downbeat national mood over the economy.

On Hillary and Gates being part of the cabinet:

By 69%-25%, those surveyed approve of Obama's choice of former rival Hillary Rodham Clinton as secretary of State.

By an even wider margin, 80%-14%, they support his decision to have President Bush's Defense secretary, Robert Gates, stay on the job.

Possibly my favorite part, Americans dismiss the claims about Obama relying too much on people with experience in the Clinton Administration:

There's little concern Obama is relying too much on veterans of President Clinton's administration. By nearly 4-1, those polled say the picks will make the new team more effective.

Edit: Pretty pictures

[GodlessBiker]

1. Kudos to those polled. I agree, although I am sure to disagree with the new President from time...

to time. That's allowed.

[mikiturner]

6. I'm sure we all will

Reasoned disagreements appear to be welcomed by this incoming administration.

[bdamomma]

2. I am willing to give the man a chance.

after this nightmare of bush, we need to see some light.

[alwysdrunk]

3. Expectations are high

I worry that people will think he can work miracles, then be susceptible to Republicans bashing him when he can't.

[CTyankee]

4. Isn't this called "the wisdom of crowds"? n/t

[Buzz Clik]

5. 80% support Obama's choice of Gates. That sure as hell isn't the case at DU.

Angst reins supreme at DU. Why delight in the win when you can find a reason to wallow in sorrow?

[Kahuna]

7. Imagine that. People actually approve of O appointing experienced

people in these troubled times. Who could have imagined. :sarcasm:

[mikiturner]

8. Shocking, I know

Who knew?

[ruggerson]

9. 89% of Democrats support Prez Obama's choice of Hillary

interesting. :)

[DevonRex]

10. We should all support his choice. But 89% is a pretty good number.

:)

[Bjorn Against]

11. I personally have a hard time believing that Gates has 94% name recognition

If 80% approve of Gates and 14% disapprove that would indicate that 94% of people have an opinion on him. Now for 94% of people to have an opinion on him then you would have to assume that at least 94% of the people have heard of him, and you would presume there are at least a few who have heard of him but don't have an opinion on whether he should have been kept on as secretary. This would likely leave the percentage of people who have not heard of him in the low single digits if this poll were accurate. Considering that half the people in this country can't name their own Senators I have a hard time believing that Gates has such wide name recognition. Something isn't right about this poll.

[DeepModem Mom]

12. K&R

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

13. and he didn't need a crisis to get there

unlike a certain dumb texan

amazing. Barack hasn't taken office yet, and he's already on top of handling our nation's problems to the point that he's got overwhelmimg support

Obama's on track to be one of the greats