John Zogby's Obama Weekly Report Card Featured in Paul Bedard's "Washington Secrets" Published weekly in The Washington Examiner
Grade for Jan. 21-27: B
President got his bounce in the polls before the inaugural. He reached his highest approval (56%) since October 2009. No bounce after speech but he has kept his approval at 54%, which is still bragging rights, especially while GOP in both houses of Congress are stuck in the teens. Hillary's confrontation with Senate not likely to damage Mr. Obama because sides are already polarized and she is leaving anyway. GOP has thrown down gauntlet with temporary fiscal fix, but administration looks like they will accept -- so at least the kick the can game is moving along more quickly. Will the President get a growth agenda (i.e. more spending)? Will growth in jobs continue at same pace? This pace got him re-elected with a majority. President reminded his base why he is still their President. In the very week that Pentagon formally proposes to end ban on women in combat, Beyonce takes one for the team. Is there a new Teflon President?