To the Point
President Obama's Support Is Evaporating
President Obama's approval ratings have dropped so low he's vulnerable to the Republicans, even before they've chosen a candidate. We hear from supporters and critics...
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenPresident Obama's approval ratings have dropped so low he's vulnerable to the Republicans, even before they've chosen a candidate. We hear from supporters and critics and ask if he can provide what next year's voters will be looking for. Also, Fitch reaffirms the United States' AAA rating, and the federal gasoline tax is about to expire. What will that mean in Washington?
Banner image: President Barack Obama waves to people along the road in Decorah, Iowa, Aug. 15, 2011, during a three-day bus tour in the Midwest focusing on ways to grow the economy. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
In this episode
3 storiesFitch Reaffirms United States' AAA Rating
Standard & Poor's shook the financial world by downgrading America's credit rating from AAA to AA+ for the first time in history. Then Moody's disagreed . Today, the third agency of its kind, Fitch Ratings, says "the key pillars" of the country's "exceptional creditworthiness remain in tact." It retained the AAA rating , too.
Read the story8 minWhatever Happened to 'Hope' and 'Change?'
As the field of Republican challengers appears to be taking shape, President Obama's approval ratings are at their lowest point ever. Liberal Democrats, who expected a tough leader, say he's capitulated to Wall Street bankers and Tea Party extremists in Congress.
Read the story32 minGas Tax May Be Next Funding Battle
Congress will return from its summer vacation on September 6. On September 30, federal gasoline and diesel taxes are set to expire. Will renewal be Washington's next major battle? The federal tax on gasoline is 18.4¢ a gallon. On diesel fuel it's 24.4¢ a gallon.
Read the story11 min
