AND THERE'S MORE BAD NEWS  FOR THE DEMS – AT 10:51 A.M. ET:  We reported that the president came out of the New Year holiday with a small bump upward in the Rasmussen poll, but that he'd started to slide again.  The slide continues.

Rasmussen reports this morning that Obama's overall approval stands at 45%, whereas 54% disapprove, the president's worst numbers since December 24th.

In Ras's presidential approval index, measuring the gap between those who strongly approve and those who strongly disapprove, the result is even more grim.  Only 25% strongly approve, but 43% strongly disapprove, a rating of -18, Mr. Obama's worst number since December 31st.

Clearly the administration's all-out attempt to portray itself as strong and capable in fighting terror has produced no gain.  What the president needs is a clear-cut victory in some area where the victory has strong appeal.  Passing an unpopular health "reform" bill won't cut it.

January 10, 2010