A MODEST BOUNCE FOR OBAMA – AT 9:44 A.M. ET:  We've been cautioning that public reaction to the health bill might not be as favorable to Republicans as they think.  Success in passing the legislation brings a kind of "we love winners" mentality.  Rasmussen confirms our caution:

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Monday shows that 31% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President. Forty-one percent (41%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -10 (see trends).

The President is enjoying a modest bounce following the weekend of health care activity in Congress. The number who Strongly Approve of the President has not been higher than today’s total since November. The Approval Index rating of -10 is the President’s best in over a month.

The bounce comes from Democrats who are pleased with the passage of the health care plan. Fifty-eight percent (58%) of Democrats now Strongly Approve of the President’s performance while 70% of Republicans Strongly Disapprove. As for those not affiliated with either major party, 23% Strongly Approve and 45% Strongly Disapprove.

And...

Overall, 48% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the President's performance. Fifty-two percent (52%) disapprove.

That's also a very strong showing for this president at this time.

COMMENT:   Most bounces last only a few days for the bouncee.  We'll see how long this is sustained.  There are some pundits warning that health care can turn out to be a net plus for the Dems, depending on how it's sold between now and November.  That risk is there.  The Republicans should take nothing for granted.

March 23, 2010