WHERE OBAMA STANDS – AT 10:31 A.M. ET:  President Obama's numbers continue to dccline.  Gallup reports the president's worst quarter since inauguration:

PRINCETON, NJ -- President Barack Obama's 11th quarter in office was the worst of his administration, based on his quarterly average job approval ratings. His 41% approval average is down six percentage points from his 10th quarter in office, and is nearly four points below his previous low of 45% during his seventh quarter.

These results are based on Gallup Daily tracking from July 20-Oct. 19, 2011. During this time, Obama's approval rating ranged narrowly between 38% and 43% for all but a few days of the quarter. The 38% approval ratings, registered on several occasions, are the lowest of his presidency to date.

And Rasmussen's news will also bring no joy to the White House:

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Saturday shows that 20% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Forty-three percent (43%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -23...

...Overall, 42% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Fifty-six percent (56%) at least somewhat disapprove.

COMMENT:  These numbers are being driven primarily by the economy.  The problem for Republicans, and it's a continuing one, is that, when matched head-to-head against specific Republican candidates, the president holds his own or even wins.  It shows, once again, that the GOP must do more to advance its own brand, and not depend on the weakness of Obama.  Statistically weak presidents have been re-elected before, as President Dewey found out in 1948.

October 22, 2011