President Obama's enthusiasm for sports, just as everything else about him, is well reported. From his bowling score of 37 during last year's campaign, nationally televised March Madness bracket, correct pick of the Lakers, and oft-cited general infatuation with watching and playing basketball, the public has come to understand that the president is a sporty guy. He may have snubbed his hometown Blackhawks during their unlikely playoff surge by confessing his adoration for Alexander Ovechkin, but the guy can't be a big fan of every sport, right? But tonight's appearance, amid the glitz and gaiety of sports, comes at an apex for the President's administration. While still in the positives for approval rating, his numbers are dipping, now at 57% approval, 32% disapproval, according to a CBS poll. The same poll shows a disillusioned American public is losing faith in his economic policy; he now holds only a +4% approval margin on his handling of the economy, an 18% drop from just one month ago. Only 21% belive that the stimulus package has had a positive impact on the country and a slightly smaller percentage believe it has actually made it worse.
In addition, American political ideology is shifting toward the right, according to Gallup. For those who discount the Republican party, for all its problems, a quick resurgence is not out of the ballpark, so to speak. Play ball!
