September 22, 2011 12:17pm ? Comments
byJoel Gehrke Commentary Staff Writer
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Gallup released a poll showing that, for the first time, a majority of Americans blame President Obama for the country's ongoing economic struggles, including 60% of independents.

53% of Americans think Obama deserves either a "great deal" or a "moderate amount" of blame for the economy. The numbers here might actually be worse for Obama than they appear. As Gallup notes, Obama's reelection bid depends on his ability to convince independents that he saved the economy from further catastrophe. But Gallup also reports that President Bush's negative numbers remain as high as they are "because Republicans are more willing to blame Bush than Democrats are to blame Obama." Those GOPers who blame Bush will still vote against Obama.

Here are the poll numbers:

Blame for U.S. Economic Problems, by Party ID, September 2011