After his first 100 days in office, New Hampshire adults give President Barack Obama high job approval ratings. And for the first time since 2005, a majority of New Hampshire adults think the United States is heading in the right direction

Survey Center, UNH

English

UNH Scholars' Repository

 THE GRANITE STATE POLL  THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE SURVEY CENTER  April 27, 2009  NEW HAMPSHIRE THINKS U.S. IS ON THE RIGHT TRACK AFTER OBAMA’S FIRST 100 DAYS  By: Andrew E. Smith, Ph.D.  UNH Survey Center  603/862-2226   www.unh.edu/survey-center  DURHAM, NH – After his first 100 days in office, New Hampshire adults give President Barack Obama high job approval ratings. And for the first time since 2005, a majority of New Hampshire adults think the United States is heading in the right direction.  These findings are based on the latest Granite State Poll,∗ conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center.  Five hundred and three (503) randomly selected New Hampshire adults were interviewed by telephone between April 13 and April 22, 2009.  The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/-4.4 percent.  Presidential Approval  A majority of New Hampshire adults continue to approve of the job President Barack Obama is doing after his first 100 days in office. But there has been an increase in those that disapprove of his job performance, as many who were previously neutral have developed a more negative view. Currently, 63% of New Hampshire adults say they approve of the job Obama is doing as president, 29% disapprove, and 8% are neutral. A recent Gallup poll showed 65% of U.S. residents approve of the way Obama is doing as President.    Obama maintains the approval of political independents and receives the approval of virtually all Democrats. Currently, 62% of political independents approve of his job performance, and 97% of Democrats approve.  However, a majority of Republicans disapprove of Obama’s performance as President – 54% disapprove while 36% approve – an indication that partisan divisions are returning.  “Obama’s approval ratings in New Hampshire are similar to his national ratings,” said Andrew Smith, Director of the UNH Survey Center. “But the increasing polarization between Republicans and Democrats is an indication that bitter partisanship is likely to return.”                                                            ∗ We ask that this copyrighted information be referred to as the Granite State Poll, conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center. Presidential Approval – Barack Obama 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%Feb. '09 Apr. '09Approve Disapprove  While Obama’s personal favorability rating remains at high levels, there has been an increase in his unfavorable ratings, similar to his job performance approval. Obama is currently viewed favorably by 64% of NH adults, 27% have an unfavorable opinion of him, and 7% are neutral.  Obama’s net favorability rating, the percentage having a favorable opinion minus the percentage having an unfavorable opinion, is +37%, a substantial drop from +55% shortly after his inauguration.      Nearly all Democrats (98%) have a favorable opinion of Obama, 35% of Republicans have a favorable opinion, and 64% of political independents view him favorably.  Favorability Ratings – Barack Obama 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%July '08 Sep. '08 Feb. '09 Apr. '09Favorable UnfavorablePresidential Approval – Barack Obama 63%8%29%36%9%54%62%10%28%97%2% 1%0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%Approve Neutral DisapproveAll GOP IND DEM  Economic Approval Rating  Despite the continued economic difficulties throughout the county, a majority of Granite staters approve of the actions Obama has taken so far to improve the market. Currently, 58% of New Hampshire adults approve of how Obama is handling the economy, 35% disapprove, and 7% are neutral.    Similar to other measures, there is a significant partisan gap in approval of Obama’s handling of the economy. Currently, 94% of Democrats, 27% of Republicans, and 53% of independents approve of Obama’s job handling of the economy.  Favorability Rating – Barack Obama 64%7%27%35%11%51%64%8%26%98%1% 1%0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%Favorable Neutral UnfavorableAll GOP IND DEMObama Approval:  Handling the Economy 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%Feb. '09 Apr. '09Approve Diapprove  Foreign Affairs  Obama has seen a significant increase in the percentage of New Hampshire adults that support him on foreign affairs. Currently, 65% approve of how Obama is handling foreign affairs, 26% disapprove, and 8% are neutral.    The partisan gap in approval of Obama’s handling of foreign affairs, while significant, is less severe in comparison to his economic approval. Obama receives approval of his actions in regards to foreign affairs from 95% of Democrats, 40% of Republicans, and 65% of independents. Obama Approval:  Handling the Economy 58%7%35%27%8%65%53%12%34%94%4% 2%0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%Approve Neutral DisapproveAll GOP IND DEMObama Approval:  Foreign Affairs 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%Feb. '09 Apr. '09Approve Disapprove  Right Direction – Wrong Track  For the first time since Spring of 2005, a majority of New Hampshire residents feel that the country is going in the right direction. Currently, 51% of New Hampshire adults think things in this country are generally going in the right direction, 43% think things are seriously off on the wrong track, and 7% don’t know.      Democrats are most optimistic about the county’s direction, with 75% thinking we are on the right track and 20% saying the country is on the wrong track, while only 33% of Republicans think the US is going in the right direction and 62% say things on the wrong track.  US Heading in Right Direction or On Wrong Track 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%June '03Oct. '03Feb. '04Apr. '04July '04Oct. '04Feb. '05Apr. '05July '05Oct. '05Feb. '06Apr. '06July '06Sep. 06Feb. '07April '07July '07Sep. '07Feb. '08Apr. '08July '08Sept. '08Feb. '09Apr. '09Right Direction Wrong TrackObama Approval:  Foreign Affairs 65%8%26%40%10%50%65%12%23%95%4%1%0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%Approve Neutral DisapproveALL GOP IND DEP       US Heading in Right Direction or On Wrong Track 51%43%33%62%40%48%75%20%0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%Right Direction Wrong TrackAll GOP IND DEMGranite State Poll Methodology  These findings are based on the latest Granite State Poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center.  Five hundred and three (503) randomly selected New Hampshire adults were interviewed by telephone between April 13 and April 22, 2009.  The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/-4.4 percent.  The data have been weighted to adjust for numbers of adults and telephone lines within households, respondent sex, and region of the state.  In addition to potential sampling error, all surveys have other potential sources of non-sampling error including question order effects, question wording effects, and non-response.   Presidential Approval  “GENERALLY SPEAKING, do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling his job as president?”   Approve Neutral Disapprove (N) Apr. ‘09 63% 8% 29% (500) Feb. ‘09 66% 14% 21% (614)    Presidential Approval – Economy  “GENERALLY SPEAKING, do you approve or disapprove of the way President Obama is handling THE ECONOMY?”   Approve Neutral Disapprove (N) Apr. ‘09 58% 7% 35% (499) Feb. ‘09 62% 14% 24% (614)   Presidential Approval - Foreign Affairs  “GENERALLY SPEAKING, do you approve or disapprove of the way President Obama is handling FOREIGN AFFAIRS?”   Approve Neutral Disapprove (N) Apr. ‘09 65% 8% 26% (496) Feb. ‘09 53% 32% 15% (607)     Favorability Rating – President Barack Obama  "Next, I'd like to get your overall opinion of some people who have been in the news.  As I read each name, please say if you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of this person - or if you don’t know enough about him or her to say. President Barack Obama?"   Favorable Neutral Unfavorable NET (N=) Apr. ‘09 64% 7% 27% +37% (503) Feb. ‘09 71% 9% 16% +55% (619) Sep. '08 53% 9% 36% +17% (522) July '08 58% 10% 31% +27% (474)                 Right Track - Wrong Track  “Do you think things in this country are generally going in the right direction or are they seriously off on the wrong track?”   Right Direction Wrong Track Don’t Know  (N=) Apr. ‘09 51% 43% 7% (498) Feb. ‘09 38% 51% 11% (610) Sep. ‘08 21% 69% 10% (540) July '08 19% 73% 8% (508) Apr. '08 21% 74% 5% (487) Feb. ‘08 23% 71% 7% (553) Sep. ‘07 30% 62% 8% (505) July ‘07 34% 59% 6% (523) Apr. ‘07 37% 55% 8% (510) Feb. ‘07 40% 53% 7% (516) Sept. ‘06 34% 56% 10% (510) July ‘06 38% 51% 11% (496) Apr. ‘06 30% 62% 8% (501) Feb. ‘06 40% 53% 7% (487) Oct. ‘05 38% 55% 7% (498) July ‘05 47% 47% 6% (492) Apr. ‘05 46% 43% 11% (487) Feb. ‘05 53% 40% 7% (535) Oct. ‘04 46% 50% 4% (574) July ‘04 48% 43% 10% (500) Apr. ‘04 44% 48% 8% (535) Feb. ‘04 43% 49% 8% (503) Oct. ‘03 51% 43% 6% (487) June ‘03 56% 38% 5% (511)   Presidential Approval Rating - Overall   Approve Neutral Disapprove (N=) STATEWIDE 63% 8% 29% 500  Registered Democrat 95% 3% 3% 122 Registered Undeclared 67% 4% 29% 197 Registered Republican 30% 13% 56% 145  Democrat 97% 2% 1% 179 Independent 62% 10% 28% 101 Republican 36% 9% 54% 204  Liberal 93% 3% 4% 112 Moderate 75% 7% 18% 188 Conservative 27% 9% 64% 154  McCain/Palin Voter 30% 10% 60% 208 Obama/Biden Voter 94% 3% 4% 225 Other 56% 24% 20% 18 Did Not Vote in 2008 70% 15% 16% 34  Union household 79% 4% 17% 71 Non-union 61% 8% 31% 424  10 yrs or less in NH 65% 7% 28% 92 11 to 20 years 72% 2% 26% 91 More than 20 years 61% 9% 30% 309  18 to 34 66% 6% 28% 55 35 to 49 67% 6% 27% 142 50 to 64 60% 9% 31% 180 65 and over 65% 8% 27% 104  Male 62% 8% 30% 241 Female 65% 7% 29% 259  High school or less 54% 14% 32% 129 Some college 64% 7% 28% 116 College graduate 65% 6% 29% 139 Post-graduate 71% 1% 28% 108  Less than $30K 65% 8% 27% 44 $30K to $60K 70% 5% 24% 91 $60K to $75K 61% 5% 34% 48 $75K to $100K 67% 6% 28% 55 $100K or more 64% 5% 31% 106  Married 60% 7% 33% 363 Divorced/separated 75% 6% 19% 84 Never married 71% 11% 19% 49  Protestant 61% 6% 34% 192 Catholic 54% 11% 35% 162 Other 80% 5% 14% 131  Attend services 1 or more/week 47% 8% 44% 142 1-2 times a month 74% 4% 22% 55 Less often 63% 9% 28% 145 Never 75% 6% 19% 145  North Country 60% 11% 30% 43 Central / Lakes 66% 10% 24% 82 Connecticut Valley 66% 13% 21% 66 Mass Border 66% 6% 28% 138 Seacoast 72% 2% 26% 81 Manchester Area 50% 7% 43% 90  First Cong. Dist 61% 6% 33% 260 Second Cong. Dist 67% 10% 24% 237 Presidential Approval Rating - Economy   Approve Neutral Disapprove (N=) STATEWIDE 58% 7% 35% 499  Registered Democrat 95% 2% 3% 122 Registered Undeclared 60% 6% 34% 196 Registered Republican 24% 10% 66% 145  Democrat 94% 4% 2% 179 Independent 53% 12% 34% 101 Republican 27% 8% 65% 203  Liberal 93% 2% 5% 112 Moderate 68% 8% 24% 187 Conservative 20% 9% 71% 156  McCain/Palin Voter 22% 7% 71% 209 Obama/Biden Voter 90% 5% 5% 223 Other 61% 19% 20% 18 Did Not Vote in 2008 57% 22% 21% 34  Union household 72% 4% 24% 71 Non-union 55% 8% 37% 423  10 yrs or less in NH 58% 9% 33% 90 11 to 20 years 65% 5% 30% 91 More than 20 years 56% 8% 37% 310  18 to 34 59% 4% 37% 55 35 to 49 62% 8% 30% 143 50 to 64 53% 8% 38% 177 65 and over 59% 9% 32% 104  Male 56% 6% 38% 240 Female 59% 9% 32% 259  High school or less 44% 15% 41% 127 Some college 59% 5% 36% 118 College graduate 58% 5% 37% 138 Post-graduate 70% 5% 24% 108  Less than $30K 59% 11% 30% 44 $30K to $60K 61% 9% 30% 91 $60K to $75K 56% 5% 38% 48 $75K to $100K 56% 2% 42% 54 $100K or more 57% 11% 32% 106  Married 53% 8% 39% 363 Divorced/separated 72% 6% 22% 84 Never married 65% 7% 28% 48  Protestant 51% 8% 40% 190 Catholic 52% 9% 39% 162 Other 76% 4% 20% 133  Attend services 1 or more/week 45% 8% 47% 142 1-2 times a month 59% 5% 36% 55 Less often 57% 12% 32% 142 Never 69% 5% 27% 146  North Country 62% 9% 30% 43 Central / Lakes 68% 6% 27% 82 Connecticut Valley 61% 12% 27% 65 Mass Border 57% 9% 34% 136 Seacoast 62% 4% 34% 83 Manchester Area 41% 6% 52% 90  First Cong. Dist 53% 6% 41% 261 Second Cong. Dist 63% 9% 27% 234 Presidential Approval Rating - Foreign Affairs   Approve Neutral Disapprove (N=) STATEWIDE 65% 8% 26% 496  Registered Democrat 93% 4% 3% 122 Registered Undeclared 67% 9% 24% 196 Registered Republican 39% 7% 54% 142  Democrat 95% 4% 1% 178 Independent 65% 12% 23% 101 Republican 40% 10% 50% 201  Liberal 92% 5% 4% 110 Moderate 76% 7% 16% 186 Conservative 34% 9% 57% 153  McCain/Palin Voter 35% 9% 56% 206 Obama/Biden Voter 92% 5% 3% 224 Other 77% 23% 0% 18 Did Not Vote in 2008 67% 18% 15% 33  Union household 78% 6% 16% 71 Non-union 63% 9% 28% 420  10 yrs or less in NH 65% 9% 26% 91 11 to 20 years 71% 6% 23% 91 More than 20 years 63% 9% 27% 306  18 to 34 67% 8% 25% 55 35 to 49 68% 8% 24% 143 50 to 64 61% 10% 29% 177 65 and over 68% 8% 24% 102  Male 65% 7% 28% 239 Female 65% 10% 25% 257  High school or less 54% 18% 27% 124 Some college 64% 8% 28% 118 College graduate 67% 6% 27% 139 Post-graduate 75% 1% 24% 107  Less than $30K 69% 8% 22% 44 $30K to $60K 65% 11% 23% 91 $60K to $75K 57% 14% 28% 48 $75K to $100K 67% 7% 26% 56 $100K or more 70% 4% 26% 106  Married 64% 8% 28% 359 Divorced/separated 70% 11% 20% 84 Never married 67% 8% 25% 49  Protestant 61% 9% 30% 191 Catholic 57% 10% 33% 160 Other 83% 6% 11% 131  Attend services 1 or more/week 52% 11% 37% 141 1-2 times a month 79% 0% 21% 53 Less often 63% 10% 26% 144 Never 74% 8% 18% 145  North Country 57% 13% 30% 43 Central / Lakes 66% 10% 24% 82 Connecticut Valley 73% 12% 14% 66 Mass Border 63% 8% 29% 136 Seacoast 72% 6% 22% 81 Manchester Area 60% 4% 36% 88  First Cong. Dist 66% 5% 29% 258 Second Cong. Dist 65% 12% 23% 235 U.S. Right Direction / Wrong Track   Right Wrong Don't  Direction Track Know (N=) STATEWIDE 51% 43% 7% 498  Registered Democrat 78% 16% 6% 122 Registered Undeclared 49% 44% 7% 196 Registered Republican 32% 63% 5% 145  Democrat 75% 20% 5% 177 Independent 40% 48% 11% 103 Republican 33% 62% 6% 202  Liberal 76% 20% 3% 111 Moderate 57% 36% 7% 188 Conservative 23% 71% 6% 155  McCain/Palin Voter 30% 65% 5% 210 Obama/Biden Voter 74% 21% 5% 221 Other 27% 58% 14% 18 Did Not Vote in 2008 42% 46% 12% 34  Union household 68% 31% 1% 71 Non-union 48% 45% 7% 422  10 yrs or less in NH 54% 41% 5% 88 11 to 20 years 49% 44% 7% 91 More than 20 years 50% 44% 7% 311  18 to 34 42% 51% 7% 54 35 to 49 49% 46% 6% 142 50 to 64 52% 41% 7% 177 65 and over 54% 40% 6% 106  Male 50% 44% 6% 242 Female 52% 41% 7% 256  High school or less 44% 50% 6% 126 Some college 46% 44% 10% 118 College graduate 48% 46% 6% 137 Post-graduate 66% 31% 3% 108  Less than $30K 48% 44% 8% 44 $30K to $60K 53% 42% 5% 91 $60K to $75K 51% 43% 6% 47 $75K to $100K 56% 38% 6% 54 $100K or more 55% 40% 5% 105  Married 50% 44% 6% 363 Divorced/separated 56% 36% 7% 84 Never married 44% 48% 8% 47  Protestant 49% 47% 4% 190 Catholic 48% 41% 10% 160 Other 55% 40% 5% 133  Attend services 1 or more/week 45% 50% 5% 142 1-2 times a month 51% 43% 6% 55 Less often 53% 41% 6% 141 Never 51% 42% 8% 146  North Country 57% 43% 0% 43 Central / Lakes 57% 37% 6% 83 Connecticut Valley 47% 44% 9% 67 Mass Border 51% 45% 4% 134 Seacoast 47% 45% 8% 82 Manchester Area 48% 42% 10% 90  First Cong. Dist 48% 45% 8% 259 Second Cong. Dist 54% 41% 5% 236  Favorability Rating – Barack Obama   Favorable Neutral Unfavorable DK (N) STATEWIDE 64% 7% 27% 2% 503  Registered Democrat 96% 3% 2% 0% 122 Registered Undeclared 66% 7% 26% 1% 200 Registered Republican 34% 10% 52% 4% 145  Democrat 98% 1% 1% 0% 179 Independent 64% 8% 26% 2% 103 Republican 35% 11% 51% 3% 205  Liberal 94% 1% 5% 0% 112 Moderate 77% 5% 16% 2% 189 Conservative 27% 11% 59% 3% 156  McCain/Palin Voter 32% 11% 55% 2% 211 Obama/Biden Voter 93% 3% 3% 1% 225 Other 67% 5% 15% 14% 18 Did Not Vote in 2008 65% 12% 20% 3% 34  Union household 83% 3% 14% 0% 71 Non-union 61% 8% 29% 2% 427  10 yrs or less in NH 63% 7% 28% 2% 92 11 to 20 years 70% 7% 23% 0% 91 More than 20 years 63% 7% 27% 2% 312  18 to 34 66% 5% 29% 0% 55 35 to 49 65% 5% 26% 4% 143 50 to 64 64% 9% 26% 1% 180 65 and over 63% 8% 27% 2% 106  Male 63% 8% 28% 2% 244 Female 66% 6% 26% 2% 259  High school or less 55% 13% 30% 2% 130 Some college 64% 5% 25% 5% 118 College graduate 66% 4% 29% 1% 139 Post-graduate 71% 6% 23% 0% 108  Less than $30K 67% 8% 25% 0% 44 $30K to $60K 68% 5% 26% 2% 91 $60K to $75K 56% 10% 32% 3% 48 $75K to $100K 64% 10% 24% 2% 56 $100K or more 66% 4% 28% 3% 106  Married 62% 6% 30% 2% 364 Divorced/separated 72% 10% 17% 1% 84 Never married 67% 10% 21% 3% 50  Protestant 60% 9% 29% 2% 192 Catholic 59% 7% 33% 1% 162 Other 77% 6% 14% 3% 134  Attend services 1 or more/week 51% 8% 38% 2% 142 1-2 times a month 72% 4% 24% 0% 55 Less often 63% 9% 25% 2% 145 Never 73% 5% 19% 2% 148  North Country 59% 6% 32% 3% 43 Central / Lakes 67% 4% 25% 4% 83 Connecticut Valley 68% 10% 19% 3% 67 Mass Border 68% 6% 25% 0% 138 Seacoast 69% 6% 24% 2% 83 Manchester Area 50% 11% 38% 2% 90  First Cong. Dist 62% 6% 30% 1% 261 Second Cong. Dist 67% 8% 23% 2% 238 

New Hampshire Thinks U.S. is on the Right Track After Obama\u27s First 100 Days 4/27/2009

University of New Hampshire

 THE GRANITE STATE POLL  
THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE SURVEY CENTER 
 
April 27, 2009 
 
NEW HAMPSHIRE THINKS U.S. IS ON THE RIGHT TRACK AFTER OBAMA’S FIRST 100 DAYS 
 
By: Andrew E. Smith, Ph.D. 
 UNH Survey Center 
 603/862-2226  
 www.unh.edu/survey-center 
 
DURHAM, NH – After his first 100 days in office, New Hampshire adults give President Barack Obama high job approval 
ratings. And for the first time since 2005, a majority of New Hampshire adults think the United States is heading in the right 
direction. 
 
These findings are based on the latest Granite State Poll,∗ conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center.  
Five hundred and three (503) randomly selected New Hampshire adults were interviewed by telephone between April 13 and 
April 22, 2009.  The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/-4.4 percent. 
 
Presidential Approval 
 
A majority of New Hampshire adults continue to approve of the job President Barack Obama is doing after his first 100 days 
in office. But there has been an increase in those that disapprove of his job performance, as many who were previously 
neutral have developed a more negative view. Currently, 63% of New Hampshire adults say they approve of the job Obama 
is doing as president, 29% disapprove, and 8% are neutral. A recent Gallup poll showed 65% of U.S. residents approve of 
the way Obama is doing as President. 
 
 
 
Obama maintains the approval of political independents and receives the approval of virtually all Democrats. Currently, 62% 
of political independents approve of his job performance, and 97% of Democrats approve.  However, a majority of 
Republicans disapprove of Obama’s performance as President – 54% disapprove while 36% approve – an indication that 
partisan divisions are returning. 
 
“Obama’s approval ratings in New Hampshire are similar to his national ratings,” said Andrew Smith, Director of the UNH 
Survey Center. “But the increasing polarization between Republicans and Democrats is an indication that bitter partisanship 
is likely to return.” 
                                                           
∗ We ask that this copyrighted information be referred to as the Granite State Poll, conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center. 
Presidential Approval – Barack Obama 
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Feb. '09 Apr. '09
Approve Disapprove
 
 
While Obama’s personal favorability rating remains at high levels, there has been an increase in his unfavorable ratings, 
similar to his job performance approval. Obama is currently viewed favorably by 64% of NH adults, 27% have an 
unfavorable opinion of him, and 7% are neutral.  Obama’s net favorability rating, the percentage having a favorable opinion 
minus the percentage having an unfavorable opinion, is +37%, a substantial drop from +55% shortly after his inauguration.   
 
 
 
Nearly all Democrats (98%) have a favorable opinion of Obama, 35% of Republicans have a favorable opinion, and 64% of 
political independents view him favorably. 
 
Favorability Ratings – Barack Obama 
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Presidential Approval – Barack Obama 
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Economic Approval Rating 
 
Despite the continued economic difficulties throughout the county, a majority of Granite staters approve of the actions 
Obama has taken so far to improve the market. Currently, 58% of New Hampshire adults approve of how Obama is handling 
the economy, 35% disapprove, and 7% are neutral. 
 
 
 
Similar to other measures, there is a significant partisan gap in approval of Obama’s handling of the economy. Currently, 
94% of Democrats, 27% of Republicans, and 53% of independents approve of Obama’s job handling of the economy. 
 
Favorability Rating – Barack Obama 
64%
7%
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Obama Approval:  Handling the Economy 
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Foreign Affairs 
 
Obama has seen a significant increase in the percentage of New Hampshire adults that support him on foreign affairs. 
Currently, 65% approve of how Obama is handling foreign affairs, 26% disapprove, and 8% are neutral. 
 
 
 
The partisan gap in approval of Obama’s handling of foreign affairs, while significant, is less severe in comparison to his 
economic approval. Obama receives approval of his actions in regards to foreign affairs from 95% of Democrats, 40% of 
Republicans, and 65% of independents. 
Obama Approval:  Handling the Economy 
58%
7%
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Obama Approval:  Foreign Affairs 
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Right Direction – Wrong Track 
 
For the first time since Spring of 2005, a majority of New Hampshire residents feel that the country is going in the right 
direction. Currently, 51% of New Hampshire adults think things in this country are generally going in the right direction, 
43% think things are seriously off on the wrong track, and 7% don’t know.   
 
 
 
Democrats are most optimistic about the county’s direction, with 75% thinking we are on the right track and 20% saying the 
country is on the wrong track, while only 33% of Republicans think the US is going in the right direction and 62% say things 
on the wrong track. 
 
US Heading in Right Direction or On Wrong Track 
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Right Direction Wrong Track
Obama Approval:  Foreign Affairs 
65%
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95%
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ALL GOP IND DEP
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
US Heading in Right Direction or On Wrong Track 
51%
43%
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All GOP IND DEM
Granite State Poll Methodology 
 
These findings are based on the latest Granite State Poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center.  
Five hundred and three (503) randomly selected New Hampshire adults were interviewed by telephone between April 13 and 
April 22, 2009.  The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/-4.4 percent. 
 
The data have been weighted to adjust for numbers of adults and telephone lines within households, respondent sex, and 
region of the state.  In addition to potential sampling error, all surveys have other potential sources of non-sampling error 
including question order effects, question wording effects, and non-response. 
 
 
Presidential Approval 
 
“GENERALLY SPEAKING, do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling his job as president?” 
 
 Approve Neutral Disapprove (N) 
Apr. ‘09 63% 8% 29% (500) 
Feb. ‘09 66% 14% 21% (614) 
  
 
Presidential Approval – Economy 
 
“GENERALLY SPEAKING, do you approve or disapprove of the way President Obama is handling THE ECONOMY?” 
 
 Approve Neutral Disapprove (N) 
Apr. ‘09 58% 7% 35% (499) 
Feb. ‘09 62% 14% 24% (614) 
 
 
Presidential Approval - Foreign Affairs 
 
“GENERALLY SPEAKING, do you approve or disapprove of the way President Obama is handling FOREIGN AFFAIRS?” 
 
 Approve Neutral Disapprove (N) 
Apr. ‘09 65% 8% 26% (496) 
Feb. ‘09 53% 32% 15% (607) 
 
 
 
 Favorability Rating – President Barack Obama 
 
"Next, I'd like to get your overall opinion of some people who have been in the news.  As I read each name, please say if you 
have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of this person - or if you don’t know enough about him or her to say. President 
Barack Obama?" 
 
 Favorable Neutral Unfavorable NET (N=) 
Apr. ‘09 64% 7% 27% +37% (503) 
Feb. ‘09 71% 9% 16% +55% (619) 
Sep. '08 53% 9% 36% +17% (522) 
July '08 58% 10% 31% +27% (474) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Right Track - Wrong Track 
 
“Do you think things in this country are generally going in the right direction or are they seriously off on the wrong track?” 
 
 Right 
Direction 
Wrong 
Track 
Don’t 
Know 
 
(N=) 
Apr. ‘09 51% 43% 7% (498) 
Feb. ‘09 38% 51% 11% (610) 
Sep. ‘08 21% 69% 10% (540) 
July '08 19% 73% 8% (508) 
Apr. '08 21% 74% 5% (487) 
Feb. ‘08 23% 71% 7% (553) 
Sep. ‘07 30% 62% 8% (505) 
July ‘07 34% 59% 6% (523) 
Apr. ‘07 37% 55% 8% (510) 
Feb. ‘07 40% 53% 7% (516) 
Sept. ‘06 34% 56% 10% (510) 
July ‘06 38% 51% 11% (496) 
Apr. ‘06 30% 62% 8% (501) 
Feb. ‘06 40% 53% 7% (487) 
Oct. ‘05 38% 55% 7% (498) 
July ‘05 47% 47% 6% (492) 
Apr. ‘05 46% 43% 11% (487) 
Feb. ‘05 53% 40% 7% (535) 
Oct. ‘04 46% 50% 4% (574) 
July ‘04 48% 43% 10% (500) 
Apr. ‘04 44% 48% 8% (535) 
Feb. ‘04 43% 49% 8% (503) 
Oct. ‘03 51% 43% 6% (487) 
June ‘03 56% 38% 5% (511) 
 
 
Presidential Approval Rating - Overall 
 
 Approve Neutral Disapprove (N=) 
STATEWIDE 63% 8% 29% 500 
 
Registered Democrat 95% 3% 3% 122 
Registered Undeclared 67% 4% 29% 197 
Registered Republican 30% 13% 56% 145 
 
Democrat 97% 2% 1% 179 
Independent 62% 10% 28% 101 
Republican 36% 9% 54% 204 
 
Liberal 93% 3% 4% 112 
Moderate 75% 7% 18% 188 
Conservative 27% 9% 64% 154 
 
McCain/Palin Voter 30% 10% 60% 208 
Obama/Biden Voter 94% 3% 4% 225 
Other 56% 24% 20% 18 
Did Not Vote in 2008 70% 15% 16% 34 
 
Union household 79% 4% 17% 71 
Non-union 61% 8% 31% 424 
 
10 yrs or less in NH 65% 7% 28% 92 
11 to 20 years 72% 2% 26% 91 
More than 20 years 61% 9% 30% 309 
 
18 to 34 66% 6% 28% 55 
35 to 49 67% 6% 27% 142 
50 to 64 60% 9% 31% 180 
65 and over 65% 8% 27% 104 
 
Male 62% 8% 30% 241 
Female 65% 7% 29% 259 
 
High school or less 54% 14% 32% 129 
Some college 64% 7% 28% 116 
College graduate 65% 6% 29% 139 
Post-graduate 71% 1% 28% 108 
 
Less than $30K 65% 8% 27% 44 
$30K to $60K 70% 5% 24% 91 
$60K to $75K 61% 5% 34% 48 
$75K to $100K 67% 6% 28% 55 
$100K or more 64% 5% 31% 106 
 
Married 60% 7% 33% 363 
Divorced/separated 75% 6% 19% 84 
Never married 71% 11% 19% 49 
 
Protestant 61% 6% 34% 192 
Catholic 54% 11% 35% 162 
Other 80% 5% 14% 131 
 
Attend services 1 or more/week 47% 8% 44% 142 
1-2 times a month 74% 4% 22% 55 
Less often 63% 9% 28% 145 
Never 75% 6% 19% 145 
 
North Country 60% 11% 30% 43 
Central / Lakes 66% 10% 24% 82 
Connecticut Valley 66% 13% 21% 66 
Mass Border 66% 6% 28% 138 
Seacoast 72% 2% 26% 81 
Manchester Area 50% 7% 43% 90 
 
First Cong. Dist 61% 6% 33% 260 
Second Cong. Dist 67% 10% 24% 237 
Presidential Approval Rating - Economy 
 
 Approve Neutral Disapprove (N=) 
STATEWIDE 58% 7% 35% 499 
 
Registered Democrat 95% 2% 3% 122 
Registered Undeclared 60% 6% 34% 196 
Registered Republican 24% 10% 66% 145 
 
Democrat 94% 4% 2% 179 
Independent 53% 12% 34% 101 
Republican 27% 8% 65% 203 
 
Liberal 93% 2% 5% 112 
Moderate 68% 8% 24% 187 
Conservative 20% 9% 71% 156 
 
McCain/Palin Voter 22% 7% 71% 209 
Obama/Biden Voter 90% 5% 5% 223 
Other 61% 19% 20% 18 
Did Not Vote in 2008 57% 22% 21% 34 
 
Union household 72% 4% 24% 71 
Non-union 55% 8% 37% 423 
 
10 yrs or less in NH 58% 9% 33% 90 
11 to 20 years 65% 5% 30% 91 
More than 20 years 56% 8% 37% 310 
 
18 to 34 59% 4% 37% 55 
35 to 49 62% 8% 30% 143 
50 to 64 53% 8% 38% 177 
65 and over 59% 9% 32% 104 
 
Male 56% 6% 38% 240 
Female 59% 9% 32% 259 
 
High school or less 44% 15% 41% 127 
Some college 59% 5% 36% 118 
College graduate 58% 5% 37% 138 
Post-graduate 70% 5% 24% 108 
 
Less than $30K 59% 11% 30% 44 
$30K to $60K 61% 9% 30% 91 
$60K to $75K 56% 5% 38% 48 
$75K to $100K 56% 2% 42% 54 
$100K or more 57% 11% 32% 106 
 
Married 53% 8% 39% 363 
Divorced/separated 72% 6% 22% 84 
Never married 65% 7% 28% 48 
 
Protestant 51% 8% 40% 190 
Catholic 52% 9% 39% 162 
Other 76% 4% 20% 133 
 
Attend services 1 or more/week 45% 8% 47% 142 
1-2 times a month 59% 5% 36% 55 
Less often 57% 12% 32% 142 
Never 69% 5% 27% 146 
 
North Country 62% 9% 30% 43 
Central / Lakes 68% 6% 27% 82 
Connecticut Valley 61% 12% 27% 65 
Mass Border 57% 9% 34% 136 
Seacoast 62% 4% 34% 83 
Manchester Area 41% 6% 52% 90 
 
First Cong. Dist 53% 6% 41% 261 
Second Cong. Dist 63% 9% 27% 234 
Presidential Approval Rating - Foreign Affairs 
 
 Approve Neutral Disapprove (N=) 
STATEWIDE 65% 8% 26% 496 
 
Registered Democrat 93% 4% 3% 122 
Registered Undeclared 67% 9% 24% 196 
Registered Republican 39% 7% 54% 142 
 
Democrat 95% 4% 1% 178 
Independent 65% 12% 23% 101 
Republican 40% 10% 50% 201 
 
Liberal 92% 5% 4% 110 
Moderate 76% 7% 16% 186 
Conservative 34% 9% 57% 153 
 
McCain/Palin Voter 35% 9% 56% 206 
Obama/Biden Voter 92% 5% 3% 224 
Other 77% 23% 0% 18 
Did Not Vote in 2008 67% 18% 15% 33 
 
Union household 78% 6% 16% 71 
Non-union 63% 9% 28% 420 
 
10 yrs or less in NH 65% 9% 26% 91 
11 to 20 years 71% 6% 23% 91 
More than 20 years 63% 9% 27% 306 
 
18 to 34 67% 8% 25% 55 
35 to 49 68% 8% 24% 143 
50 to 64 61% 10% 29% 177 
65 and over 68% 8% 24% 102 
 
Male 65% 7% 28% 239 
Female 65% 10% 25% 257 
 
High school or less 54% 18% 27% 124 
Some college 64% 8% 28% 118 
College graduate 67% 6% 27% 139 
Post-graduate 75% 1% 24% 107 
 
Less than $30K 69% 8% 22% 44 
$30K to $60K 65% 11% 23% 91 
$60K to $75K 57% 14% 28% 48 
$75K to $100K 67% 7% 26% 56 
$100K or more 70% 4% 26% 106 
 
Married 64% 8% 28% 359 
Divorced/separated 70% 11% 20% 84 
Never married 67% 8% 25% 49 
 
Protestant 61% 9% 30% 191 
Catholic 57% 10% 33% 160 
Other 83% 6% 11% 131 
 
Attend services 1 or more/week 52% 11% 37% 141 
1-2 times a month 79% 0% 21% 53 
Less often 63% 10% 26% 144 
Never 74% 8% 18% 145 
 
North Country 57% 13% 30% 43 
Central / Lakes 66% 10% 24% 82 
Connecticut Valley 73% 12% 14% 66 
Mass Border 63% 8% 29% 136 
Seacoast 72% 6% 22% 81 
Manchester Area 60% 4% 36% 88 
 
First Cong. Dist 66% 5% 29% 258 
Second Cong. Dist 65% 12% 23% 235 
U.S. Right Direction / Wrong Track 
 
 Right Wrong Don't 
 Direction Track Know (N=) 
STATEWIDE 51% 43% 7% 498 
 
Registered Democrat 78% 16% 6% 122 
Registered Undeclared 49% 44% 7% 196 
Registered Republican 32% 63% 5% 145 
 
Democrat 75% 20% 5% 177 
Independent 40% 48% 11% 103 
Republican 33% 62% 6% 202 
 
Liberal 76% 20% 3% 111 
Moderate 57% 36% 7% 188 
Conservative 23% 71% 6% 155 
 
McCain/Palin Voter 30% 65% 5% 210 
Obama/Biden Voter 74% 21% 5% 221 
Other 27% 58% 14% 18 
Did Not Vote in 2008 42% 46% 12% 34 
 
Union household 68% 31% 1% 71 
Non-union 48% 45% 7% 422 
 
10 yrs or less in NH 54% 41% 5% 88 
11 to 20 years 49% 44% 7% 91 
More than 20 years 50% 44% 7% 311 
 
18 to 34 42% 51% 7% 54 
35 to 49 49% 46% 6% 142 
50 to 64 52% 41% 7% 177 
65 and over 54% 40% 6% 106 
 
Male 50% 44% 6% 242 
Female 52% 41% 7% 256 
 
High school or less 44% 50% 6% 126 
Some college 46% 44% 10% 118 
College graduate 48% 46% 6% 137 
Post-graduate 66% 31% 3% 108 
 
Less than $30K 48% 44% 8% 44 
$30K to $60K 53% 42% 5% 91 
$60K to $75K 51% 43% 6% 47 
$75K to $100K 56% 38% 6% 54 
$100K or more 55% 40% 5% 105 
 
Married 50% 44% 6% 363 
Divorced/separated 56% 36% 7% 84 
Never married 44% 48% 8% 47 
 
Protestant 49% 47% 4% 190 
Catholic 48% 41% 10% 160 
Other 55% 40% 5% 133 
 
Attend services 1 or more/week 45% 50% 5% 142 
1-2 times a month 51% 43% 6% 55 
Less often 53% 41% 6% 141 
Never 51% 42% 8% 146 
 
North Country 57% 43% 0% 43 
Central / Lakes 57% 37% 6% 83 
Connecticut Valley 47% 44% 9% 67 
Mass Border 51% 45% 4% 134 
Seacoast 47% 45% 8% 82 
Manchester Area 48% 42% 10% 90 
 
First Cong. Dist 48% 45% 8% 259 
Second Cong. Dist 54% 41% 5% 236 
 
Favorability Rating – Barack Obama 
 
 Favorable Neutral Unfavorable DK (N) 
STATEWIDE 64% 7% 27% 2% 503 
 
Registered Democrat 96% 3% 2% 0% 122 
Registered Undeclared 66% 7% 26% 1% 200 
Registered Republican 34% 10% 52% 4% 145 
 
Democrat 98% 1% 1% 0% 179 
Independent 64% 8% 26% 2% 103 
Republican 35% 11% 51% 3% 205 
 
Liberal 94% 1% 5% 0% 112 
Moderate 77% 5% 16% 2% 189 
Conservative 27% 11% 59% 3% 156 
 
McCain/Palin Voter 32% 11% 55% 2% 211 
Obama/Biden Voter 93% 3% 3% 1% 225 
Other 67% 5% 15% 14% 18 
Did Not Vote in 2008 65% 12% 20% 3% 34 
 
Union household 83% 3% 14% 0% 71 
Non-union 61% 8% 29% 2% 427 
 
10 yrs or less in NH 63% 7% 28% 2% 92 
11 to 20 years 70% 7% 23% 0% 91 
More than 20 years 63% 7% 27% 2% 312 
 
18 to 34 66% 5% 29% 0% 55 
35 to 49 65% 5% 26% 4% 143 
50 to 64 64% 9% 26% 1% 180 
65 and over 63% 8% 27% 2% 106 
 
Male 63% 8% 28% 2% 244 
Female 66% 6% 26% 2% 259 
 
High school or less 55% 13% 30% 2% 130 
Some college 64% 5% 25% 5% 118 
College graduate 66% 4% 29% 1% 139 
Post-graduate 71% 6% 23% 0% 108 
 
Less than $30K 67% 8% 25% 0% 44 
$30K to $60K 68% 5% 26% 2% 91 
$60K to $75K 56% 10% 32% 3% 48 
$75K to $100K 64% 10% 24% 2% 56 
$100K or more 66% 4% 28% 3% 106 
 
Married 62% 6% 30% 2% 364 
Divorced/separated 72% 10% 17% 1% 84 
Never married 67% 10% 21% 3% 50 
 
Protestant 60% 9% 29% 2% 192 
Catholic 59% 7% 33% 1% 162 
Other 77% 6% 14% 3% 134 
 
Attend services 1 or more/week 51% 8% 38% 2% 142 
1-2 times a month 72% 4% 24% 0% 55 
Less often 63% 9% 25% 2% 145 
Never 73% 5% 19% 2% 148 
 
North Country 59% 6% 32% 3% 43 
Central / Lakes 67% 4% 25% 4% 83 
Connecticut Valley 68% 10% 19% 3% 67 
Mass Border 68% 6% 25% 0% 138 
Seacoast 69% 6% 24% 2% 83 
Manchester Area 50% 11% 38% 2% 90 
 
First Cong. Dist 62% 6% 30% 1% 261 
Second Cong. Dist 67% 8% 23% 2% 238 


https://scholars.unh.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1328&amp;context=survey_center_polls

New Hampshire Thinks U.S. is on the Right Track After Obama\u27s First 100 Days 4/27/2009

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