President Barack Obama has high approval ratings in New Hampshire during the early stages of his presidency

Survey Center, UNH

English

University of New Hampshire

 THE GRANITE STATE POLL  
THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE SURVEY CENTER 
 
February 16, 2009 
 
OBAMA BEGINS PRESIDENCY WITH HIGH MARKS IN NH 
 
By: Andrew E. Smith, Ph.D. 
 UNH Survey Center 
 603/862-2226  
 www.unh.edu/survey-center 
 
DURHAM, NH – President Barack Obama has high approval ratings in New Hampshire during the early stages of his 
presidency. 
 
These findings are based on the latest Granite State Poll,∗ conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center.  
Six hundred nineteen (619) randomly selected New Hampshire adults were interviewed by telephone between February 5 
and February 9, 2009.  The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/-3.9 percent. 
 
Presidential Approval 
 
In the first Granite State Poll conducted after President Obama’s inauguration, a solid majority of New Hampshire adults 
approve of how he has performed so far as President. Currently, 66% of New Hampshire adults say they approve of the job 
Obama is doing as president, 21% disapprove, and 14% are neutral. 
 
Obama continues to receive the approval of political independents and the vast majority of Democrats. Currently, 65% of 
political independents approve of his job performance, and 90% of Democrats approve.  However, a plurality of Republicans 
disapprove of Obama’s performance as President – 44% disapprove while 39% approve – an indication that old partisan 
divides are reviving. 
 
                                                           
∗ 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 
66%
14%
21%
39%
17%
44%
65%
20%
15%
90%
7%
4%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Approve Neutral Disapprove
All GOP IND DEM
Obama’s personal favorability rating has risen substantially since his election. Obama is currently view favorably by 71% of 
NH adults, 16% have an unfavorable opinion of him, and 9% are neutral.  Obama’s net favorability rating, the percentage 
having a favorable opinion minus the percentage having an unfavorable opinion, is +55%, the highest net approval rating he 
has received in the Granite State Poll.  Nearly all Democrats (95%) have a favorable opinion of Obama, 45% of Republicans 
have a favorable opinion, and 68% of political independents view him favorably. 
 
 
 
 
Economic Approval Rating 
 
Both the U.S. and New Hampshire economies have dropped significantly in recent months, but most Granite staters approve 
of the steps Obama has taken so far to steady the market. Currently, 62% of New Hampshire adults approve of how Obama 
is handling the economy, 24% disapprove, and 14% are neutral. 
 
 
Obama Approval:  Handling the Economy 
62%
14%
24%
36%
15%
49%
57%
20%
23%
87%
8%
4%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Approve Neutral Disapprove
All GOP IND DEM
Favorability Ratings – Barack Obama 
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
July '08 Sep. '08 Feb. '09
Favorable Unfavorable
Foreign Affairs 
 
Obama’s handling of foreign affairs also receives the support of most New Hampshire residents. Currently, 53% approve of 
how Obama is handling foreign affairs, 15% disapprove, and 32% are neutral. 
 
 
 
 
Right Track – Wrong Track 
 
Overall, New Hampshire residents continue to be pessimistic about the direction the country is heading, though there has 
been a significant improvement in this trend since Obama took office.  Only 38% of New Hampshire adults think things in 
this country are generally going in the right direction, 51% think things are seriously off on the wrong track, and 11% don’t 
know.  Democrats are most optimistic about the county’s direction, with 51% thinking we are on the right track and 40% 
saying the country is on the wrong track, while only 27% of Republicans think the US is going in the right direction and 66% 
say things on the wrong track. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Obama Approval:  Foreign Affairs 
53%
32%
15%
30%
36%
33%
49%
39%
12%
74%
25%
1%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Approve Neutral Disapprove
ALL GOP IND DEP
US Heading in Right Direction or On Wrong Track 
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
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Right Direction Wrong Track
Granite State Poll Methodology 
 
These findings are based on the latest Granite State Poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center.  
Six hundred nineteen (619) randomly selected New Hampshire adults were interviewed by telephone between February 5 
and February 9, 2009.  The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/-3.9 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) 
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) 
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) 
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=) 
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=) 
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 66% 14% 21% 614 
 
Registered Democrat 91% 5% 4% 182 
Registered Undeclared 66% 16% 18% 225 
Registered Republican 38% 17% 46% 164 
 
Democrat 90% 7% 4% 262 
Independent 65% 20% 15% 121 
Republican 39% 17% 44% 220 
 
Liberal 91% 7% 2% 118 
Moderate 75% 13% 12% 285 
Conservative 33% 18% 50% 168 
 
McCain/Palin Voter 33% 18% 49% 236 
Obama/Biden Voter 92% 7% 1% 299 
Other 60% 17% 23% 9 
Did Not Vote in 2008 58% 32% 10% 46 
 
Union household 74% 8% 18% 90 
Non-union 64% 15% 21% 517 
 
10 yrs or less in NH 64% 12% 24% 98 
11 to 20 years 64% 15% 21% 108 
More than 20 years 67% 13% 20% 402 
 
18 to 34 60% 20% 20% 71 
35 to 49 70% 10% 20% 173 
50 to 64 70% 11% 19% 218 
65 and over 57% 18% 24% 137 
 
Male 57% 15% 28% 305 
Female 74% 13% 13% 309 
 
High school or less 55% 17% 28% 138 
Some college 62% 18% 20% 140 
College graduate 70% 12% 18% 211 
Post-graduate 73% 9% 18% 124 
 
Less than $30K 59% 18% 23% 60 
$30K to $60K 64% 14% 23% 95 
$60K to $75K 65% 11% 24% 58 
$75K to $100K 66% 13% 22% 63 
$100K or more 74% 10% 16% 142 
 
Married 67% 11% 22% 421 
Divorced/separated 59% 20% 22% 116 
Never married 67% 17% 16% 75 
 
Protestant 62% 16% 22% 218 
Catholic 65% 12% 23% 203 
Other 73% 11% 16% 169 
 
Attend services 1 or more/week 59% 15% 27% 142 
1-2 times a month 71% 10% 19% 85 
Less often 64% 16% 20% 193 
Never 72% 11% 17% 180 
 
North Country 56% 14% 30% 58 
Central / Lakes 68% 13% 18% 106 
Connecticut Valley 80% 11% 8% 85 
Mass Border 61% 13% 26% 167 
Seacoast 71% 11% 18% 106 
Manchester Area 57% 19% 24% 93 
 
First Cong. Dist 64% 15% 22% 308 
Second Cong. Dist 68% 12% 20% 306 
Presidential Approval Rating - Economy 
 
 Approve Neutral Disapprove (N=) 
STATEWIDE 62% 14% 24% 614 
 
Registered Democrat 86% 9% 4% 183 
Registered Undeclared 63% 14% 23% 225 
Registered Republican 33% 16% 51% 163 
 
Democrat 87% 8% 4% 263 
Independent 57% 20% 23% 121 
Republican 36% 15% 49% 219 
 
Liberal 88% 8% 4% 118 
Moderate 70% 11% 18% 285 
Conservative 27% 21% 52% 168 
 
McCain/Palin Voter 28% 17% 55% 237 
Obama/Biden Voter 90% 7% 3% 300 
Other 56% 21% 23% 9 
Did Not Vote in 2008 54% 30% 17% 46 
 
Union household 66% 12% 22% 90 
Non-union 61% 14% 24% 517 
 
10 yrs or less in NH 58% 12% 30% 99 
11 to 20 years 62% 16% 23% 109 
More than 20 years 63% 13% 23% 401 
 
18 to 34 52% 17% 31% 71 
35 to 49 69% 8% 24% 173 
50 to 64 66% 13% 21% 219 
65 and over 53% 20% 27% 136 
 
Male 54% 16% 30% 304 
Female 70% 12% 19% 311 
 
High school or less 52% 16% 32% 138 
Some college 62% 14% 24% 139 
College graduate 64% 14% 22% 212 
Post-graduate 69% 11% 20% 124 
 
Less than $30K 56% 22% 23% 59 
$30K to $60K 61% 17% 21% 95 
$60K to $75K 60% 8% 32% 58 
$75K to $100K 57% 8% 34% 63 
$100K or more 74% 7% 19% 142 
 
Married 64% 11% 25% 420 
Divorced/separated 54% 22% 23% 116 
Never married 62% 14% 24% 75 
 
Protestant 58% 13% 29% 218 
Catholic 61% 15% 24% 203 
Other 68% 11% 20% 169 
 
Attend services 1 or more/week 55% 18% 27% 142 
1-2 times a month 67% 8% 25% 85 
Less often 60% 12% 28% 193 
Never 69% 12% 19% 180 
 
North Country 52% 5% 42% 56 
Central / Lakes 65% 15% 20% 105 
Connecticut Valley 75% 10% 14% 85 
Mass Border 54% 16% 29% 167 
Seacoast 70% 10% 20% 107 
Manchester Area 57% 20% 23% 93 
 
First Cong. Dist 61% 14% 25% 309 
Second Cong. Dist 62% 14% 24% 305 
Presidential Approval Rating - Foreign Affairs 
 
 Approve Neutral Disapprove (N=) 
STATEWIDE 53% 32% 15% 607 
 
Registered Democrat 74% 24% 2% 182 
Registered Undeclared 57% 30% 13% 222 
Registered Republican 26% 41% 33% 160 
 
Democrat 74% 25% 1% 263 
Independent 49% 39% 12% 117 
Republican 30% 36% 33% 217 
 
Liberal 76% 23% 1% 116 
Moderate 58% 33% 9% 283 
Conservative 27% 37% 36% 164 
 
McCain/Palin Voter 27% 39% 34% 232 
Obama/Biden Voter 75% 24% 1% 299 
Other 44% 45% 11% 8 
Did Not Vote in 2008 39% 45% 16% 46 
 
Union household 59% 26% 15% 90 
Non-union 52% 34% 14% 509 
 
10 yrs or less in NH 51% 28% 21% 97 
11 to 20 years 53% 32% 15% 109 
More than 20 years 53% 34% 13% 396 
 
18 to 34 46% 34% 20% 71 
35 to 49 60% 24% 17% 172 
50 to 64 56% 32% 12% 216 
65 and over 42% 45% 13% 133 
 
Male 48% 35% 17% 298 
Female 57% 30% 13% 310 
 
High school or less 46% 30% 24% 135 
Some college 44% 41% 15% 139 
College graduate 57% 32% 11% 210 
Post-graduate 63% 25% 13% 122 
 
Less than $30K 44% 38% 18% 59 
$30K to $60K 46% 35% 19% 95 
$60K to $75K 55% 31% 14% 57 
$75K to $100K 61% 25% 14% 63 
$100K or more 59% 26% 14% 142 
 
Married 56% 30% 14% 414 
Divorced/separated 38% 43% 18% 115 
Never married 54% 31% 15% 75 
 
Protestant 49% 33% 18% 214 
Catholic 50% 36% 15% 202 
Other 64% 26% 10% 166 
 
Attend services 1 or more/week 50% 34% 16% 138 
1-2 times a month 57% 29% 14% 85 
Less often 52% 32% 16% 192 
Never 57% 30% 13% 179 
 
North Country 53% 30% 17% 55 
Central / Lakes 51% 36% 14% 104 
Connecticut Valley 64% 26% 10% 84 
Mass Border 54% 28% 19% 165 
Seacoast 54% 33% 14% 107 
Manchester Area 41% 45% 14% 93 
 
First Cong. Dist 49% 35% 16% 309 
Second Cong. Dist 56% 30% 14% 298 
U.S. Right Direction / Wrong Track 
 
 Right Wrong Don't 
 Direction Track Know (N=) 
STATEWIDE 38% 51% 11% 610 
 
Registered Democrat 52% 38% 10% 179 
Registered Undeclared 34% 54% 12% 223 
Registered Republican 28% 62% 11% 165 
 
Democrat 51% 40% 9% 259 
Independent 33% 48% 20% 121 
Republican 27% 66% 7% 220 
 
Liberal 57% 33% 10% 117 
Moderate 39% 47% 14% 285 
Conservative 24% 69% 6% 166 
 
McCain/Palin Voter 22% 68% 10% 237 
Obama/Biden Voter 52% 38% 10% 294 
Other 35% 56% 9% 9 
Did Not Vote in 2008 37% 44% 19% 45 
 
Union household 44% 39% 17% 89 
Non-union 38% 53% 10% 515 
 
10 yrs or less in NH 40% 56% 4% 100 
11 to 20 years 34% 52% 14% 108 
More than 20 years 39% 49% 12% 396 
 
18 to 34 44% 49% 8% 71 
35 to 49 40% 53% 7% 171 
50 to 64 37% 53% 11% 215 
65 and over 38% 47% 15% 137 
 
Male 33% 54% 12% 302 
Female 43% 47% 9% 308 
 
High school or less 34% 53% 13% 138 
Some college 35% 51% 13% 138 
College graduate 45% 47% 9% 212 
Post-graduate 36% 55% 9% 121 
 
Less than $30K 38% 46% 16% 60 
$30K to $60K 49% 43% 8% 95 
$60K to $75K 37% 58% 5% 57 
$75K to $100K 26% 63% 12% 61 
$100K or more 40% 51% 9% 141 
 
Married 39% 52% 9% 416 
Divorced/separated 34% 50% 16% 116 
Never married 44% 42% 14% 74 
 
Protestant 40% 52% 8% 216 
Catholic 39% 49% 12% 202 
Other 33% 55% 12% 167 
 
Attend services 1 or more/week 36% 49% 14% 143 
1-2 times a month 38% 55% 7% 83 
Less often 41% 52% 7% 191 
Never 38% 49% 13% 180 
 
North Country 31% 57% 12% 55 
Central / Lakes 40% 48% 12% 104 
Connecticut Valley 50% 42% 8% 84 
Mass Border 36% 57% 7% 168 
Seacoast 36% 46% 17% 107 
Manchester Area 38% 52% 10% 92 
 
First Cong. Dist 36% 51% 12% 309 
Second Cong. Dist 41% 50% 9% 301 
 
Favorability Rating – Barack Obama 
 
 Favorable Neutral Unfavorable DK (N) 
STATEWIDE 71% 9% 16% 3% 619 
 
Registered Democrat 94% 4% 1% 1% 183 
Registered Undeclared 72% 9% 15% 3% 227 
Registered Republican 44% 14% 36% 6% 166 
 
Democrat 95% 2% 2% 1% 263 
Independent 68% 17% 12% 3% 123 
Republican 45% 12% 36% 6% 223 
 
Liberal 95% 1% 3% 1% 118 
Moderate 80% 11% 8% 2% 287 
Conservative 39% 13% 41% 7% 170 
 
McCain/Palin Voter 39% 16% 39% 5% 239 
Obama/Biden Voter 98% 2% 0% 1% 300 
Other 60% 17% 23% 0% 9 
Did Not Vote in 2008 70% 14% 9% 6% 46 
 
Union household 72% 10% 12% 6% 90 
Non-union 72% 9% 17% 3% 521 
 
10 yrs or less in NH 67% 8% 21% 4% 101 
11 to 20 years 72% 10% 19% 0% 110 
More than 20 years 73% 9% 14% 4% 402 
 
18 to 34 72% 5% 20% 3% 71 
35 to 49 72% 9% 17% 3% 174 
50 to 64 74% 10% 11% 4% 219 
65 and over 67% 10% 20% 4% 140 
 
Male 64% 10% 21% 5% 306 
Female 78% 7% 12% 2% 313 
 
High school or less 65% 9% 20% 6% 140 
Some college 70% 9% 16% 4% 140 
College graduate 74% 9% 15% 2% 212 
Post-graduate 76% 9% 13% 2% 124 
 
Less than $30K 72% 9% 16% 3% 60 
$30K to $60K 73% 7% 16% 4% 95 
$60K to $75K 66% 11% 21% 2% 57 
$75K to $100K 64% 14% 20% 2% 63 
$100K or more 80% 5% 13% 2% 142 
 
Married 71% 9% 18% 3% 423 
Divorced/separated 69% 12% 12% 6% 117 
Never married 77% 5% 16% 1% 75 
 
Protestant 66% 10% 21% 2% 218 
Catholic 72% 7% 18% 3% 205 
Other 76% 10% 9% 5% 169 
 
Attend services 1 or more/week 65% 12% 22% 2% 143 
1-2 times a month 71% 9% 18% 1% 86 
Less often 71% 8% 19% 2% 194 
Never 78% 7% 9% 7% 181 
 
North Country 59% 14% 19% 8% 58 
Central / Lakes 74% 6% 16% 3% 106 
Connecticut Valley 80% 7% 8% 5% 85 
Mass Border 67% 7% 21% 4% 168 
Seacoast 78% 8% 13% 2% 108 
Manchester Area 68% 14% 18% 0% 94 
 
First Cong. Dist 72% 10% 16% 2% 311 
Second Cong. Dist 71% 7% 17% 5% 308 


Obama Begins Presidency with High Marks in NH 2/16/2009

UNH Scholars' Repository

 THE GRANITE STATE POLL  THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE SURVEY CENTER  February 16, 2009  OBAMA BEGINS PRESIDENCY WITH HIGH MARKS IN NH  By: Andrew E. Smith, Ph.D.  UNH Survey Center  603/862-2226   www.unh.edu/survey-center  DURHAM, NH – President Barack Obama has high approval ratings in New Hampshire during the early stages of his presidency.  These findings are based on the latest Granite State Poll,∗ conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center.  Six hundred nineteen (619) randomly selected New Hampshire adults were interviewed by telephone between February 5 and February 9, 2009.  The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/-3.9 percent.  Presidential Approval  In the first Granite State Poll conducted after President Obama’s inauguration, a solid majority of New Hampshire adults approve of how he has performed so far as President. Currently, 66% of New Hampshire adults say they approve of the job Obama is doing as president, 21% disapprove, and 14% are neutral.  Obama continues to receive the approval of political independents and the vast majority of Democrats. Currently, 65% of political independents approve of his job performance, and 90% of Democrats approve.  However, a plurality of Republicans disapprove of Obama’s performance as President – 44% disapprove while 39% approve – an indication that old partisan divides are reviving.                                                             ∗ 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 66%14%21%39%17%44%65%20%15%90%7%4%0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%Approve Neutral DisapproveAll GOP IND DEMObama’s personal favorability rating has risen substantially since his election. Obama is currently view favorably by 71% of NH adults, 16% have an unfavorable opinion of him, and 9% are neutral.  Obama’s net favorability rating, the percentage having a favorable opinion minus the percentage having an unfavorable opinion, is +55%, the highest net approval rating he has received in the Granite State Poll.  Nearly all Democrats (95%) have a favorable opinion of Obama, 45% of Republicans have a favorable opinion, and 68% of political independents view him favorably.     Economic Approval Rating  Both the U.S. and New Hampshire economies have dropped significantly in recent months, but most Granite staters approve of the steps Obama has taken so far to steady the market. Currently, 62% of New Hampshire adults approve of how Obama is handling the economy, 24% disapprove, and 14% are neutral.   Obama Approval:  Handling the Economy 62%14%24%36%15%49%57%20%23%87%8%4%0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%Approve Neutral DisapproveAll GOP IND DEMFavorability Ratings – Barack Obama 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%July '08 Sep. '08 Feb. '09Favorable UnfavorableForeign Affairs  Obama’s handling of foreign affairs also receives the support of most New Hampshire residents. Currently, 53% approve of how Obama is handling foreign affairs, 15% disapprove, and 32% are neutral.     Right Track – Wrong Track  Overall, New Hampshire residents continue to be pessimistic about the direction the country is heading, though there has been a significant improvement in this trend since Obama took office.  Only 38% of New Hampshire adults think things in this country are generally going in the right direction, 51% think things are seriously off on the wrong track, and 11% don’t know.  Democrats are most optimistic about the county’s direction, with 51% thinking we are on the right track and 40% saying the country is on the wrong track, while only 27% of Republicans think the US is going in the right direction and 66% say things on the wrong track.       Obama Approval:  Foreign Affairs 53%32%15%30%36%33%49%39%12%74%25%1%0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%Approve Neutral DisapproveALL GOP IND DEPUS 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. '09Right Direction Wrong TrackGranite State Poll Methodology  These findings are based on the latest Granite State Poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center.  Six hundred nineteen (619) randomly selected New Hampshire adults were interviewed by telephone between February 5 and February 9, 2009.  The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/-3.9 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) 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) 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) 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=) 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=) 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 66% 14% 21% 614  Registered Democrat 91% 5% 4% 182 Registered Undeclared 66% 16% 18% 225 Registered Republican 38% 17% 46% 164  Democrat 90% 7% 4% 262 Independent 65% 20% 15% 121 Republican 39% 17% 44% 220  Liberal 91% 7% 2% 118 Moderate 75% 13% 12% 285 Conservative 33% 18% 50% 168  McCain/Palin Voter 33% 18% 49% 236 Obama/Biden Voter 92% 7% 1% 299 Other 60% 17% 23% 9 Did Not Vote in 2008 58% 32% 10% 46  Union household 74% 8% 18% 90 Non-union 64% 15% 21% 517  10 yrs or less in NH 64% 12% 24% 98 11 to 20 years 64% 15% 21% 108 More than 20 years 67% 13% 20% 402  18 to 34 60% 20% 20% 71 35 to 49 70% 10% 20% 173 50 to 64 70% 11% 19% 218 65 and over 57% 18% 24% 137  Male 57% 15% 28% 305 Female 74% 13% 13% 309  High school or less 55% 17% 28% 138 Some college 62% 18% 20% 140 College graduate 70% 12% 18% 211 Post-graduate 73% 9% 18% 124  Less than $30K 59% 18% 23% 60 $30K to $60K 64% 14% 23% 95 $60K to $75K 65% 11% 24% 58 $75K to $100K 66% 13% 22% 63 $100K or more 74% 10% 16% 142  Married 67% 11% 22% 421 Divorced/separated 59% 20% 22% 116 Never married 67% 17% 16% 75  Protestant 62% 16% 22% 218 Catholic 65% 12% 23% 203 Other 73% 11% 16% 169  Attend services 1 or more/week 59% 15% 27% 142 1-2 times a month 71% 10% 19% 85 Less often 64% 16% 20% 193 Never 72% 11% 17% 180  North Country 56% 14% 30% 58 Central / Lakes 68% 13% 18% 106 Connecticut Valley 80% 11% 8% 85 Mass Border 61% 13% 26% 167 Seacoast 71% 11% 18% 106 Manchester Area 57% 19% 24% 93  First Cong. Dist 64% 15% 22% 308 Second Cong. Dist 68% 12% 20% 306 Presidential Approval Rating - Economy   Approve Neutral Disapprove (N=) STATEWIDE 62% 14% 24% 614  Registered Democrat 86% 9% 4% 183 Registered Undeclared 63% 14% 23% 225 Registered Republican 33% 16% 51% 163  Democrat 87% 8% 4% 263 Independent 57% 20% 23% 121 Republican 36% 15% 49% 219  Liberal 88% 8% 4% 118 Moderate 70% 11% 18% 285 Conservative 27% 21% 52% 168  McCain/Palin Voter 28% 17% 55% 237 Obama/Biden Voter 90% 7% 3% 300 Other 56% 21% 23% 9 Did Not Vote in 2008 54% 30% 17% 46  Union household 66% 12% 22% 90 Non-union 61% 14% 24% 517  10 yrs or less in NH 58% 12% 30% 99 11 to 20 years 62% 16% 23% 109 More than 20 years 63% 13% 23% 401  18 to 34 52% 17% 31% 71 35 to 49 69% 8% 24% 173 50 to 64 66% 13% 21% 219 65 and over 53% 20% 27% 136  Male 54% 16% 30% 304 Female 70% 12% 19% 311  High school or less 52% 16% 32% 138 Some college 62% 14% 24% 139 College graduate 64% 14% 22% 212 Post-graduate 69% 11% 20% 124  Less than $30K 56% 22% 23% 59 $30K to $60K 61% 17% 21% 95 $60K to $75K 60% 8% 32% 58 $75K to $100K 57% 8% 34% 63 $100K or more 74% 7% 19% 142  Married 64% 11% 25% 420 Divorced/separated 54% 22% 23% 116 Never married 62% 14% 24% 75  Protestant 58% 13% 29% 218 Catholic 61% 15% 24% 203 Other 68% 11% 20% 169  Attend services 1 or more/week 55% 18% 27% 142 1-2 times a month 67% 8% 25% 85 Less often 60% 12% 28% 193 Never 69% 12% 19% 180  North Country 52% 5% 42% 56 Central / Lakes 65% 15% 20% 105 Connecticut Valley 75% 10% 14% 85 Mass Border 54% 16% 29% 167 Seacoast 70% 10% 20% 107 Manchester Area 57% 20% 23% 93  First Cong. Dist 61% 14% 25% 309 Second Cong. Dist 62% 14% 24% 305 Presidential Approval Rating - Foreign Affairs   Approve Neutral Disapprove (N=) STATEWIDE 53% 32% 15% 607  Registered Democrat 74% 24% 2% 182 Registered Undeclared 57% 30% 13% 222 Registered Republican 26% 41% 33% 160  Democrat 74% 25% 1% 263 Independent 49% 39% 12% 117 Republican 30% 36% 33% 217  Liberal 76% 23% 1% 116 Moderate 58% 33% 9% 283 Conservative 27% 37% 36% 164  McCain/Palin Voter 27% 39% 34% 232 Obama/Biden Voter 75% 24% 1% 299 Other 44% 45% 11% 8 Did Not Vote in 2008 39% 45% 16% 46  Union household 59% 26% 15% 90 Non-union 52% 34% 14% 509  10 yrs or less in NH 51% 28% 21% 97 11 to 20 years 53% 32% 15% 109 More than 20 years 53% 34% 13% 396  18 to 34 46% 34% 20% 71 35 to 49 60% 24% 17% 172 50 to 64 56% 32% 12% 216 65 and over 42% 45% 13% 133  Male 48% 35% 17% 298 Female 57% 30% 13% 310  High school or less 46% 30% 24% 135 Some college 44% 41% 15% 139 College graduate 57% 32% 11% 210 Post-graduate 63% 25% 13% 122  Less than $30K 44% 38% 18% 59 $30K to $60K 46% 35% 19% 95 $60K to $75K 55% 31% 14% 57 $75K to $100K 61% 25% 14% 63 $100K or more 59% 26% 14% 142  Married 56% 30% 14% 414 Divorced/separated 38% 43% 18% 115 Never married 54% 31% 15% 75  Protestant 49% 33% 18% 214 Catholic 50% 36% 15% 202 Other 64% 26% 10% 166  Attend services 1 or more/week 50% 34% 16% 138 1-2 times a month 57% 29% 14% 85 Less often 52% 32% 16% 192 Never 57% 30% 13% 179  North Country 53% 30% 17% 55 Central / Lakes 51% 36% 14% 104 Connecticut Valley 64% 26% 10% 84 Mass Border 54% 28% 19% 165 Seacoast 54% 33% 14% 107 Manchester Area 41% 45% 14% 93  First Cong. Dist 49% 35% 16% 309 Second Cong. Dist 56% 30% 14% 298 U.S. Right Direction / Wrong Track   Right Wrong Don't  Direction Track Know (N=) STATEWIDE 38% 51% 11% 610  Registered Democrat 52% 38% 10% 179 Registered Undeclared 34% 54% 12% 223 Registered Republican 28% 62% 11% 165  Democrat 51% 40% 9% 259 Independent 33% 48% 20% 121 Republican 27% 66% 7% 220  Liberal 57% 33% 10% 117 Moderate 39% 47% 14% 285 Conservative 24% 69% 6% 166  McCain/Palin Voter 22% 68% 10% 237 Obama/Biden Voter 52% 38% 10% 294 Other 35% 56% 9% 9 Did Not Vote in 2008 37% 44% 19% 45  Union household 44% 39% 17% 89 Non-union 38% 53% 10% 515  10 yrs or less in NH 40% 56% 4% 100 11 to 20 years 34% 52% 14% 108 More than 20 years 39% 49% 12% 396  18 to 34 44% 49% 8% 71 35 to 49 40% 53% 7% 171 50 to 64 37% 53% 11% 215 65 and over 38% 47% 15% 137  Male 33% 54% 12% 302 Female 43% 47% 9% 308  High school or less 34% 53% 13% 138 Some college 35% 51% 13% 138 College graduate 45% 47% 9% 212 Post-graduate 36% 55% 9% 121  Less than $30K 38% 46% 16% 60 $30K to $60K 49% 43% 8% 95 $60K to $75K 37% 58% 5% 57 $75K to $100K 26% 63% 12% 61 $100K or more 40% 51% 9% 141  Married 39% 52% 9% 416 Divorced/separated 34% 50% 16% 116 Never married 44% 42% 14% 74  Protestant 40% 52% 8% 216 Catholic 39% 49% 12% 202 Other 33% 55% 12% 167  Attend services 1 or more/week 36% 49% 14% 143 1-2 times a month 38% 55% 7% 83 Less often 41% 52% 7% 191 Never 38% 49% 13% 180  North Country 31% 57% 12% 55 Central / Lakes 40% 48% 12% 104 Connecticut Valley 50% 42% 8% 84 Mass Border 36% 57% 7% 168 Seacoast 36% 46% 17% 107 Manchester Area 38% 52% 10% 92  First Cong. Dist 36% 51% 12% 309 Second Cong. Dist 41% 50% 9% 301  Favorability Rating – Barack Obama   Favorable Neutral Unfavorable DK (N) STATEWIDE 71% 9% 16% 3% 619  Registered Democrat 94% 4% 1% 1% 183 Registered Undeclared 72% 9% 15% 3% 227 Registered Republican 44% 14% 36% 6% 166  Democrat 95% 2% 2% 1% 263 Independent 68% 17% 12% 3% 123 Republican 45% 12% 36% 6% 223  Liberal 95% 1% 3% 1% 118 Moderate 80% 11% 8% 2% 287 Conservative 39% 13% 41% 7% 170  McCain/Palin Voter 39% 16% 39% 5% 239 Obama/Biden Voter 98% 2% 0% 1% 300 Other 60% 17% 23% 0% 9 Did Not Vote in 2008 70% 14% 9% 6% 46  Union household 72% 10% 12% 6% 90 Non-union 72% 9% 17% 3% 521  10 yrs or less in NH 67% 8% 21% 4% 101 11 to 20 years 72% 10% 19% 0% 110 More than 20 years 73% 9% 14% 4% 402  18 to 34 72% 5% 20% 3% 71 35 to 49 72% 9% 17% 3% 174 50 to 64 74% 10% 11% 4% 219 65 and over 67% 10% 20% 4% 140  Male 64% 10% 21% 5% 306 Female 78% 7% 12% 2% 313  High school or less 65% 9% 20% 6% 140 Some college 70% 9% 16% 4% 140 College graduate 74% 9% 15% 2% 212 Post-graduate 76% 9% 13% 2% 124  Less than $30K 72% 9% 16% 3% 60 $30K to $60K 73% 7% 16% 4% 95 $60K to $75K 66% 11% 21% 2% 57 $75K to $100K 64% 14% 20% 2% 63 $100K or more 80% 5% 13% 2% 142  Married 71% 9% 18% 3% 423 Divorced/separated 69% 12% 12% 6% 117 Never married 77% 5% 16% 1% 75  Protestant 66% 10% 21% 2% 218 Catholic 72% 7% 18% 3% 205 Other 76% 10% 9% 5% 169  Attend services 1 or more/week 65% 12% 22% 2% 143 1-2 times a month 71% 9% 18% 1% 86 Less often 71% 8% 19% 2% 194 Never 78% 7% 9% 7% 181  North Country 59% 14% 19% 8% 58 Central / Lakes 74% 6% 16% 3% 106 Connecticut Valley 80% 7% 8% 5% 85 Mass Border 67% 7% 21% 4% 168 Seacoast 78% 8% 13% 2% 108 Manchester Area 68% 14% 18% 0% 94  First Cong. Dist 72% 10% 16% 2% 311 Second Cong. Dist 71% 7% 17% 5% 308 

https://scholars.unh.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1336&amp;context=survey_center_polls

Obama Begins Presidency with High Marks in NH 2/16/2009

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