Obama not being tough enough in dealing with Islamic State: poll

Fifty-seven percent of Americans do not believe President Obama is being tough enough in dealing with Islamic State militants, said a new poll released Wednesday.

Thirty-one percent believe his approach to combating the group, which includes arming and training Syrian rebels, deploying additional military advisers to the region and stepping up airstrikes in Iraq and likely Syria, is about right, according to the CBS News/New York Times poll.

Eighty-three percent of Republicans say Mr. Obama is not being tough enough, compared to 40 percent of Democrats who think the same. Fifty-four percent of independents believe he is not being tough enough, compared to 29 percent of independents who think his approach is about right.

Mr. Obama’s approval rating on handling terrorism has a hit, according to the poll. Forty-one percent approve of his handling of the issue, a drop of 12 points since March and down from 72 percent in May 2011 after the killing of Osama bin Laden.

Just 34 percent approve of Mr. Obama’s handling of foreign policy Thirty percent approve of his handling of immigration and 40 percent approve of his handling of the economy. Forty percent approve of his overall job performance.

Despite the low marks on immigration, a slim majority says he should take action on the issue using executive orders if Congress does not act and half favor an eventual pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants already in the U.S.

Fifty-seven percent of Americans — including 25 percent of Democrats — are “somewhat” or “very” disappointed in Mr. Obama’s presidency, and it appears some voters could take their frustrations out on Democrats at the polls in the fall.

Among registered voters, more than half of Republicans say their vote this fall will be against Mr. Obama, as do 27 percent of independents.

Among likely voters, 45 percent say they would vote for the Republican in their district if the election were held today, and 39 percent say they would choose the Democrat.

Registered voters also say Republicans would do a better job on fighting terrorism, and handling the economy and foreign policy. The parties are tied on the immigration issue at 42 percent apiece and Democrats have a slight edge on health care.