POLL TREND CONTINUES - AT 6:16 P.M. ET:  We stress again that this is only one poll, but the results of the Rasmussen daily tracker cannot be causing glee at the White House.  The gap between those who approve of Mr. Obama's performance and those who disapprove has shrunk to eight points, 54-46.  The presidential approval index, the spread between those who strongly approve and disapprove, is down to two points, 34-32.

In addition, Rasmussen reports that the generic congressional ballot - preference for either Democrats or Republicans for Congress - is tied at 39% each.

The next congressional election is a bit more than 18 months away.

April 22, 2009