THE DEPTH OF DISAPPROVAL - AT 9:54 A.M. ET:  President Obama's numbers in Rasmussen's presidential approval index are declining again.  This index measures the gap between those who strongly approve and those who strongly disapprove of presidential performance.  This morning it stands at minus 8.  The president has been in minus territory since June 30th.

Overall presidential approval is at 50%, disapproval at 50%.  Mr. Obama has not been above 51% since July 17th.

Obviously, the president can bounce back.  But nothing he's doing seems directed at doing that. 

The key is whether the Republicans can capitalize on the president's growing unpopularity.  The GOP needs a program that is effective and appealing.  So far, we don't see one.

August 9, 2009