THE VERDICT – AT 9:05 A.M. ET:  A new CBS News poll shows the erosion of Obama's support, as he enters the second year of his second term.  From CBS: 

Amid continued pessimism about the economy and direction of the country, 59 percent of Americans say they are disappointed in Mr. Obama's presidency (including 37 percent who are very disappointed); 40 percent are satisfied. Much of this discontent comes from Republicans and independents, but a quarter of Democrats express at least some disappointment.

Disappointment with Barack Obama's presidency has grown since the summer of 2012, and much of that rise has been among independents. Forty percent of independents say they are very disappointed today, up from 27 percent in August 2012.

President Obama's overall approval rating is now 41 percent, a dip of five points from last month and similar to what it was in December. Fifty-one percent disapprove of the job he is doing, up four points from last month.

More specifically, Mr. Obama gets low marks for his handling of both foreign policy (39 percent approve) and the economy (38 percent approve).

COMMENT:  I'm struck by the foreign policy figure.  Historically, Obama got pretty good grades in foreign policy, possibly because the public wasn't looking very carefully.  But now people see the extent of the disaster. 

And how will this affect Hillary, who owns this foreign policy?  That might depend on whether the press lets her off the hook, and that may just happen.

February 27, 2014