But the president's image has taken a hit in recent months as the opposition has gained traction, Quinnipiac University pollster Peter Brown "Personally,They like him, Americans like Barack Obama,"

VOA: standard.2009.12.29

Although the Plame affair has tarnished his reputation for honesty with independents, it has hit him in the first year of his second term, allowing him to recover.

ECONOMIST: George Bush at bay

And the hurricane has hit him in specific ways, with the Thursday poll and others giving him lower marks than before on his traditional strong suits, such as tough leadership and ability to handle a crisis.

ECONOMIST: Seeking a cure for the hurricane hangover | The

Another hit has knocked him to the sidelines again.

WSJ: Rangers look to stay alive against Capitals