By — Lisa Desjardins Lisa Desjardins Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/obama-factor-means-democrats Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter What the ‘Obama factor’ means for Democrats Politics Nov 4, 2014 5:00 PM EDT When presidential approval ratings drop, congressional midterms usually serve as an accurate “report card” for the president. This year, with President Obama’s ratings at 40 percent, Democrats are actively distancing themselves from his policies. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Lisa Desjardins Lisa Desjardins Lisa Desjardins is a correspondent for PBS News Hour, where she covers news from the U.S. Capitol while also traveling across the country to report on how decisions in Washington affect people where they live and work. @LisaDNews
When presidential approval ratings drop, congressional midterms usually serve as an accurate “report card” for the president. This year, with President Obama’s ratings at 40 percent, Democrats are actively distancing themselves from his policies. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now