* Data collected from Pew Research Center and Gallup Change in Presidential Approval Over First Six Months in Office -11% +9% +9% -13% -3% -13% 71% 51% 55% 56% 53% 64% 60% 60% 64% 43% 50% 51% Jimmy Carter Ronald Reagan George H.W. Bush Bill Clinton George W. Bush Barack Obama Feb. Aug. Feb. Aug. Feb. Aug. Feb. Aug. Feb. Aug. Feb. Aug.

“ Thinking some more about these issues. Which political party do you think would do a better job of handling these issues the Republican party or the Democratic party?” -16% 50% 34% Improving public education +1% 44% 45% Economic growth and job creation +21% 32% 53% Reducing state government spending +26% 27% 53% Dealing with illegal immigration -21% 54% 33% Pursuing energy independence -21% 54% 33% The environment and climate change -18% 53% 35% Ensuring access to affordable health care +32% 26% 58% Cutting taxes GOP Advantage Dem GOP Issues

“ I’m going to read you two statements about the role of government, and I’d like to know which one comes closer to your point of view... Government should do more to solve the problems and help meet the needs of people. ... OR ... Government is doing too many things better left to businesses and individuals.” 51% 43% 40% 54% February 2009* August 2009 +11% -11% * Data collected from NBC/WSJ Adult Survey Results Government Should Do More Government Is Doing Too Many Things

“ In general, when it comes to government policies and programs impacting you and your family, would you rather the policies and programs be created and implemented by your state government or by the federal government?” 21% 69%

“ From what you have heard about Barack Obama's health care plan, do you think his plan is a good idea or a bad idea? If you do not have an opinion either way, please just say so.” 34% 30% 17% 17% 19% 26% 32% 42% 42% 46% 33% 33% 36% 36% 35% 4/09* 6/09* 7/09* Mid 8/09* Late 8/09 Good Idea Bad Idea No Opinion * Data collected from NBC/WSJ Survey Results

President Obama The plan would create a public health care option administered by the federal government that would compete directly with private insurance companies to help lower costs and cover more Americans. The plan requires that health insurance companies cover people with pre-existing medical conditions. It also requires all but the smallest employers to provide health coverage for their employees, or pay a percentage of their payroll to help fund coverage for the uninsured. Families and individuals with lower- and middle-incomes would receive tax credits to help them afford insurance coverage. 53% Favor / 43% Oppose “ Now, let me describe the basic elements of a health care reform plan preferred by (President Obama/State Level)... After I describe the elements, please tell me if you FAVOR or OPPOSE the plan.” State Level This plan creates an on-line database of health insurance providers so consumers can shop for the health insurance that best meets their needs. The plan focuses on prevention by providing people information on healthy living, and offers incentives for people to take more responsibility for their own health care. The plan extends coverage to uninsured children, offering those with very low incomes insurance at no cost and a sliding scale for premiums for those in working families. The plan will also address medical liability reform to reduce health care costs for everyone and get the focus back on quality health care instead of defensive medicine. 72% Favor / 22% Oppose

“ Which would you prefer the health care reform policies preferred by President Obama or the reform policies being implemented at the state level?” 37% 50%

“ Do you approve or disapprove of the job (INSERT NAME) is doing as Governor?” 48% 52% 45% 44% 40% 47% Approve Disapprove +4% +12% -2% All States States With GOP Governor (46%) States With Dem Governor (54%)