Reagan rating slides

Press, 26 November 1981, Page 8

Reagan rating slides

NZPA-Reuter Washington For the first time since President Reagan took office 10 months ago most Americans disapprove of his handling of the economy and blame him for problems they are facing, according to an opinion poll released yesterday. The poll, conducted by ABC News and the “Washington Post” and aired soon after new Government figures showed that inflation eased in October to an annual rate of 4.4 per cent,

but that the recession was deepening, said only 45 per cent approved of Mr Reagan’s economic policies. Barely a month ago, a similar poll said 54 per cent approved of the way the President was attempting to solve America's economic troubles. The latest poll, in which more than 1500 Americans were. surveyed nation-wide, said lessening of support for Mr Reagan’s economic policies was largely because of a growing belief that his pro-

gramme of sweeping tax and Budget cuts favours the rich. Fifty-four per cent felt that way. The poll also showed a sharp drop in his over-all job rating from the 73 per cent approval he won last April to 53 per cent. A total of 72 per cent of those surveyed agreed with his decision not to fire his Budget Director (Mr David Stockman) for expressing misgivings in a magazine interview earlier this month about the Reagan economic programme.