Updated March 11, 2009
Obama, Geithner Receive Failing Grades From Economists in Survey
, FOXNews.com
In stark contrast with Obama's popularity with the public, a majority of the 49 economists polled by the Wall Street Journal are dissatisfied with the administration's economic policies.
President Obama and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner received failing grades for their efforts to revive the economy from participants in the latest Wall Street Journal forecasting survey.
Their assessment stands in stark contrast with Obama's popularity with the public, with a recent Wall Street Journal/NBC poll giving him a 60 percent approval rating. But a majority of the 49 economists polled is dissatisfied with the administration's economic policies.
On average, they gave the president a mark of 59 out of 100, and although there was a broad range of marks, 42 percent of respondents graded Obama below 60. Geithner fared even worse, with an average grade of 51. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke scored better, with an average 71.
"The Obama team has blown it," said David Resler of Nomura Securities.
Some economists were underwhelmed by the $787 billion stimulus package, with 43 percent saying the U.S. will need another stimulus package on the order of nearly $500 billion. Others were skeptical of the need for stimulus. "The package already passed was too much too late," said Dana Johnson of Comerica Bank.
However, economists' main complaint centers on the administration's plan for the banking sector. "The most important issue in the short run is the financial rescue," said Stephen Stanley of RBS Greenwich Capital. "They overpromised and underdelivered. Secretary Geithner scheduled a big speech and came out with just a vague blueprint. The uncertainty is hanging over everyone's head."
Geithner unveiled the Obama administration's plans Feb. 10, but he offered few details, and stocks sank on the news. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is down almost 20 percent since the announcement, as multiple issues have weighed on investors' confidence. In the ensuing weeks, the Treasury secretary has appeared before Congress and offered more specifics but has said action on key parts of the plan still is weeks away.
Latest Politics Videos
-
-
One-World Government?
-
Nov 11, 2009
Chuck Norris on price of going green
-
-
-
Narrowing Down Options
-
Nov 11, 2009
Obama, war council meet on Afghanistan
-
-
-
Confidence Concerns?
-
Nov 11, 2009
Americans pessimistic about future?
-
-
-
'Act of Terror'
-
Nov 11, 2009
McCaul calls for Hasan investigation
-
-
-
'Will Not Let You Down'
-
Nov 11, 2009
Obama makes Veterans Day remarks
-
-
-
Honoring the Fallen
-
Nov 11, 2009
Obama at Tomb of the Unknowns
-
Real Clear Politics Poll
| Job Approval | Approve | Disapprove | Spread |
| Obama | 51.3% | 43.1% | +8.2% |
| Congress | 25.0% | 67.0% | -42.0% |
| Direction of Country | Right Direction | Wrong Track | Spread |
| RCP Average | 38.2% | 55.8% | -17.6% |
Most Active In Politics
Most Read
Most Commented
-
House Passes Health Care Bill
November 08, 2009 1,127 comments
-
Obama: 'Dont' Jump to Conclusions' on Fort Hood Shooting
November 06, 2009 610 comments
-
Republicans Rally Resistance to Health Care Bill, as House Vote Nears
November 05, 2009 656 comments
-
Democrats Face Electoral Backlash After Health Care Vote, Top Republican Warns
November 09, 2009 558 comments
-
Obama Draws Criticism for Sitting Out Berlin Wall Anniversary
November 09, 2009 542 comments
-
U.S. Aims to Cut Deficit With TARP
November 12, 2009
-
Health-Bill Battle Won't Get a Recess
November 12, 2009
-
U.S. to Assess Mandatory Sentences
November 12, 2009
-
Earmark Beneficiaries Donate Less
November 12, 2009
-
States to Win Funds for Schools Revamp
November 12, 2009
-
Ending childcare vouchers will stop many families from working
November 11, 2009
-
Success and despair often walk hand in hand
November 11, 2009
-
The Iron Lady and her blue felt-tip sympathy
November 11, 2009
-
It’s not about health, it’s about who runs the US
November 11, 2009
-
A stiff upper lip is no longer a badge of honour
November 11, 2009



recommend


Subscribe to Comments






