April 2, 2010 10:45AM 

# 1994 Watch 

By [John Samples](https://www.cato.org/people/john-samples) 

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The CBS News Poll [reports](http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20001629-503544.html) that President Obama’s approval rating has dropped to its lowest point (of that poll) of 44 percent. Also, his work on the health care law might be a contributing factor. Onlly 34 percent approved of his performance on health care while 55 percent disapproved.

At the end of March 1994, [Bill Clinton](http://webapps.ropercenter.uconn.edu/CFIDE/roper/presidential/webroot/presidential_rating_detail.cfm?allRate=True&presidentName=Clinton) enjoyed a 51 percent approval rating.

Two caveats: First, other factors besides presidential approval affect the outcomes of mid-term congressional elections. Second, Clinton’s approval rating dropped like a stone in September and October of 1994. He ended up in the mid-40s by election day. In other words, Clinton ended up where Obama is now. Obama’s approval rating *could* rise between now and November.

##### Related Tags 

[Government and Politics](https://www.cato.org/government-politics) 

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