Even Michelle can't help Obama as 2008 supporters desert him in droves to vote GOP

Alternative News |With just two weeks before mid-term elections, voters who supported Barack Obama in 2008 are deserting the President in droves to vote Republican, a new poll has shown.

The Associated Press survey found that the coalition of voters that swept Mr Obama into the White House just two years ago - aching for change after the eight-year presidency of Republican George W. Bush - has crumbled.

Crumbling support: President Barack Obama looks fierce as he rallies for his longtime friend and political ally, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, on Saturday in Boston.

With Mr Obama not on the ballot again until 2012, dispirited supporters are unlikely to hold back a growing Republican and conservative tea party tide.

Blamed for the still struggling economy and near 10 per cent unemployment, Mr Obama's Democrats have a scant chance of keeping their majority hold on the House of Representatives, where all 435 seats are on the ballot.

Republicans also are expected to make significant gains against the Democrat majority in the Senate, where 37 of 100 seats are up for grabs.

The Associated Press-Knowledge Networks survey found that one-fourth of those who voted for Obama two years ago are defecting to the Republicans or considering voting against the party in power in the November 2 election.

Many in that number say their switch is more a symbol of anger at the Democrat than a vote in support of the Republicans.

Fight: Mr Obama with Deval Patrick in Boston yesterday. The U.S. President's popularity is also plunging as voters blame him for the economy and over healthcare

Significantly and in a sign of fundamental voter dissatisfaction with both parties, just as many people who backed Republican presidential nominee John McCain are either supporting Democrats now or still considering how to vote.

The problem for Democrats is that just half of Mr Obama's supporters in the 2008 race say they definitely will show up to vote on November 2, according to the poll.

At the same time, the poll found that two-thirds of McCain supporters say they are certain to vote.

It's a wide enthusiasm gap that's buoying Republicans, who are poised for big electoral gains.

And it is worrying Democrats, who are seeking to hang onto majorities in Congress as well among governors.
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