Poll Tracker

The public now believes by 52 percent to 41 percent that reducing the budget deficit outweighs stimulating the economy. In May, Americans were almost evenly divided on that question. By a 2-to-1 margin, those polled say the Obama administration has not developed a clear plan for dealing with the deficit.

Obama's job approval ratio stands at 63 percent to 26 percent, but his approval ratings on specific issues are lower. Approval for the way Obama is handling the economy is 57 percent to 35 percent, a net 15 points lower. On health care, Obama's approval ratio is 44 percent to 34 percent with 22 percent in the "don't know" category. Forty-six percent disapprove of the way he has intervened in the auto industry compared to 41 percent who approve. Forty-five percent believe the U.S. should continue to operate the prison at Guantánamo while 42 percent favor closing it, as Obama has said he intends to do.

Forty-eight percent say Obama's policies have not had any effect yet on the economy, with 32 percent saying they have improved the economy and 15 percent saying they have made it worse.

The poll numbers on Obama's nomination of Sonia Sotomayor are pretty meaningless since 58 percent are either undecided or haven't heard enough about her to form an opinion.

Americans have an unfavorable view of the Republican party by 58 percent to 28 percent. They favorably view the Democrats by 57 percent to 32 percent.