Events that Would Improve President Obama's Approval Rating (ContributorNetwork)

COMMENTARY | As a former political consultant, I am often asked about what President Barack Obama could do to raise his approval rating. In the last week, his approval average has hit an all-time low of 41 percent. With the election only a year away, the chances of his popularity increasing significantly before November 2012 are dwindling.

Decrease Unemployment Significantly

Each month for the last few years, we have seen the unemployment numbers float around the 9 percent to 10 percent mark. If the number were to decrease to 7 percent or less, President Obama would be able to point to a significant decrease and point out the distance at the current time from the 10 percent that has haunted the nation. People will be happier when they get back to work, and Obama's approval rating would display the change.

Get Something Passed

President Obama is already appearing like a lame duck president. The Republicans are slowly chipping away at Obamacare. The jobs bill does not have a chance unless significant changes are made and it is passed in parts. The president needs to come up with some type of pressing legislation that will impact us all that can pass Congress easily. People do not trust a leader that is perceived to not have any pull in the system.

Major International Move

A major international move might increase President Obama's approval rating by showing he is an important player in the international game of political chess. By being able to a major international political move, the Obama Administration might be able to show that he is a player. While this would cause the most miniscule of increases, every little bit would help.

Unify the Country

While this is an option that I do not hope comes to fruition, it is worth noting. President George W. Bush's highest approval rating was noted in the days after 9/11 when he was able to shine as a leader that could bring people together in times of trouble. If a catastrophe was to happen and President Obama were able to unify the country under an idea of nationalism, he would have the best chance of having an impressive approval rating before the election.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/obama/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20111022/us_ac/10264959_events_that_would_improve_president_obamas_approval_rating

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