"Heading into a critical period in the debate over health-care reform, public approval of President Obama's stewardship on the issue has dropped below the 50% threshold for the first time," according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.
"Obama's approval ratings on other front-burner issues, such as the economy and the federal budget deficit, have also slipped over the summer, as rising concern about spending and continuing worries about the economy combine to challenge his administration."
However, the president's overall approval rating remains higher than his marks on particular domestic issues, with 59% giving him positive reviews and 37% disapproving.