Poll woe for Obama

Most Americans say President Barack Obama deserves to be voted out of office, even though they have concerns about the Republican alternatives, a new poll suggests.

The Associated Press-GFK poll indicates Obama could be at risk of losing a re-election bid in November 2012, even as the survey showed that the US public’s outlook on the economy appears to be improving.

The Republicans are still trying to settle on a candidate.

Former House speaker Newt Gingrich looks to maintain his recent lead among the candidates, while former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney and other rivals work to tear him down.

The Republicans held their last debate on Thursday before the January 3 Iowa caucuses lead off the battle for the nomination to challenge Obama.

The poll found Americans were evenly divided over whether they expect Obama to be re-elected next year.

For the first time, the poll found that a majority of adults, 52%, said Obama should be voted out of office while 43% said he deserves another term.

The numbers mark a reversal since last May, when 53% said Obama should be re-elected while 43% said he did not deserve four more years.

Obama’s overall job approval stands at a new low, with 44% approving and 54% disapproving.