RASMUSSEN - AT 10:09 A.M. ET:  We've been following the Rasmussen daily tracker carefully, as it chronicles the decline of the president.  As always, we stress that a poll is a snapshot of the moment.  However, a trend over time is more persuasive.

This morning's Rasmussen poll shows virtually no change from yesterday.  The president's overall approval remains at 51% approving, 48% disapproving.  Other polls show him stronger, but the trend in other polls is also downward.  If he falls below 50% in a few respected polls, there will be a psychological effect, as much within his own party as within the opposition. 

To demonstrate the trend, please note that overall approval on June 10th stood at 57-42.  On May 10th it was 58-41.  On April 10th it was 55-44.  On March 10th it stood at 56-43.  And on February 10th it was 60-38. 

So, the president has had his ups and downs.  But the narrowest gap we see in the list above is 11 points, in April.  Today's gap of three points tells the story.

July 10, 2009