RASMUSSEN'S Obama approval index has been showing a small, but steady decline over the last 12 months, with the trend seeming to accelerate since June.

Even his base, which has been consistently in the 25% range since late 2009, is showing signs of leaving the plantation. Usually when the 'strong approvals' line declines, the 'mixed reaction' line increases, leaving the 'strong disapprovals' line flat. It's not happening this time; the 'mixed reaction' line is also beginning to decrease.

Not a good omen, I should think....