Obama's Popularity Already in the 50s: Who Would Have Predicted This?

The Japan National Press Club, at the pinnacle of Japanese mass media, has compiled its annual "2009 Predictions Survey." As usual, the 10-question survey includes playful topics like sports and entertainment, intended to be taken lightly. However, for those with a keen interest, the questions hold significant weight.

For instance, question seven asks whether President Obama's approval rating will fall below 50%, with a choice of "yes" or "no."
As the first African American president, his popularity was immense upon inauguration, with overwhelming support exceeding 70%. By the end of March 2009, however, his approval rating had dropped to 60%. The Japan National Press Club's survey seems to anticipate a further decline below 50%. We encourage everyone to take a moment to consider these questions. It's an exercise that is far from futile.

The Japan National Press Club's 10-Question Survey

Predict the year 2009 and answer the following questions.

1. As of December 31, 2009, who will be the Prime Minister of Japan?

2. Will the Democratic Party win an outright majority in the general election?

3. Will the Nikkei Stock Average recover to 10,000 yen?

4. In the Tokyo foreign exchange market, will the yen strengthen to 70 yen or more per dollar?
* The post-war high was 79.75 yen in 1995.

5. Will China's real economic growth rate for the first three quarters fall below 5% on an annualized basis?
* In Q2 2008, it was 10.1%; in Q3 2008, it was 9.0%.

6. As of December 31, will Kim Jong-il hold the position of General Secretary of North Korea?

7. In a public opinion poll by any of the US Big Three networks or CNN, will President Obama's approval rating fall below 50%?

8. At the 15th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC in Copenhagen, will a post-Kyoto Protocol agreement be reached where China and India also assume binding numerical targets?

9. Will professional golfer Ryo Ishikawa become the top money winner?
* In 2008, at the youngest age of 17, he surpassed 100 million yen in prize money, ranking 5th in earnings.

10. Which of Tokyo, Chicago, Rio de Janeiro, or Madrid will be chosen as the host city for the 2016 Olympic Games?
* Decision to be made at the IOC Session in Copenhagen in October.