Poll: Presidential Approval Hits Record Low for Obama

Heading for the cliff

President Obama's approval rating tumbled to a record low as Americans reacted to the government's sweeping surveillance programs and other scandals, according to the latest IBD/TIPP Presidential Leadership Index.

The Presidential Leadership Index fell to 43.2 from 48.9 a month earlier. The 11.7% slide was the worst since Obama took office. For the fourth straight month, the reading stood below 50, signaling disapproval.

Revelations about the National Security Agency's surveillance of Americans' phone records and Internet activity dominated recent headlines. Meanwhile, more news came out about the IRS' targeting of Tea Party and other conservative groups seeking tax-exempt status.