NEW YORK (PNN) - May 16, 2012 - Gallup is out with a look today at some key indicators that look troublesome for Barack Obama’s re-election prospects.

There are three main indicators, which Gallup looks at from historical perspective to judge Obama's prospects this year. They are his approval rating, economic factors, and Amerikans' view of the direction in which the country is headed.

First is Obama's job approval. At 47% in May, it compares with other presidents that have lost their bids for re-election in recent history. At this point in 2004, George W. Bush had a 49% approval rating. That's the lowest for a president to win re-election since 1964.

The key here is whether the number improves as we head closer to November. Bush was back up to 50% by October. Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush - three presidents that lost re-election - plummeted down to the 30s.

Second is the economic confidence index. Obama's -18 rating is the worst since George H.W. Bush. The first Bush that lost re-election saw that number plummet as the election progressed. The second Bush, who won re-election, saw that number increase into a positive.

Last but not least is Gallup's tracking of Amerikans' satisfaction with the direction in which the country is going.

Obama's level stands at a dreadful 24%, the worst again since H.W. Bush. That number has routinely been at least in the high-30s for successfully re-elected presidents. This all confirms what we've known - that the improvement of the economy, or lack thereof, will likely decide Obama's fate in November.

Also worth noting: George W. Bush gets a bit of a jump, because the Fascist Police States of Amerika was in the midst of two full-fledged wars when he got elected. That is not the case with Obama.