The new Washington Post / ABC News poll shows President Obama’s approval rating at a new low of 46 percent, while for the first time majorities of Americans disapprove of Obama’s overall job as president and agree that he has “has not brought needed change to Washington.”

Sizable majorites — 57 and 58 percent respectively — disapprove of the president’s handling of the economy and deficits.

Significantly, Republicans enjoy a 4-point lead over Democrats, 43-39, on the handling financial problems. That is the first time since 2002 that Republicans have led on this question in the poll.

Republicans also hold a 47-45 lead over Democrats on a generic congressional ballot — and a whopping 53-40 lead when the question is restricted to likely voters.

Respondents also appear to favor divided government:

Voters were also asked whether they think it is more important to have Democrats in charge of Congress to help support the president’s policies or to have Republicans in control to serve as a check on Obama’s agenda. Here, 55 percent say they prefer Republicans, while 39 percent choose Democrats. The GOP’s 16-point edge is double what it was in July.

A plurality of 45 percent of respondents now find President Obama’s policies “too liberal,” a reversal from his first 18 months in office, during which majorities considered Obama’s policies “just about right.”

Much more here.