Here’s further evidence the debt ceiling debate is badly hurting the president: His job approval rating is at a new low, averaging 40 percent in July 26-28 Gallup Daily tracking. (His prior low rating of 41 percent occurred several times, the last of which was in April.)

Obama’s job approval rating among Democrats is 72 percent, which is okay, but not great. And his approval rating is only 34 percent among independents, which is alarmingly low. (Thirteen percent of Republicans approve of Obama, which is about what one would expect.)

Gallup reports Obama’s approval ratings “has stumbled in the past few days, coinciding with intensification of the debt ceiling/budget battle in Washington.”

In addition, Gallup’s Economic Confidence Index averaged -49 July 26-28, down eight points in the last week and down 19 points since early July. The current index score is the worst Gallup has measured since March 2009.

“The inability of U.S. lawmakers to agree on the debt ceiling has apparently shaken Americans’ confidence in the economy and now seems to be taking its toll on the president’s public support,” according to Gallup.

The dismal growth figures released earlier today will as well.