Bush's approval rating rebounds
By Richard Benedetto, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — As President Bush approaches the six-month mark in office, a new USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll shows his slipping job-approval ratings on the rebound.
Related
Poll results
After hitting a personal low of 52% approval two weeks ago, Bush climbed to 57% this week, his best number since late April, largely on the strength of high personal scores and solid support for his work on tax cuts and education.
At the same point in his presidency, Bill Clinton's approval rating was 45%.
The poll found Bush gaining even though half of those polled said he's out of touch with the problems that ordinary Americans face and two of three said big business has too much influence over his policies.
At the same time, he scored below 50% approval in handling issues that include energy, environment, campaign finance and Social Security.
Bush has been sharply criticized by Democrats who charge that big-business and big-money interests are influencing the president's stand on the environment and energy policy and campaign finance reform.
But he scored above 50% for his handling of the economy, prescription drugs for seniors, patients' bill of rights and foreign affairs; 60% and above on education and taxes.
Overall, 78% of those polled say they respect Bush, regardless of his stands on the issues, and 70% say they approve of him as a person.
Moreover, 66% say he is honest and trustworthy, 69% say he is tough enough for the job and 57% view him as a strong and decisive leader.
"In part, Bush is benefiting because he's not Clinton. And in part, people like that is sticking to his campaign promises, speaking in civil tones and keeps on smiling even when opponents say nasty things about him," says Emory University political scientist Merle Black.
Indeed, nearly two of three (62%) say Bush has been successful in bringing more civility to the debate between Republicans and Democrats in Washington and 57% say he has adequately cooperated with Democrats in Congress. However, just 46% say Democrats in Congress have adequately cooperated with Bush.
Analysts say Bush's strong personal scores are impressive given that he won only 48% of the vote in a highly disputed election.
But old wounds from the election remain: 48% say Bush won the election fair and square, 33% say he won on a technicality and 17% say he stole the election, virtually no change since the election was decided in December.
Yet, 73% say they accept Bush as the legitimate president. Fifteen percent say they still could be won over and 11% say they will never accept him.
The July 10-11 poll of 998 adults has an error margin of +/- 3 percentage points. |
