President Bush seems loosing on popularity front, at least, if one believes in popular ‘job-approval rating’ polls.
In a recent poll in USA Today, Bush managed a rating of 38%. He scored below 40%, for consecutive 7 months.
40% is considered as a critical figure. It’s the borderline that differentiates popular from non-popular. Bush though managed a yearly average of 41%, but since October his rating started declining. He even scored 34% in last poll.
Below 40%, present President will get company of only two ex-Presidents - Harry Truman and Richard Nixon. While Truman lost his popularity in final 26 months of his term, Nixon lost in last 13 months following Watergate. Only one President regained popularity after loosing it, was Jimmy Carter.
It seems, Bush lost his shine after stalemate in Iraq. Pro-war Americans were in Bush’s favor, but as situation leading no-where and troops are loosing lives, sentiment is getting weak. White House officials agree to the fact, at least unofficially, but they argue, war has its own pace and situation will take, as much time as it needs. Besides, White House spoke person commented on the Poll issue saying, President has lot other serious issues to look after.
Any survey has its own shortcomings and limitations. This poll is based on a telephonic survey and carries an error percent of +/- 3. Even sample size is not much big. Despite these facts, such poll results show off attitude of a population segment. And one can’t deny that fully. Republicans are in hope of retaining the White House, but if Bush’s popularity-scene does not improve much, then they will face a tough fight. No doubt people are there already to brush up the brand.
