Bush Approval Ratings Goes Up

Washington Post ^

[GulliverSwift]

Americans greeted the news of Saddam Hussein's capture with measured optimism while acknowledging the breadth of the challenges still facing the United States in Iraq, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll conducted yesterday.

At least initially, the capture did not do much to change the overall shape of opinion on the war in Iraq.

Roughly 2 in 3 respondents said Hussein's capture would be at least somewhat helpful in ending attacks on U.S. troops and contributing to Americans' long-term security, although only 15 to 23 percent thought the arrest would "help a great deal." Larger percentages were hopeful the news would help restore stability to Iraq.

Nine in 10 Americans said big challenges still face the United States in Iraq, with fewer than 1 in 10 saying Hussein's capture would resolve the hurdles facing U.S. troops. Eight in 10 rejected the notion that with the former Iraqi president in custody, the United States should withdraw its forces from the country.

President Bush received immediate credit for his handling of the situation in Iraq, with his approval rating in that area jumping to 58 percent, from 48 percent in mid-November. In a separate survey conducted yesterday by CNN/USA Today/Gallup, 8 in 10 Americans said finding Hussein was a "major achievement."

Bush's overall job approval rating in the Post-ABC News survey was 57 percent, 4 percentage points up from a survey conducted last week and the same as this time last month.

[Grampa Dave]

This is great!

[rwfromkansas]

It takes a couple days for it to really show an effect.

[Eva]

I'm glad to hear that the rest of the country is not falling into this leftist trap. You would hardly know that it is Christmas up here. Even the local Michael's store (crafts and home decor) has toned down their Christmas merchandizing (no decorated Christmas trees and much smaller selection of ornaments).

[anonymous_user]

Dean quickly came back to his senses Monday afternoon. Liberman gave up whatever sense he had when he accepted the VP nomination from Gore.

[RetiredArmy]

If you think that is bad, check out Neil Boortz's site today, www.boortz.com for the comments that he posted from the DUndergroud site. Real sick-o's over there.

[Grampa Dave]