[KJacob]

"According to Gallup, from May through September of 1980 (no data is available after mid-September until after the election), Carter's average approval was 35.5% and his average disapproval was 53.6%."


So Bush's approval needs to drop a mere 16%? I understand the comparison now. By the way does Kerry have the charisma of Reagan? Just wondering.

[not2worry]

A 2' x 4' has more charisma than Kerry!

[eyespysomething]

By the way does Kerry have the charisma of Reagan?

Oh sure, he has that American morning optimism just oozing out of his pores.

< /sarcasm>

[BlackRazor]

So Bush's approval needs to drop a mere 16%? I understand the comparison now.

It could happen. When approval ratings fall, they tend to fall fast. Carter himself had 52/38 approve/disapprove numbers in early March 1980. Just four weeks later he was at 39/51, and he never recovered. Still, the author's comparison of the economic conditions is deeply flawed. If Bush's popularity craters and he loses this election, it will be because of Iraq, not the economy.