04/20/06 FOX Poll: Gloomy Economic Views; Bush Approval at New Low

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,192468,00.html ^

[Grendel9]

NEW YORK — More Americans disapprove than approve of how George W. Bush, Donald Rumsfeld and Congress are doing their jobs, while a majority approves of Condoleezza Rice. President Bush’s approval hits a record low of 33 percent this week, clearly damaged by sinking support among Republicans.

Opinions are sharply divided on whether Rumsfeld should resign as secretary of defense. In addition, views on the economy are glum; most Americans rate the current economy negatively, and twice as many say it feels like the economy is getting worse rather than better. These are just some of the findings of the latest FOX News national poll.

President Bush’s job approval rating slipped this week and stands at a new low of 33 percent approve, down from 36 percent two weeks ago and 39 percent in mid-March. A year ago this time, 47 percent approved and two years ago 50 percent approved (April 2004).

[My Favorite Headache]

You got that again...and bears repeating.

[inquest]

Americans are more than twice as likely to rate the nation’s economy negatively as positively. Nearly 3 in 10 rate economic conditions as either "excellent" (6 percent) or "good" 22 percent, while the widespread consensus is gloomier: about 4 in 10 say the economy is "only fair" (42 percent) and another 30 percent say it is in "poor" shape.

The first sentence is not supported by the rest of the paragraph. "Fair" is neither positive or negative. The actual breakdown, from the above numbers, is 28% "positive", 30% "negative", and 42% mostly neutral.

Elsewhere, the article notes that only 17% of the 57% who disapprove of him (i.e., 9.7% of the overall sample) cite the economy as the reason for their disapproval.

And Fox is alleged to be a conservative news outlet?

[in hoc signo vinces]

Sadly, happens all the time.

the lib, idiot, spin machine that has no care for facts only electing their own bozo's will constantly churn out bad news until it works to their favor...

[veronica]

I have met the enemy, and he is us. Well, not me, but certainly the one-issue Republicans who whine, threaten, and sulk if the President doesn't do or say exactly what they want on a particular issue. These sorts will lose the next election for the GOP.

[BlackRazor]

There is a direct correlation between Bush's poll numbers and the price of gasoline

Therein lies Bush's problem. To voters, "The Economy" = Gas Prices. That's it. I live in a blue state, and after Iraq, the number one thing people at my workplace bash Bush over is gas prices. Every day, nonstop.

[L98Fiero]

"In addition, views on the economy are glum; most Americans rate the current economy negatively, and twice as many say it feels like the economy is getting worse rather than better."

I am dead serious when I say there should be a testing process before being allowed to vote. If people actually think this economy is gloomy, they have no business casting ballots. This is where the democratic process is flawed. Even retarded morons have a say.

[balch3]

FOX is being taken over by the Left.

[talleyman]

The whole country's listening to Willie Green?

[kittymyrib]

Let gas get to $3/gal. all over the country and he'll be lucky to get 25% approval rating. The gas prices hit everyone, and that and immigration have cut Pres. Bush off at the knees. I can't believe that Rove hasn't caught on to what is happening to the vanishing Republican base.

[tobyhill]

You got it, gas prices. As long as it stays above $2.20 a gallon then Bush is topped at 45%. Below that price he could go to 55%-60%.

[luvbach1]

GWB understands very well. He just has made a conscious decision not to defend the border in any meaningful way regardless of the cost to the nation and the Republican Party. Further, he prefers to obfuscate the issue and condemn patriots. No wonder he is in a tailspin. And the issue is illegal immigration, not immigration. Even Freepers have succombed to using the misnomer, immigration. We already have a workable system for legal immigration.

[JFC]

W, I still love you!

[abercrombie_guy_38]

Thank God Rove has ditched, hopefully, his policy advisor position. Ever since he got on board it has been one mistake after another. He may be good at winning elections but not advising.

[trubluolyguy]

W, I still love you!

---

So you're the one! LOL.

[baltoga]

Soaring gas prices, soaring real estate property taxes and stagnant wages make a for a cranky American people.

How soon we forget to be thankful for our blessings like low unemployment and a growing economy.

[MikeA]

"Dang... if a Fox poll has him at 33%, he's in REALLY bad shape."

Don't bet on it. The last Fox poll also over-polled Democrats just like all the others, to the tune of about 10 percentage points too much if I recall. I have no doubt the demographics are probably just as bad on this one.

[in hoc signo vinces]

Bump.

U R correct.

[abercrombie_guy_38]

I read this article on Foxnews.com and scratched my head so much some of my hair fell out. Rediculous...but like some have said, gas prices = how well the economy is in the public's mind.

[sheana]

Now you have got it. Ordinary people can't afford to buy a house, can't afford to fill up their gas tank, and the amount of groceries they buy have gone down, all the while their wages have been stagnant for years. Add into that mix the fact that they really don't know if they will have a job tomorrow.
Makes for a cranky public regardless of what the government stats show.