Bush addresses drop in approval ratings

ContraCosta Times ^ | May. 11, 2006 | Jim Stratton

[gwb43_2004]

ORLANDO, Fla. - President Bush, his approval ratings at a record low, acknowledged Wednesday that war in Iraq and rising gas prices have created "battle fatigue" among many Americans.

That anxiety, Bush said, has settled over much of the nation as people worry about whether the United States will succeed in Iraq and how they will afford to fill up their tanks.

"There's a sense of disquiet because of the war in Iraq," said Bush, in an hour-long interview with the Orlando Sentinel and six other Florida newspapers.

[BluH2o]

Curious that he never mentions the outrage over illegal immigration.

Or, his botched handling of Hurricane Katrina.
Or, the Harriet Miers fiasco.
Or, the Dubai ports deal.
Or, etc., etc..

[Lexington Green]

Sad

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Poppy, version 2.0

[steel_resolve]

Rove told Bush not to talk about Borders. Kind of like Yale and that Taliban jerk. They're both just hoping it will go away.

[jpl]

"There's a sense of disquiet because of the war in Iraq"

Boy, this is definitely a rhetorical world away from "Mission Accomplished".

[PhilipFreneau]

This is the stupidest thing I have heard the President say since his last statement on illegal immigration:

Bush also said he did not like the idea of U.S. companies paying for the right to drill in Cuban waters. "I think the money would go to -- I know the money would go to support a government that is suppressing the rights of its people," he said.

In other words, it is okay to buy oil directly from oppressive governments in Mexico, Venezuela, Iran, Nigeria, and others, but not okay for American Companies to drill in Cuban waters?

[CindyDawg]

Hey, if it wasn't for him, a lot more people in NO would be dead right now. You never get thanks for trying to help the ungratefuls out though.

[investigateworld]

If he were serious on the war on terror, he would have to remind himself it's going to be a long - long program, probably intergenerational. Unless he wants to see our folks climbing onto helicopters from the roof of our Embassy, he has to change.
He knows good and well the polls showing 79% of the people of this nation want those borders sealed. So if his policies result in the 'R's losing Congress, we'll know he was never serious ... just smoke and mirrors.

[pollyannaish]

He does need to fight. But if you have observed how this President runs...this same complaint comes before EVERY election. "He is not communicating well, he is not addressing the issues...we are losing, this is going to be bad, might as well get used to (President Kerry/Speaker Pelosi, ad infinitum). It's too little too late this time. The strategy is not going to work! Aaargh! We're all going to die!"

And then, when everyone is clamoring for him to speak, he does. People are shocked to hear him and stop to listen. They rediscover why they like the guy, are reminded of just how much has been accomplished, and get the opportunity to actually hear HIS plans straight from him instead of filtered through the msm.

I believe this strategery is actually quite brilliant, not to mention effective. If he talked all the time, he would begin to resemble the "adult voices" from Charlie Brown cartoons. By significantly lowering the communication bar, and leaving us wanting more he makes sure that he not only clears it, but that everyone was watching when he did it.

[digThisXL]

I am really disappointed in all of you. This is free republic right? What has W done that should be scaring the crap out of everyone here?

My #1 problem w/ the prez is his wiretapping and general sense of invading our privacy. Too much movement towards a secure state.

#2 needs to handle press better on Iraq.

I'm behind W tho. Definitely lesser of two evils.

[zarf]

The FR troll thread.

[lgjhn]

Yep, sad, sad, sad...
Just another Big Globalist cop-out......
But what do I know, I'm just another stupid tax-paying gringo...

[sinkspur]

No Mr. President. Most of us support you on Iraq and know that there isn't a lot you can do about the gas prices. What we are concerned about are our borders.

The polls are not about Republicans. The polls are the feelings of all Americans.

And illegal immigration is tied for fourth in the areas of concern to American voters.

Iraq and gas prices ARE the major concerns.

[capydick]

(c) abysmal pubic relations efforts against opponents of the war on Islamic terror.

Make that an abysmal public relations effort on every accomplishment. Because President Bush and the administration has taken the high road since day 1, the RATS and the MSM are now reaping the dividends of the persistent negative propoganda they have spewing for the past 6 years. Repubs never fought back effectively, going right to the people with the counter punch of truth. Now, with the irresponsible spending habits of Congress, it may be too late to turn the Republican ship around.

[Yo-Yo]

[dc-zoo]

With most conservatives it's illegal immigration but with the general population the two key issues are Iraq and the price at the pump.

[sinkspur]

My #1 problem w/ the prez is his wiretapping and general sense of invading our privacy. Too much movement towards a secure state.

Nobody's invading your privacy. Nobody gives a damn what you do or who you talk to UNLESS you're doing something with or talking to al-Qaeda.

[Yo-Yo]

Welcome to FR, Mr. Troll

[sheana]

Bush also said he did not like the idea of U.S. companies paying for the right to drill in Cuban waters. "I think the money would go to -- I know the money would go to support a government that is suppressing the rights of its people," he said.

Hey Mr. Bush, what about suppressing the rights of the American people to a secure, sovereign country? That is your job first and foremost afterall.

[sono]

This has less to do with Iraq and more to do with Immigration, tort reform, lack of a comprehensive energy policy ( gas prices), and so many without health insurance. W should be at the mike daily, ala Truman, screaming at the Do-Nothing Congress.