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Bush Approval Remains Below 50% in 2005
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - George W. Bush maintains a low level of public support in the United States, according to a poll by the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. 44 per cent of respondents approve of the president's performance, a four per cent drop since January.
Bush—a Republican—earned a second four-year term in the November 2004 presidential election. Yesterday in his weekly radio address, Bush honoured the country's war veterans during the Memorial Day weekend, saying, "Throughout our history, America has fought not to conquer but to liberate. We go to war reluctantly, because we understand the high cost of war. Those who have given their lives to defend America have the respect and gratitude of our entire nation."
The coalition effort against Iraq was launched in March 2003. At least 1,652 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and more than 12,600 troops have been injured.
The current approval rating is the lowest for the sitting president in a national Quinnipiac University Polling Institute poll. Bush had his best showing in a December 2001 survey, where 83 per cent of respondents were satisfied with his performance.
Polling Data
Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling his job as president?
May 2005 | Mar. 2005 | Jan. 2005 | |
Approve | 44% | 45% | 48% |
Disapprove | 50% | 48% | 45% |
Source: Quinnipiac University Polling Institute
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,104 registered American voters, conducted from May 18 to May 23, 2005. Margin of error is 3 per cent.