November 26, 2004

Abstract: (CPOD) Nov. 26, 2004 - George W. Bush is re-gaining public support after his re-election, according to a poll by CBS News and the New York Times. 51 per cent of respondents approve of the president's performance, a two per cent increase since August.

(CPOD) Nov. 26, 2004 - George W. Bush is re-gaining public support after his re-election, according to a poll by CBS News and the New York Times. 51 per cent of respondents approve of the president's performance, a two per cent increase since August.

In American elections, candidates require 270 votes in the Electoral College to win the White House. Earlier this month, Republican incumbent Bush earned a second term after securing 286 electoral votes from 31 states.

Yesterday, Bush issued phone calls to U.S. troops stationed in Iraq from his Texas ranch. According to White House spokeswoman Clair Buchan, the president "wanted to express his gratitude for their service and sacrifice and to wish them a happy Thanksgiving."

While Bush's approval rating improved, 40 per cent of respondents believe the country is headed in the right direction, a three per cent drop in a month.

Polling Data

Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling his job as president?

	Nov. 2004	Oct. 2004
Approve	51%	49%
Disapprove	44%	44%

Do you feel things in this country are generally going in the right direction or do you feel things have pretty seriously gotten off on the wrong track?

	Nov. 2004	Oct. 2004
Right direction	40%	43%
Wrong track	54%	55%

Source: CBS News / The New York Times
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 885 American adults, conducted from Nov. 18 to Nov. 21, 2004. Margin of error is 3 per cent.