November 08, 2004

Abstract: (CPOD) Nov. 8, 2004 - George W. Bush has regained public support in the United States after his re-election, according to a poll by Ipsos released by the Associated Press. 51 per cent of respondents approve of the president's performance, a three per cent increase since October.

(CPOD) Nov. 8, 2004 - George W. Bush has regained public support in the United States after his re-election, according to a poll by Ipsos released by the Associated Press. 51 per cent of respondents approve of the president's performance, a three per cent increase since October.

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

On Nov. 4, Bush presented the agenda for his second term, saying, "I earned capital in the campaign, political capital, and now I intend to spend it." The president mentioned topics such as social security, tax reform, economic measures, education and the war on terrorism as key concerns for his administration. 46 per cent of respondents say things in the U.S. are heading in the right direction, a five per cent increase since October.

Bush will be sworn in for his second four-year term on Jan. 20, 2005.

Polling Data

Overall, do you approve, disapprove or have mixed feelings about the way George W. Bush is handling his job as president?

	Nov. 2004	Oct. 2004
Approve	51%	48%
Disapprove	48%	51%
Mixed feelings	1%	1%

Generally speaking, would you say things in this country are heading in the right direction, or are they off on the wrong track?

	Nov. 2004	Oct. 2004
Right direction	46%	41%
Wrong track	51%	56%
Not sure	3%	3%

Source: Ipsos / Associated Press
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,000 American adults, conducted from Nov. 3 to Nov. 5, 2004. Margin of error is 3.5 per cent.