Credit:The White House

George W. Bush

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Fewer Americans are openly supporting George W. Bush, according to a poll by Gallup released by CNN and USA Today. 44 per cent of respondents approve of the president's performance, a five per cent drop in less than a week.

The current approval rating is the lowest for the sitting president in a national Gallup poll. Bush had his best showing in a survey conducted in late September 2001, where 90 per cent of respondents were satisfied with his performance.

Bush—a Republican—earned a second four-year term in the November 2004 presidential election. 40 per cent of respondents are satisfied with the way things are going in the country, a two per cent increase since June.

In August 2001, Bush cited ethical questions in his rationale to ban federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. In a nationally televised statement, the American president said, "While we're all hopeful about the potential of this research, no one can be certain that the science will live up to the hope it has generated."

Human stem cells come from embryos left over from in-vitro fertilization, which are habitually destroyed. These cells can develop into various tissues in the human body. Some scientists believe the research could be useful in the creation of new organs and in the treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Yesterday, Senate majority leader Bill Frist broke with the White House on the stem cell research issue, saying, "The limitations put in place in 2001 will, over time, slow our ability to bring potential new treatments for certain diseases. Therefore, I believe the president's policy should be modified."

Polling Data

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

In general, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way things are going in the United States at this time?

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