December 26, 2004

Abstract: (Angus Reid - CPOD Global Scan) - George W. Bush keeps a steady level of public support in the United States, according to a poll by American Research Group. 50 per cent of respondents approve of the president's performance, a one per cent drop since November.

(Angus Reid - CPOD Global Scan) - George W. Bush keeps a steady level of public support in the United States, according to a poll by American Research Group. 50 per cent of respondents approve of the president's performance, a one per cent drop since November.

In American elections, candidates require 270 votes in the Electoral College to win the White House. On Nov. 2, Republican incumbent Bush earned a second term after securing 286 electoral votes from 31 states.

Bush's numbers were also stable on the financial side. 44 per cent of respondents approve of how Bush is handling the economy, a one per cent drop in a month.

On Dec. 20, Bush outlined his financial plans for the next year, saying, "There's more we must do to keep this economy flexible, innovative and competitive in the world. In a time of change, we must reform systems that were created to meet the needs of another era."

Polling Data

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

	Dec. 2004	Nov. 2004	Oct. 2004
Approve	50%	51%	45%
Disapprove	45%	43%	47%

Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling the economy?

	Dec. 2004	Nov. 2004	Oct. 2004
Approve	44%	45%	40%
Disapprove	50%	50%	53%

Source: American Research Group
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,100 American adults, conducted from Dec. 17 to Dec. 20, 2004. Margin of error is 3 per cent.