December 14, 2004

Abstract: (Angus Reid - CPOD) Dec. 14, 2004 - George W. Bush remains an unpopular head of state in some countries around the world, according to a poll by Ipsos-Public Affairs released by the Associated Press. At least 48 per cent of respondents in eight nations have an unfavourable opinion of the United States president.

(Angus Reid - CPOD) Dec. 14, 2004 - George W. Bush remains an unpopular head of state in some countries around the world, according to a poll by Ipsos-Public Affairs released by the Associated Press. At least 48 per cent of respondents in eight nations have an unfavourable opinion of the United States president.

In Germany, France and Spain, at least 70 per cent of respondents viewed Bush negatively. Conversely, in Australia, Italy, Canada and Britain, more than 30 per cent of respondents had a positive assessment of the U.S. president.

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

In the eight countries surveyed, U.S. citizens ranked higher than the head of state. 80 per cent of Canadians had a favourable opinion of Americans, while only 33 per cent of Mexicans concurred.

Polling Data

Do you have a favourable or unfavourable opinion of U.S. president George W. Bush?

	Favourable	Unfavourable
United States	57%	42%
Australia	40%	55%
Italy	38%	53%
Canada	32%	64%
Britain	30%	64%
Mexico	25%	48%
Spain	19%	70%
France	19%	74%
Germany	17%	78%

Do you have a favourable or unfavourable opinion of Americans?

	Favourable	Unfavourable
Canada	80%	18%
Australia	69%	26%
Britain	60%	34%
Italy	56%	34%
France	41%	52%
Germany	41%	53%
Spain	35%	49%
Mexico	33%	43%

Source: Ipsos-Public Affairs / Associated Press
Methodology: Interviews to 1,000 adults in Australia, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain and the United States, conducted from Nov. 19 to Nov. 27, 2004. Margin of error is 3 per cent.