December 22, 2004

Abstract: (Angus Reid Consultants - CPOD Global Scan) - George W. Bush heads to his second-term with low numbers, according to a poll by TNS released by ABC News and the Washington Post. 48 per cent of respondents approve of the president's performance.

(Angus Reid Consultants - CPOD Global Scan) - George W. Bush heads to his second-term with low numbers, according to a poll by TNS released by ABC News and the Washington Post. 48 per cent of respondents approve of the president's performance.

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.

In December 2001—in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and during the first stages of the war on terrorism—Bush's approval rating in the United States stood at 86 per cent. In 2002, the American president closed the year at 66 per cent, and dropped to 59 per cent on the last month of 2003.

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

Polling Data

Do you approve or disapprove of George W. Bush's performance as president?

	Dec. 2004	Dec. 2003	Dec. 2002	Dec. 2001
Approve	48%	59%	66%	86%
Disapprove	49%	38%	32%	12%

Source: TNS / ABC News / Washington Post
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,004 American adults, conducted from Dec. 16 to Dec. 19, 2004. Margin of error is 3 per cent.