November 17, 2004

Abstract: (CPOD) Nov. 17, 2004 - George W. Bush keeps a low approval rating in the United States, according to a poll by Zogby International. 48 per cent of respondents have a positive view of the president's performance.

(CPOD) Nov. 17, 2004 - George W. Bush keeps a low approval rating in the United States, according to a poll by Zogby International. 48 per cent of respondents have a positive view of the president's performance.

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

Since his re-election, Bush has made several cabinet changes. Last week, the president nominated White House counsel Alberto Gonzales to take over from John Ashcroft as the country's attorney general. Yesterday, Bush tapped national security advisor Condoleezza Rice as state secretary after the resignation of Colin Powell.

The Senate must confirm the president's nominations. 47 per cent of respondents say the country is headed in the right direction. Bush will be sworn in for his second four-year term on Jan. 20, 2005.

Polling Data

Do you have a positive or negative view of George W. Bush's performance as president?

Positive	48%
Negative	51%
Undecided	1%

Do you think the country is headed on the right direction, or is on the wrong track?

Right direction	47%
Wrong track	44%
Undecided	9%

Source: Zogby International
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 987 likely American voters, conducted on Nov. 12 and Nov. 13, 2004. Margin of error is 3.2 per cent.