Why 7 It is first apparent that those who approve of Bush s performance are somewhat less likely to speak in very specific terms than are those who disapprove. The common responses, used by about one-fifth each of those who approve of the job Bush is doing, are a general sense of satisfaction, the perception that his administration is balanced, and positive reactions to his cabinet appointments. Those who feel strongly enough to tell an interviewer that they disapprove of the president s job performance are more likely to have developed specific reasons for their position at this point. Over half of those who disapprove of Bush s job performance cite aspects of the policy positions he has taken, including mentions of his tax plan, foreign, environmental, and economic policies. Five percent say that they disapprove because they think that Bush is not knowledgeable.
History provides little guidance.
It didn t take long, however for a sour economy and the recession to depress his ratings. The economic outlook for Bush is not favorable at this point, given the depressed economic indicators that Gallup polls have picked up over the past several months. Gallup polling also suggests that Americans are unlikely to respond very positively to either a tax cut, if it is passed by Congress, or the prospect of campaign finance reform. Neither are high priorities for Americans. To Americans, the key domestic issues in addition to the economy are Social Security, healthcare and education.