But the Comeback Kid nevertheless managed to get re-elected. President Bush's ideological coherence has apparently impressed the American people. It's not a problem for the younger Bush. Bush has the same potential vulnerability his father had. If the economy goes into recession, people are likely to see him as a rich guy out of touch with ordinary Americans.
Republicans always run that risk when they elect Presidents born to wealth and privilege.
The President gets his top job-approval ratings on defense, foreign affairs, and education. His approval rating in all those areas is above 55 percent. The President's strong suit right now is foreign affairs. But it's also because of the new President's calm and firm resolution of the China standoff. His approach won the approval of 71 percent of Americans.