The Associated Press has released the results of a poll they conducted Dec. 6–8. Here’s a quick summary of the results:
How is George W. Bush handling his job as president?
Approve 51% Disapprove 47% Mixed feelings 2%
Handling the economy?
Approve 48% Disapprove 51% Mixed feelings 1%
Handling domestic issues?
Approve 48% Disapprove 50% Mixed feelings 2%
Handling the war on terror?
Approve 53% Disapprove 45% Mixed feelings 1%
Handling the situation in Iraq?
Approve 48% Disapprove 50% Mixed feelings 2%
In addition, only 43% of respondents said “things in this country are heading in the right direction,” as opposed to 52% who said they were headed in the wrong direction. That 43% is down from 46% who said things were headed in the right direction in a similar AP poll conducted in early November.
Finally, when asked about the likelihood of a stable, democratic government being established in Iraq, only 9% said it is very likely. 38% say it is somewhat likely, 32% not too likely, and 19% went with “not at all likely.” For those of you playing along at home, that makes 51% who say the odds are not so good, versus 47% who say the odds are in favor of a stable, democratic Iraq.
So, let’s see— How’s the President doing? On Iraq? Not so good. On domestic issues? Well, not so good there, either. The economy? Yeah, he’s tanking on that one, too. Nonetheless, we still think he’s doing a good job on handling terrorism, and by a non-insignificant margin, so even though we think the country is headed in the wrong direction, we still like how he’s handling his job.