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Bush Approval Ratings Plummet Amid 9-11 Commission Criticism

Strategic Insights

— 3 min read

Following former counterterrorism chief Richard Clarke's scathing testimony at the 9-11 Commission hearings, President George W. Bush's approval ratings have seen a significant drop. A recent Newsweek poll revealed that 57 percent of Americans now disapprove of Bush's handling of terrorism and homeland security, down from 65 percent in the previous week. Despite this, a majority of Americans (65%) say that Clarke's testimony has not affected their opinion of Bush. The impact of Clarke's testimony has been a subject of debate, with 50 percent believing he is motivated by personal and political reasons, while 25 percent think he is a dedicated public servant.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bush's approval ratings on terrorism and homeland security have dropped from 65 percent to 57 percent, with 38 percent disapproving.
  • 65 percent of Americans believe Clarke's testimony has not affected their opinion of Bush, while 17 percent say it has made them less favorable and 10 percent more favorable.
  • 50 percent believe Clarke is motivated by personal and political reasons, while 25 percent think he is a dedicated public servant.
  • A majority of Americans (65%) believe the Clinton administration did not take terrorism seriously enough, while 61 percent think the Bush administration has taken it as seriously as it should.
  • 43 percent blame both administrations equally for not preventing the 9-11 attacks, with 24 percent blaming the Clinton administration more and 17 percent blaming the Bush administration more.
  • 44 percent of Americans want Bush to testify before the 9-11 Commission in public, while 47 percent want Condoleeza Rice to testify in public.
  • Almost half of those polled (47%) believe the attention given to Iraq has not distracted the administration from fighting terrorism.
  • 46 percent of Americans believe the US has not done all it can to prevent future terrorist attacks.
  • 55 percent of Americans support the US involvement in Iraq, but 41 percent believe it has increased the risk of a future terrorist attack.
  • Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry would narrowly defeat Bush in a two-way match-up, but the margin is a statistical dead-heat.
  • Bush's disapproval rating has risen to 45 percent, with 50 percent of registered voters saying they would not like to see him re-elected.
  • Voters also disapprove of Bush's handling of health care (58%), the economy (54%), Iraq (50%), and taxes (49%).
  • 51 percent of voters have a favorable opinion of Bush, while the same number have a favorable opinion of Kerry.
  • When asked to describe Bush, majorities say he has strong leadership qualities (62%), is personally likeable (65%), and says what he believes (61%).
  • Less than half (46%) say Bush cares about people like them, compared to 51 percent for Kerry.
  • 34 percent say Bush is too conservative, while 38 percent say Kerry is too liberal.

Statistics:

  • 57% of Americans disapprove of Bush's handling of terrorism and homeland security (down from 65% in the previous week).
  • 65% of Americans believe Clarke's testimony has not affected their opinion of Bush.
  • 50% believe Clarke is motivated by personal and political reasons, while 25% think he is a dedicated public servant.
  • 65% believe the Clinton administration did not take terrorism seriously enough.
  • 61% believe the Bush administration has taken terrorism as seriously as it should.
  • 43% blame both administrations equally for not preventing the 9-11 attacks.
  • 44% want Bush to testify before the 9-11 Commission in public.
  • 47% want Condoleeza Rice to testify in public.
  • 47% believe the attention given to Iraq has not distracted the administration from fighting terrorism.
  • 46% believe the US has not done all it can to prevent future terrorist attacks.
  • 55% support US involvement in Iraq.
  • 41% believe US involvement in Iraq has increased the risk of a future terrorist attack.
  • 45% of registered voters would like to see Bush re-elected.
  • 51% of voters have a favorable opinion of Bush.
  • 51% of voters have a favorable opinion of Kerry.
  • 62% say Bush has strong leadership qualities.
  • 65% say Bush is personally likeable.
  • 61% say Bush says what he believes.

Sources:

  • Newsweek Poll, March 25-26, 2004
  • Princeton Survey Research Associates International
  • http://www.newsweek.msnbc.com/ (accessed March 29, 2004)

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