Bush's Approval Rating Hits New Low Amid Katrina Crisis

Washington - President Bush's approval rating has plummeted to an all-time low amid widespread discontent over the government's handling of Hurricane Katrina, the Iraq war, and economic concerns. A recent USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll reveals disturbing trends for the President, including his lowest ratings on key issues and a loss of support among independents and his own party.

Key Takeaways:

• Bush's approval rating for handling Katrina and the Iraq war has dropped to its lowest point yet in the USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll.
• A majority of Americans, 54%, believe that the best way to pay for hurricane relief is by cutting spending for the war, a stark contrast to Bush's proposal to cut domestic programs.
• Nearly two-thirds of those polled, 63%, say that some or all of the U.S. troops in Iraq should be withdrawn, with a record-high 59% stating that it was a mistake to invade Iraq.
• The President's standing declined even though 45% of Americans approve of his proposals to deal with Katrina, but 56% believe that he has taken steps to help victims for political reasons rather than because he genuinely cares about them.
• A record-high 66% of independent voters disapprove of Bush's job as President, with 4 in 5 wanting an independent panel to investigate the government's response to Katrina, rather than Congress.

Statistics:

• Overall approval rating for President Bush: 40%
• Disapproval rating for President Bush: 58%
• Americans who believe that it was a mistake to invade Iraq: 59%
• Americans who support cutting spending for the war to pay for hurricane relief: 54%
• Americans who want an independent panel to investigate the government's response to Katrina: 81% (calculated as 4 out of 5)
• Percentage of independents who disapprove of Trump's job as President: 66%

Sources:

• [USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll, Sept. 16-18, 818 adults]