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Bush's Approval Rating Slips to 48%, Kerry Edges Out in Poll

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

President George W. Bush's approval rating has dipped to 48 percent, the lowest level since February 2001, according to the Newsweek poll. The poll also shows that if the election were held today, Democratic frontrunner Sen. John Kerry would win over Bush by 50 percent to 45 percent among registered voters. However, Bush would have clear wins over Democratic contenders Sen. John Edwards, former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, and retired General Wesley Clark.

In the Democratic nomination race, Kerry has strengthened his lead among Democrats and Democratic-leaning voters, with 48 percent of the vote, followed by Dean with 13 percent, Edwards with 10 percent, and Clark with 9 percent. Meanwhile, almost two-thirds of Democrats and Democratic-leaners say Kerry is their first or second choice, followed by Dean and Edwards.

The poll also reveals deep divisions among Americans on issues related to gay marriage and rights. While 58 percent of Americans believe that there should not be legally-sanctioned gay marriages, 45 percent say efforts to protect the rights of gays and lesbians have gone too far. However, when it comes to economic issues, a large majority (60%) says gay spouses should have health insurance and other employee benefits, and 87% say that there should be equal rights for gays and lesbians in terms of job opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Bush's approval rating has slipped to 48 percent, the lowest level since February 2001.
  • Democratic frontrunner Sen. John Kerry would win over Bush by 50 percent to 45 percent among registered voters if the election were held today.
  • Kerry has strengthened his lead among Democrats and Democratic-leaning voters in the Democratic nomination race, with 48 percent of the vote.
  • Almost two-thirds of Democrats and Democratic-leaners say Kerry is their first or second choice.
  • 58% of Americans believe that there should not be legally-sanctioned gay marriages.
  • 60% of Americans believe that gay spouses should have health insurance and other employee benefits.
  • 87% of Americans believe that there should be equal rights for gays and lesbians in terms of job opportunities.

Statistics:

  • 48%: President Bush's approval rating (lowest level since February 2001)
  • 50%: Sen. John Kerry's win over Bush among registered voters (if the election were held today)
  • 48%: Kerry's vote among Democrats and Democratic-leaning voters in the Democratic nomination race
  • 65%: Democrats and Democratic-leaners who say Kerry is their first or second choice
  • 58%: Americans who believe that there should not be legally-sanctioned gay marriages
  • 60%: Americans who believe that gay spouses should have health insurance and other employee benefits
  • 87%: Americans who believe that there should be equal rights for gays and lesbians in terms of job opportunities

Sources:

  • Newsweek poll (February 5-6, 2004)
  • Princeton Survey Research Associates (1,004 adults aged 18 and older)
  • Margin of error: plus or minus three percentage points
  • Published in the February 16 issue of Newsweek (on Newsstands Monday, February 9)

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