Record Low Approval Rating for Bush Amid Growing Concerns Over Corruption

Strategic Insights -

As the Iraq War, Hurricane Katrina, high gas prices, and the Supreme Court nomination dominate the public's attention, Americans are increasingly pessimistic about the country's direction, less supportive of President Bush's policies, and doubtful of his competence in appointing key officials. The Diageo/Hotline Poll found that 60% of Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, with only 26% thinking it is headed in the right direction. President Bush's job approval rating has also fallen to 41%, an eight-point drop since July and the lowest approval in the history of this poll.

Key Takeaways:

  • 60% of Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, with only 26% thinking it is headed in the right direction.
  • President Bush's job approval rating has fallen to 41%, an eight-point drop since July and the lowest approval in the history of this poll.
  • Most Americans think Bill Clinton did a better job appointing officials than George W. Bush (52% to 32%).
  • 47% of Americans think Bush chose Harriet Miers primarily because of personal ties, while only 15% thought she was chosen for her quality and experience.
  • By comparison, only 26% of Americans think Bush appointed John Roberts to the Supreme Court because of "personal ties."
  • Despite growing skepticism towards Bush, there has been no major shift in support for Congressional Democrats over the past three months.
  • Government corruption is also on Americans' minds, with over half of Americans thinking Tom DeLay did something "unethical" or "illegal" (55%).
  • Slightly more Americans think Congress is more likely to be corrupt than Wall Street (40% to 36%), but these views are polarized by party.
  • Americans also believe the risk of corruption varies by the government officials involved, with federal elected officials being more likely to be corrupt than local or state elected officials (24%, 18%, and 13%, respectively).
  • Tom DeLay has a rating of 16% favorable and 45% unfavorable, while Karl Rove has a rating of 16% favorable and 30% unfavorable.
  • Cindy Sheehan has a rating of 17% favorable and 25% unfavorable, and independents are split on her 18% favorable and 19% unfavorable.
  • Hillary Clinton has a rating of 56% favorable and 37% unfavorable overall, with an unfavorable rating of 31% among independents.

Statistics:

  • 60% of Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction.
  • 41% of Americans approve of President Bush's job performance.
  • 52% of Americans think Bill Clinton did a better job appointing officials than George W. Bush.
  • 47% of Americans think Bush chose Harriet Miers primarily because of personal ties.
  • 55% of Americans think Tom DeLay did something "unethical" or "illegal".
  • 40% of Americans think Congress is more likely to be corrupt than Wall Street.
  • 24% of Americans think federal elected officials are more likely to be corrupt.
  • 16% of Americans think Tom DeLay is favorable.
  • 16% of Americans think Karl Rove is favorable.
  • 17% of Americans think Cindy Sheehan is favorable.

Sources:

  • Diageo/Hotline Poll
  • Financial Dynamics
  • Ed Reilly
  • Ed Rollins
  • Chuck Todd
  • Rachel Fox
  • National Journal Group Inc.
  • The Hotline
  • PR Newswire

Note: The date of the poll is October 12-16, 2005, and the sample size was 500 registered voters. The results have a +/-4.4% error margin.