Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

President's approval ratings on upswing

WASHINGTON - President Bush's improved standing with whites, men, Catholics and other core supporters has helped push his job approval rating up to 42 percent. That's the highest level since summer.

Shifting into campaign mode to reverse a slide in public opinion polls, Bush has boosted his support among key constituency groups - particularly in the Northeast and West - on his handling of Iraq and the economy, an AP-Ipsos poll found.

"Now it's not a one-sided debate," said Republican pollster Ed Goeas, citing Bush's recent speeches on the health of the economy and the high stakes in Iraq. "You have a message getting out there in a much more positive way."

Bush improved his job approval rating from 37 percent in November to 42 percent now, though his standing with the public remains relatively low.

Bush spent much of the year pushing for a Social Security plan that went nowhere, and he was put on the defensive in September and October over the government response to Hurricane Katrina.

Those factors combined with Iraq and the price of gasoline hitting $3 a gallon left the president with sagging ratings.

Now, gas prices have eased, and Bush has been barnstorming the country to tout a stronger economy and progress in Iraq.

A recent report noted that the nation added 215,000 jobs in November, and Bush said Monday that "the best days are yet to come for the American economy."

He has been touting new strength for both Iraq's troops and economy, while acknowledging difficulties.

[Last modified December 10, 2005, 00:52:07]