Reply #38: And you know, I don't really think the post 9-11 bump was ALL fake.

[Brotherjohn]

It was just based on very little information. Before 9-11, most people hadn't really made up their mind on what kind of president they thought he'd be.

The shock of 9-11 was definitely a big factor (pulling together and all) in his poll numbers skyrocketing. But in the immediate aftermath, Bush also SAID all the right things, and that helped him, too. Then again, it's hard not to say the right things in circumstances like that, and the people are eager to listen.

The decline since, however, has shown that his actions have not measured up to his words. The citizens have gotten wise to him.

Just as Bush has done with the entire country's reputation, he has squandered the good faith and support that the entire country threw his way in the aftermath of 9-11.