AP: Bush ratings boosted...

[question everything]

Bush ratings boosted by rising support from men, whites, Catholics as he shifts into campaign mode

By Will Lester
ASSOCIATED PRESS

December 9, 2005

WASHINGTON – President Bush's improved standing with whites, men, Catholics and other core supporters has been a key factor in pushing his job approval rating up to 42 percent. That's the highest level since summer.

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Bush improved his job approval rating from 37 percent in November to 42 percent now, though his standing with the public remains relatively low. Fifty-seven percent still disapprove, down from 61.

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Now, gas prices have eased, and Bush has been barnstorming the country to tout a stronger economy and claim progress in Iraq. A recent report noted that the nation added 215,000 jobs in November, and Bush declared on Monday that "the best days are yet to come for the American economy."

On Iraq, he's halfway through a series of four speeches outlining – in the words of a huge banner behind him at one event – the administration's "Plan for Victory" in Iraq. He has been claiming new strength for both Iraq's troops and economy, while acknowledging difficulties caused by continuing violence.

The most important goal of the Iraq speeches is to shore up intensity of support with his Republican base, said Gary Jacobson, a political scientist at the University of California-San Diego. "If he restores the strong support of Republicans, he can ride out the rest of the term and keep Republican politicians on his side as well," Jacobson said.

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