Bush's (*) ratings slip at crucial point of campaign (USA TODAY)

[Snazzy]

Bush's ratings slip at crucial point of campaign
By Susan Page, USA TODAY

WASHINGTON — President Bush, who started the year with formidable poll ratings, is sliding into troubled territory.

In January, Bush's job-approval rating was higher in the USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll than that of any recent president at that point in his first term; the public was optimistic about the future. Those two measures are the most accurate predictors of whether presidents win re-election.

But in May, his approval rating has dipped below 50%, and the public has become more pessimistic. This spring, he's closer to presidents who lost their bids for second terms.

...

But Bush is scoring some of the lowest ratings of his presidency at a key moment. Nearly two-thirds of Americans say they are paying close attention to the campaign. Bush aides have said voters' impressions of the president and challenger John Kerry would begin to set in May and June.

....

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2004-05-06-bush-ratings_x.htm?csp=15

[NewYorkerfromMass]

1. Bush is almost sure to lose- he's right on the edge now:

"Since Harry Truman, presidents who have won re-election have had job approval ratings of at least 52% at this point. Those who lost had ratings no better than 47% in May. Bush's rating is now 49%-48%...."

[goclark]

3. Do we have any data

on Presidents that have stolen elections when their poll numbers are low at this point in the game?

I just don't trust this bunch.
They will do ANYTHING!

[beyurslf]

4. Which doesn't mean he is sure to lose....

It just means is sure to change the "Since Truman line..."

Will it be since Truman no President has won re-election with approvals below 50% in May (ie Bush at 48-49)?

OR

Will it be since Truman no President has lost re-election with approval ratings above 48% in May (ie Bush at 48-49)?

Either could be true now.

[belle]

2. Ahhh....

[cliss]

5. I just don't see how he can make a comeback

at this point. Time is rapidly approaching the November election. Time is not on his side. In the meantime, his Coterie of Clowns are continually fucking up the works in the White House. He's constantly either defending himself or some fool he hired.

If I was George, I'd be looking for the Jack Daniels right now.

[The_Casual_Observer]

6. Nothing would be better for the psyche of this country

than to cleanse itself of the stench of this SOTUS imposed dictatorship with a landslide election. It would show unity and resolve.

[notbush]

7. I'm worried about Kerry's negatives

Polls are showing JFK with about a 40% negative rating....that is very high for a challenger at this point in a campaign.

[Neshanic]

8. But he's "earned" it. That blabber out of him should be a commercial

[dusty64]

9. Decent news deserves

a :kick:

[Eurobabe]

10. keep up the pressure, 43 is inept,

incompetent, and in over his head. Bu$h is a "stain" on the fabric of America. I want this f*cker OUT!!!!

[GCP]

11. It's about frikkin' time

What does it take to wake America up? I hope people are finally taking notice of what the squatter has brought us to.

[July]

12. Ah, impressions will set in May and June.

And if they don't, they'll set in July and August.

Bush aides say everything's cool, we're right where we're supposed to be, not to worry, good times are coming, they're just not here yet.

Yep, move along now.

Hey, George: We're not buying what you're selling.