The latest
AP-Ipsos poll is out and George Bush's numbers continue to nosedive:
The survey, conducted Monday through Wednesday of 1,000 people, found that just 37 percent approve of his overall performance. That is the lowest of his presidency.
And apparently fewer Americans want to have a beer with our fearless leader:
Personally, far fewer Americans consider Bush likable, honest, strong and dependable than they did just after his re-election campaign.
Before continuing with more good numbers and humorous rationales from GOP spokesmen, perhaps we should spend a moment once again wondering why...why in the hell anyone ever thought Bush was likable, honest, strong...
The article carries the now standard comment about various Republicans distancing themselves from Bush, particularly those up for reelection or considering an '08 presidential run. Says Senator Sam "rightwing whack-a-doodle" Brownback:
"People have seen and heard (Bush's) ideas long enough and that enters into their thinking. People are kind of, `Well, I wonder what other people can do.'"
Sure, Sam. Bush is doing a bang-up job but people are just bored...looking for a change of pace. I'm sure that explains why support among Republicans has dropped from 82% to 74%, with the biggest drop being among white men. And Bush's numbers overall?
On issues, Bush's approval rating declined from 39 percent to 36 percent for his handling of domestic affairs and from 47 percent to 43 percent on foreign policy and terrorism. His approval ratings for dealing with the economy and Iraq held steady, but still hovered around 40 percent.
Considering that nearly 4 out 5 Americans believe Iraq is heading towards civil war, I would expect the last number to drop soon too.
And how does the GOP as a whole fare?
Two-thirds of the public disapproves of how the GOP-led Congress is handling its job and a surprising 53 percent of Republicans give Congress poor marks.
By a 47-36 margin, people favor Democrats over Republicans when they are asked who should control Congress.
But is the GOP worried? Heck no! As Ken Mehlmen babbled:
"While I don't dispute the fact that we have challenges in the current environment politically, I also believe 2006 as a choice election offers Republicans an opportunity if we make sure the election is framed in a way that will keep our majorities in the House and the Senate."
I'm not sure what a choice election is, but that sounds like the GOP intends to rely on their usual playbook...lies, smears, fear-mongering and flag-waving. But it seems less and less likely that it will work this time.