I thought it’d be nice to end the week with some good news — the latest poll results from the American Research Group.
First, the results on Bush’s job performance. Overall, Bush’s approval rating stands at 45%, the smallest support he’s garnered in an ARG poll since taking office. Likewise, 48% disapprove, the highest this has been in Bush’s presidency.
Bush’s numbers are even worse when you narrow the field down to Americans registered to vote. With this group, which is arguably more important since unregistered people tend not to participate on Election Day, Bush’s approval rating is down to a stunning 43%. Not exactly the kind of numbers that will help win an election.
And speaking of the election, Bush is still trailing Kerry by a healthy margin.
In a head-to-head match-up, Kerry leads Bush 50%-43%. Just as importantly, among self-identified independents, Kerry’s lead is even bigger, 51%-42%.
When you-know-who is included in the race, creating a three-way match-up, Kerry’s lead shrinks, but not by much (Kerry 48%, Bush 42%, Nader 2%).
No wonder Bush is going negative at such an incredibly early date; he doesn’t have a choice.