US News
Reuters/Zogby poll shows Bush at 24 per cent approval, congress is much worse
By Karyn Chenoweth Oct 17, 2007, 16:05 GMT
U.S. President George W. Bush speaks during a press conference in the the White House press briefing room in Washington DC USA on 17 October 2007. Bush will attend a ceremony at the US Capitol later today where the exiled Tibetan spirtual leader the Dalai Lama will be honored with a Congressional Gold Medal. EPA/MATTHEW CAVANAUGH
Deepening unhappiness with President George W. Bush and the U.S. Congress soured the mood of Americans and sent Bush's approval rating to another record low this month, according to a Reuters/Zogby poll released on Wednesday.
The Reuters/Zogby Index noted the number of Americans who believe the country is on the wrong track jumped four points to 66 percent.
Bush's job approval rating fell to 24 percent from last month's record low for a Zogby poll of 29 percent. A paltry 11 percent gave Congress a positive grade, tying last month's record low.
"There is a real question among Americans now about how relevant this government is to them," pollster John Zogby said. "They tell us they want action on health care, education, the war and immigration, but they don't believe they are going to get it."
The harsh assessment of the Republican president and the Democratic-controlled Congress follows another month of inconclusive political battles over a future path in Iraq and the recent Bush veto of an expansion of the program providing insurance for poor children.
The bleak mood will affect the upcoming elections, according to Zogby.
"Voter turnout could still be high next year, but the mood has turned against incumbents and into a 'throw the bums out' mindset," Zogby said.
A majority of Americans still rate their personal financial situation as excellent or good, although the number dipped slightly this month to 54 percent from 56 percent. In August, 59 percent rated their finances as excellent or good.
"Americans are still feeling good about a number of things in their lives, but not about the government's leadership," Zogby said. "They are giving up on this government."
