February 25, 2002
Bush Overall Job Approval Rating Drops as Undecideds Increase with Concerns Over the Economy
Although 76% of Americans say that they feel hopeful or happy about George W. Bush as president, his overall job approval has dropped to 62% from 74% in January according to a new survey conducted by the American Research Group. Those saying that they disapprove of the way Bush is handling his job has also decreased, from 21% in January to 18% in the latest survey, as Americans undecided about the way Bush is handling his job has increased from 5% in January to 20% in the latest survey. The increase in the undecided comes from those rating their personal financial situations as very good or good, but who believe that their personal financial situations will not improve because of the recession. Almost half (46%) of the 23% saying the national economy is getting worse and almost one-quarter (22%) of the 40% saying the economy is staying the same are undecided about the way Bush is handling his job. Of the 35% of Americans saying the economy is getting better, 92% approve of the way Bush is handling his job and 7% disapprove. (...)