Daily Research News Online no. 3075 - Bush Cabinet Ratings Still Falling

Bush Cabinet Ratings Still Falling

April 23 2004

Job ratings for President Bush and the major members of his cabinet have fallen to their lowest levels yet, according to the Harris Poll. However, neither the democrats nor Senator John Kerry in particular appear to be benefiting at present, with voting intentions suggesting a very close result.

Three key figures have seen their positive ratings overtaken by their negative since thelast poll in February. President Bush is down to 48% positive, 51% negative, the worst ratings of his presidency; Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld's ratings have fallen to 45% positive, 47% negative from 50% positive, 43% negative in February and Attorney General John Ashcroft's ratings have fallen to 40% positive, 45% negative compared to 44% positive, 42% negative in February.

Vice President Dick Cheney's ratings remain the lowest of the main figures, falling to 36% positive, 52% negative, compared to 41% positive, 48% negative in February. Secretary of State Colin Powell's remain the highest at 63% positive, 31% negative, but these are also his worst ratings since he took office.

Of all the presidents going back to Lyndon Johnson, only President George H. W. Bush and President James Carter had worse ratings in April before their re-election bid. All three of the presidents who won re-election - President Nixon, President Reagan, President Clinton - enjoyed somewhat or much better ratings in April of their re-election years.


President Bush And His Predecessors Job Rating In April Before Re-Election Campaign

President	Date	Positive	Negative	Not Sure
George W. Bush	April 2004	48	51	1
Clinton**	April 1996	52	47	*
George H. W. Bush	April 1992	37	62	1
Reagan**	April 1984	61	39	*
Carter	April 1980	36	63	1
Ford	April 1976	37	60	3
Nixon**	April 1972	50	46	4
Johnson	April 1968	57	43	-
* = Less than 0.5 percent.
** Re-elected.

The issues which are seen to be most important by the largest numbers of people are either the economy or are related to national security and the war on terrorism. The economy still tops the list at 28%, but 'the war' has returned to top of mind for many Americans (20%), while military and defense issues (7%) and homeland security (6%) are also mentioned by substantial numbers of people. Other issues high on the list are jobs / employment (15%), health care (9%) and education (6%).

"If the next presidential election were held today between George W. Bush for the Republicans, John Kerry for the Democrats and Ralph Nader as an Independent, for whom would you most likely vote?"

Table 1 - Bush vs. Kerry
	Total	Registered to Vote	Likely Voter
	0%	0%	0%
George Bush	43	45	46
John Kerry	43	43	43
Ralph Nader	9	8	8
None of these	2	2	1
Not sure/Refused	2	2	2
Bush Lead	-	2	3
NOTE: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding.
Base: All Adults

Table 2 - Positive Ratings Trends Since 9/11/01: Summary
Base: All Adults
POSITIVE RATINGS	Soon After 9/11	Feb 2003	April 2003	Aug 2003	Oct 2003	Dec 2003	Feb 2004	April 2004
President George Bush	88%	52%	70%	57%	59%	50%	51%	48%
Secretary of State Colin Powell	88%	76%	81%	72%	70%	74%	65%	63%
Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld	78%	56%	71%	55%	47%	57%	50%	45%
Attorney General John Ashcroft	65%	51%	57%	48%	42%	51%	44%	40%
Vice President Dick Cheney	69%	45%	55%	42%	42%	42%	41%	36%
Republicans in Congress	67%	43%	52%	41%	40%	37%	40%	35%
Democrats in Congress	68%	38%	39%	30%	34%	28%	33%	32%
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist	NA	37%	39%	32%	29%	28%	31%	26%
House Speaker Dennis Hastert	52%	33%	41%	29%	29%	24%	26%	25%
Note: (NA) = Not Applicable

979 Americans aged 18+ were interviewed by telephone between April 8 and 15. More details and trend tables are available from Harris Interactive, whose web site is at www.harrisinteractive.com

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.