Right Now, Bush Only Has Terrorism and Education Going For Him

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Bush is handling (ITEM)?

4/18/04 - Summary Table*

Approve Disapprove No opinion
a. The economy 44 54 2
b. The situation in Iraq 45 54 1
c. Education 51 43 6
d. Social Security 41 51 8
e. The cost, availability and coverage
of health insurance 33 61 5
f. Taxes 48 49 3
g. Creating jobs 42 54 4
h. The US campaign against terrorism 63 35 2
i. The federal budget deficit 34 60 6
j. The issue of same-sex marriage 45 49 6
k. Prescription drug benefits for
the elderly 38 46 15

When people learn more about those he has nothing. A number of surprises in here: Disappoval of the way he handles same-sex marriage, drug benefits, taxes! Nearly all of Bush's negatives have been going up.

A major predictor of elections, peoples sense of the direction the country is headed, is 57% against Bush.

Funny how this poll was treated as great news for Bush.


Democracy Corps usies it own polling to point the way to Democratic victory.

There is tremendous power in messages centered on the economy, corporate excesses, citizenship and even foreign policy, but the strongest message centers on the aspiration to renew America. The country is desperate for a leader who will prioritize addressing America?s problems and creating a strong country. That message has the capacity
to encompass all of the powerful themes that are moving voters to want change. The message takes the Democrats back in the lead, even when voters hear an attack on Kerry for being out of the mainstream, centered on crime, taxes, welfare and gay marriage.

The message:

We need to recommit ourselves to building a strong America. For sure, that means a strong military and commitment to battle terrorists. But it also means prioritizing our own country. Rather than a go it-alone foreign policy that requires American taxpayers rebuilding Iraq alone, we should be devoting more resources to our own education, health care and retirement. Companies should not be rewarded when they relocate abroad or outsource jobs to India. We should reward companies that create jobs in America. We should renew our commitment to a strong America.

It is important that this message be aspirational and optimistic about the future, particularly as Bush lacks vision for the future, according to the public. Voters want change and renewal. - pdf.