Ipsos-Public Affairs/Cook Political Report Poll: As War Progresses, Bush Approval Soars

Between March 18-20, 2003, and April 1-3, 2003, Ipsos-Public Affairs interviewed for the Cook Political Report a representative sample of 2,030 adult Americans nationwide, including 1,592 registered voters. The margin of error for the combined surveys is +/-2.2% for all adults, +/-2.5% for registered voters. Washington, D.C. -- In interviews with 1,592 registered voters conducted March 18-20, 2003, and April 1-3, 2003, the Ipsos-Public Affairs/Cook Political Report Poll finds continued improvement in Presidential approval.

• A majority (54%) of registered voters say the country is heading in the right direction, while 39% say the country is on the wrong track.
• In the most recent poll, 63% of registered voters approve of the way George W. Bush is handling his job as President, as compared to 56% in interviews conducted March 4-20, 2003.

Presidential Job Approval is sharply divided along party lines, and except on issues related to the war in Iraq, among self-identified Independents, a majority fail to support President Bush.

• 46% of Independents say the country is on the wrong track; 44% say the country is heading in the right direction.

• 49% of Independents disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling the economy; only 42% approve.

• 54% of Independents disapprove of President Bush's job performance on other domestic issues; only 39% approve.

• 30% of Independents disapprove of President Bush's handling of foreign policy issues and the war on terrorism, 60% approve.

• 34% of Independents say that if the election were held today, they would definitely vote for someone else; 30% of Independents would consider voting for someone else; 30% of Independents would definitely vote for George W. Bush.

For more information on this release, please contact: Thomas Riehle President Ipsos-Public Affairs 202.463.7300