Ipsos-Reid/Cook Political Report: Presidential Approval Softens Slightly, But Remains Strong Overall

Washington, DC - In Ipsos-Cook Political Report surveys conducted since January, 2002, President Bush's job approval rating has shown a modest decline - down from a high of 77% approval in the combined first quarter results (Jan-Feb) to 73% approval in the most recent combined April data (April 12-14 and April 19-21). More telling is the drop in intensity of approval seen over the same time period. In the first quarter, the majority of registered voters (50%) "strongly approved" of Bush's job performance. In the most recent April data, that level of support has dropped to 43%. The intensity of those saying they "strongly disapprove", however, has not risen accordingly - in the first quarter of 2002 only 7% of registered voters strongly disapproved of the job the President was doing, by April, 9% strongly disapproved.

Bush continues to receive high marks for his handling of the economy, 64% approve of his performance in this area, down just slightly from 66% in the first quarter. Yet he continues to hold a 2-to-1 margin among those responding favorably to his handling of the economy (28% strongly approve, 4% strongly disapprove). His marks for handling domestic issues, like health care, education, the environment and energy follow a similar trajectory, in the first quarter 66% approved of his handling of domestic issues, 57% approve today. The margin between strong approval and strong disapproval is much narrower here, however, 23% strongly approve, while 17% disapprove.

Bush's biggest decline on specific job measures is on his handling of foreign policy and the war on terrorism. His first quarter approval rating was an unprecedented 83% approve, with 59% strongly approving of his performance in this area. His foreign policy approval ratings is now at 75%, and for the first time, those who strongly approve have fallen below majority support (48% strongly approve). Although his overall job performance rating and his foreign policy approval rating in particular have declined, all indicators of his performance remain strikingly high.

Bush's strong standing is reflected in his continued support among voters. In the first quarter of 2002, the majority of registered voters (54%) said they would "definitely vote to re-elect Bush as President; only one in five voters (20%) said they would "definitely vote for someone else." Those percentages remain almost exactly the same today - 52% now say they would definitely vote to re-elect Bush; 21% now say they would definitely vote for someone else. Voters in play - those who say they would consider voting for someone else remain constant at 24%.

For more information on this release, please contact: Thomas Riehle President Ipsos Public Affairs 202.463.7300 [email protected]