Ipsos/Cook Political Report Poll: Approval of Bush's Job Performance Slipping, Especially With Older Voters

Between June 17-19, 2003, and July 8-10, 2003, Ipsos-Public Affairs interviewed for the Cook Political Report a representative sample of 2,000 adult Americans nationwide, including 1,531 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 1,531 registered voters conducted June 17-19, 2003, and July 8-10, 2003, the Ipsos-Public Affairs/Cook Political Report Poll finds overall support for President George W. Bush still strong among older and younger voters, but down substantially from an April peak during the Iraq war. However, on specific aspects of job approval not related to foreign affairs, Bush is faring much worse, especially among voters age 50 and older. Historically, the attitudes of voters age 50 and older are particularly important because voter turnout increases dramatically over age 50. Overall Approval Is Still Strong Since Peaking During The War In Iraq

• During the war with Iraq, job approval for George W. Bush surged.
  • In late April, 2003, the net difference between those who said they approved of the way Bush was handling his job as President and those who disapproved was +33 overall, and +28 among Americans age 50 or older.
• While approval has declined somewhat since the end of the shooting war in Iraq, overall job approval for George W. Bush remains strong.
  • In the most recent Ipsos-Public Affairs/Cook Political Report Poll, 59% of registered voters said they approved of the way George W. Bush was handling his job as President, and 55% of Americans age 50 or older said they approved of the way George W. Bush was handling his job as President.

Job Approval On Economy Has Dropped Substantially Among Voters Age 50 And Older When it comes to handling the economy, older Americans are significantly more likely to disapprove of the job Bush is doing.

• During the war in Iraq, a majority (54%) approved of Bush's handling of the economy; today, barely half (50%) still approve of Bush's handling of the economy.
• However, among respondents age 50 and older, a majority now disapprove of the way Bush is handling the economy.

Voters Age 50 And Older Also Disapprove Of Bush's Handling Of Domestic Issues On domestic issues like health care, education, the environment and energy, Americans age 50 or older currently disapprove of the job George W. Bush is doing.

• During the war in Iraq, a majority (53%) approved of Bush's handling of domestic issues. Now voters are split, 49% approve and 47% disapprove.
• Among voters age 50 and older, a majority now disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling domestic issues.
  • Among older Americans, the overall net change from the peak during the war in Iraq to the present is -13.

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