Its the economy stupid

Bush's lowest marks came for his handling of the economy; 45%
approved, and 51% disapproved.

The weakness on economic matters extended to the president's
Republican Party, which controls Congress.

Americans said they trust Democrats to do a better job than
Republicans in handling economic issues.

On the economy generally, Democrats had a 17-point advantage,
53%-36%.

That was a stark change from a 43%-42% GOP edge in January.

Asked who they thought could better deal with the federal budget
deficit, poll respondents also chose Democrats by 50%-37%.

The party held an even greater advantage, 54%-35%, on the issue
of
unemployment.

The jobless rate rose to 6.4% in June, the highest in nine
years.

Democrats held the edge, as well, on handling prescription drug
coverage for older Americans (53%-31%), and on education
(49%-37%).


From USA TODAY, 7/21/03:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washing...oll-usat_x.htm

President's approval rating drops in poll

By Jim Drinkard, USA TODAY

WASHINGTON --

The sluggish economy and the continuing daily threat to U.S.
forces in
Iraq have taken a toll on President Bush's public standing,
according
to a USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll.

The president's approval rating fell to 59%, its lowest level
since
March, in a sounding of 1,003 adults taken over the weekend.

The error of margin was +/-3 percentage points.