President’s Poll Numbers Dropping

The latest poll data collected by Real Clear Politics show a sudden and sharp decline in President Bush’s approval ratings. The drop is consistent in polling beginning on February 10, and presumably represents a delayed reaction to weeks of antiwar protests, press criticism and attacks by Democrats. The Harris poll done between February 12 and February 16 shows only a 6 point positive margin; I haven’t checked, but assume this would be the smallest positive margin of Bush’s presidency.
How much of a concern this is depends, I think, on how soon Bush takes decisive action in Iraq. The slow approach we have been following for months now has allowed his support to bleed away under constant criticism. A successful campaign, launched very soon, will send his numbers back up. Further delay could be dangerous.