More Poll Data

The Washington Post headlines the most recent Post/ABC News data “Domestic Issues Hurt Bush in Poll,” and its spin is mostly negative. But the President’s approval rating of 58%, compared to 39% disapproval, is very healthy. And 51% approve of his handling of the economy, up from 45% in August. Support for the administration’s Iraq policy also remains solid.
What is most interesting to me is that President Bush is clearly suffering from dissatisfaction among conservatives. His rating on the prescription drug issue has actually dropped, and respondents disapprove of his immigration policies by 56% to 34%. The poll’s most surprising finding is that only 24% of Republican respondents say they are “enthusiastic” about Bush’s policies. The president’s swing to the center on domestic issues appears to have displeased his base without bringing any compensating support from other quarters.