Bush Poll Results Grim

The latest Newsweek poll results are very bad for President Bush. Approval rating down to 51%; 46% approval of his handling of the Iraq situation; 56% disapproval of his economic policies; Democratic contenders polling much closer. I haven’t seen the original data, but these numbers, as reported, are consistent with the idea that the pounding Bush has taken over the summer is only now sinking into the consciousness of most voters. I still think, despite the optimism voiced by many readers, that it is likely that no matter what happens during the next year, the establishment simply won’t allow President Bush to be re-elected. His only chance, I suspect, is to pull the rabbit out of the hat on the weapons of mass destruction. Failing that, I’m afraid he will bleed all the way to the finish line.