Poll Watch
Bush Approval Rating Hits 40% in Gallup Poll
By Jim Roberts
Jul 12, 2006

Bush supporters probably never believed they would welcome a 40% approval rating for the president but that is likely what many of them are doing.  President George W. Bush climbed out of the 30 percent range for the first time since early this year and now sits at the forty-percent mark according to Gallup.

Bush Approval Rating Hits 40%

Gallup reports on its web site that the July 6-9 poll finds 40% of Americans approving and 55% disapproving of the job Bush is doing as president.

After averaging 42% approval in January and early February, Bush's ratings began to decline in mid-February, ultimately dropping to his administration's low point of 31% in early May, Gallup reports on its web site. 

Since that time, Bush's approval ratings have shown a slow, gradual improvement.

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The bounce is coming from expected corners as the president has been able to get some of his base back on his side. 

The poll shows that the  "president's job approval ratings currently stand at 78% among Republicans, 36% among independents, and lower still among Democrats, at 10%. In early May, Bush's average support was 68% among Republicans, 26% among independents, and 4% among Democrats."

Gallup concludes that his improved public standing has been mainly due to higher ratings by Republicans and independents.

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CBS News recalls that last week, Mr. Bush told Larry King that he does not follow polls, nor does he allow them to dictate his decision-making.

"It's easy to lose resolve if you made decisions based upon polls," Mr. Bush said. "If you make decisions based upon what you believe in your heart of hearts, you stay resolved."

Full poll is here at Gallup.

--Jim Roberts