AP poll shows approval rises for Bush, economy
More people are feeling more secure about their jobs, the poll found.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush is getting good marks on the economy from a clear majority of the public at a time when consumer confidence has risen to its highest levels since early 2002, an Associated Press poll finds.
People are increasingly optimistic about the economy in the next six months and feeling more secure about their jobs, according to the poll conducted for the AP by Ipsos-Public Affairs. The uptick in Bush's rating comes on an issue certain to be central to the 2004 presidential campaign.
In all, 55 percent of registered voters said they approve of Bush's handling of the economy and 43 percent disapproved, according to the survey. That is Bush's best number on this measure in Ipsos polls since the third quarter of 2002, though he briefly came close to this level -- at 52 percent -- last July.
A month ago, 46 percent approved and 51 percent disapproved of Bush on the economy.
In the new survey, 23 percent said they strongly approve of Bush's handling of the economy, 19 percent said they somewhat approve and 13 percent initially reported mixed feelings but leaned toward approval.
The public's overall feelings on the economy have risen steadily over the past few months.
"Confidence has improved sharply since the spring, when we were all worried about the war with Iraq," said Mark Zandi, chief economist with Economy.com.