It's the economy, stupid

The latest Pew Research Center poll has more bad news for the president: only 43 percent of Americans approve of Bush's handling of the economy. 48 percent disapprove.

Perhaps most interesting of all -- Bush's entire economic policy is predicated on a new round of tax cuts. However, the poll finds Americans are skeptical.

Only four in 10 in the Pew poll, 42 percent, said they approve of his tax policy — suggesting his $670 billion tax-cut plan, including a centerpiece proposal to slash the tax on investor dividends, has not shored up eroding confidence in his economic leadership. About the same number, 44 percent, said they disapprove of his tax policy.

The poll was published the same day the Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index fell to its lowest level in nearly 10 years, plunging from 78.8 in January to 64.0 in February. That is its lowest reading since October 1993 and came in the face of analysts predictions for a reading of 77.0.

The poll also pegged the president's job approval at 54 percent, which is keeping in line with all the other recent polls.

Posted February 26, 2003 06:53 AM | Comments (18)