Public’s criticism of Bush, GOP up

Poll: Dems also have problems

WASHINGTON — Americans are increasingly critical of President Bush and broadly dissatis ed with the Republicans who have controlled Congress for a decade, according to a USA TODAY/ CNN/ Gallup Poll.

But congressional Democrats — while preferred when it comes to the economy, the war in Iraq and even taxes — have problems, too. They get an overall rating only somewhat less negative than the GOP.

The public’s sour outlook one year before midterm elections raises the prospect of races that are more problematic for incumbents than any since Republicans swept to control of Congress in 1994.

“ If a year from now the public mood is similar to what it is now, Republicans will be in trouble,” says Gary Jacobson, a political scientist at the University of California, San Diego. He calls predictions of a Democratic takeover of the House “ a bit premature, but not crazy.”

At the moment, Bush is in no position to boost Republicans. By 54%- 39%, those polled say they are more likely to vote for a congressional candidate who opposes the president than one who supports him.

The opposition to Bush is more intense than voters’ opposition to a beleaguered President Clinton in 1994.

In the poll, taken Friday through Sunday:

uBy 50%- 49%, those surveyed say Bush doesn’t have the personality and leadership qualities that a president should have — the rst time in his tenure that a majority hasn’t rated him in a positive way.

His job- approval rating is 42%, up a bit from a historic low of 39% one week earlier.

uSupport for Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers has ebbed. By 43%- 42%, those surveyed say the Senate shouldn’t con rm her. That’s the rst time a plurality has opposed the con rmation of a nominee over the past two decades— including Clarence Thomas, who was con rmed, and Robert Bork, who wasn’t.

uNearly four in 10 say they believe Bush aides broke the law in the leak of a CIA agent’s name to reporters; another four in 10 say theywere unethical.

uIf Bush were running for re-election this year, 55% say they would vote for an unnamed Democratic candidate; 40% for Bush. Last year, he won 51%- 48%.

uThe view of the Iraq war is buoyed after the vote on an Iraqi constitution and the start of Saddam Hussein’s trial. Now, Americans split 49%- 49% on whether itwas a mistake to invade Iraq; last month, they said it was a mistake by 59%- 39%. But there is no more optimism about the war’s progress. By 57%- 42%, those surveyed say it is going badly.

uJust 46% say most members of Congress deserve re-election, the lowest level of support since 1994. However, a relatively robust 65% say their particular member of Congress deserves re-election. Bush Democrats in Congress Republicans in Congress