Bush Approaches Nixon’s Low in Popularity-- Approval Limited to ‘Strong’ Conservatives and Most (52%) Republicans

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Bill Cavala
A veteran of over 30 years in Sacramento

When a politician tanks with voters there is a flurry of comments about putting principle above polls, staying the course, and other such hackneyed sayings.

Don’t believe them. No politician does.

Because voters do matter in elections, politicians whose actions have led them out of favor with the public (they had to be ‘in favor’ to be elected) feel dirty. Just as winning is approbation, losing is condemnation. And no matter how much ranting about the ignorant electorate you do, you can’t enjoy the benefit of popularity if it was the result of ignorance.

For a President, our most visible politician, the fall is from a great height. In the wake of 9/11, George Bush III had approval ratings of 74%. But fame is fleeting. Today, 69% of the voters disapprove of the job he’s doing.

It’s time to circle the wagons.

With five months until Bush is replaced, it will be interesting to see whether McCain remains in the circled wagons – or joins the rest of us.

Sage advisors will tell him to have it both ways. Much more likely he’ll morph into George Bush and have to face the fact that as a “brand”, Republicanism is out of vogue.
What was it our Governor said, “Dying at the box office”?

As the big ship sinks, it will be amusing to watch the smaller rats leave the ship.

Bill Cavala was Deputy Director of the Assembly Speaker’s Office of Member Services where he worked for over 30 years.

Mr. Cavala manages election campaigns for Democratic candidates.