NYT Admits: Bush's Ratings Rise

Up to 40%, on the low side of recent snapshots.

Democrats continue to be confusing. And confused.

Democrats have their own political difficulties on Iraq. The poll found widespread skepticism toward the idea of a speedy withdrawal of American troops from Iraq, an idea embraced in recent days by Representative Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic leader in the House. Thirty-six percent said they would be less likely to vote for a candidate who called for such a withdrawal, while 20 percent said they would be more likely.

And check this out, baby:

As Republican strategists have hoped, the economy may be helping Bush's political standing. Bush has tried hard to highlight good economic news in recent weeks, which have seen a drop in the price of gasoline and new figures showing strong growth in the third quarter. The poll showed that 57 percent now describe the national economy as good, up from 47 percent a month ago. Bush's handling of the economy also got slightly better marks - 38 percent approved, up from 34 percent last month. In a measure of national mood closely followed by political strategists, the percentage of Americans who say the country is "seriously off on the wrong track" has declined - to 59 percent, from 68 percent a month ago.

Let me state the obvious: ten points is dramatic shift in public sentiment. Although the media has attempted to portray the nation as being in a recession (or quasi-recession, at least) for years, the good word about the economy seems to have just gotten out -- in time for the 2006 elections.

posted by Ace at 06:02 PM

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