NPR: Bush's Ratings Low, But Congress' Even Lower

Bush's Ratings Low, But Congress' Even Lower

President Bush's ratings are so low, it would appear more Americans believe in the existence of space aliens than support the president.

But George Bush is not the only one swimming in the shallow end of the ratings pool. The latest Gallup poll shows that while the president has an approval rating of 33 percent, the Democratic-controlled Congress clocks in at 29 percent. That's just a little bit higher than the number of Americans who said in another poll that they believe aliens have actually visited the Earth.

However, Congress' 29 percent is still 4 percentage points higher than the GOP-controlled Congress was rated last year at the same time.

According to the May 10-13, 2007, Gallup Poll, 29% of Americans approve and 64% disapprove of the way Congress is handling its job. Congressional approval is down 4 percentage points since last month, and is 3 points lower than the 32% average measured during the first five months of the year. The high point for the congressional approval rating so far this year was the 37% approval measured in February. Although ratings are quite low, Americans have been more positive in their assessments of Congress this year than last year, when an average of just 25% approved of Congress.

More Democrats than Republicans think Congress is doing a good job (surprise) but even then it's only 37 percent of Democrats.

As for President Bush, well, he hasn't been above a 40 percent approval rating since Lindy flew solo across the Atlantic ... or at least it seems that long.

9:22 AM ET | 05-17-2007 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

I think Tom implies here that it is irrational to believe in space aliens. In other words, it is rational to believe that in a universe with trillions of stars and earth-like planets, none besides earth actually has any intelligent life on it. Isn't that a bit silly?

Sent by Steve Kelahan | 11:32 AM ET | 05-17-2007

Congress en mass tends to get low grades in these polls. But most people, if asked, say they like their own representative just fine thank you very much and the re-election rate is usually overwhelming.

The more interesting question would be why are people dissatisfied with both the president and Congress at this time. Could it be that Americans in large numbers think that Congress isn't doing enough to bring the war to an end?

Sent by John C Abell | 12:13 PM ET | 05-17-2007

I have to agree, there is most likely life out there besides us. But, I would assume that most of the population wouldn't think about it logically... the people arn't very logical. They did elecet this president. (sort of)

Sent by Mark Tillman | 12:19 PM ET | 05-17-2007

The question isn't whether there's other intelligent life in the universe. The question is whether Earth has been visited by space aliens. Big difference. As for satisfaction with our elected officials, it would be enlightening to know what policies Americans want to pursue -- not just gauging the dissatisfaction with our elected officials' performance. I suspect we want to get out of the occupation of Iraq immediately.

Sent by nero | 5:11 PM ET | 05-17-2007

Send a Comment

Comments are reviewed and edited by NPR prior to display. All comments will be read, but not all will be posted.

NPR reserves the right to read on the air and/or publish on its Web site or in any medium now known or unknown the e-mails and letters that we receive. We may edit them for clarity or brevity and identify authors by name and location. For additional information, please consult our Terms of Use.

E-mail this Page

Recipient's e-mail address:	» Up to twelve addresses, separated by commas.
Your e-mail address:
Your name:
Personal message (optional, 600 characters max):
Your NPR member station:
Are you a member of your local NPR station?	Yes No
Would you like to receive information from your local NPR member station? (see NPR's privacy policy)	Yes No
Please send me updates from NPR.	Yes No

(Information collected by NPR will be used solely for internal NPR or NPR member station purposes and only if you selected 'yes' above. See NPR's privacy policy for more information.)

Tom Regan

Blogger

About Us

This year's election cycle has been one of the most exciting in memory. At the NPR News Blog we'll do our best to bring you interesting, informative -- and controversial -- stories from our own reporters and bloggers, as well as the rest of the best of the Internet and blogosphere. And we hope you'll let us know what you think as well.

Want to learn more? Be sure to read our Frequently Asked Questions and our discussion guidelines.