Forbes.com: "Republican Fissures Imperil Bush Agenda"

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

One more article that attempts to paint an "it's not about Bush, people still love him, it's all that EXTERNAL noise" picture. The author contends, near the end of the article, that "If the economy strengthens, and the Iraqi security situation improves, it is conceivable that Bush's approval ratings could creep back above 50%."

Republican Fissures Imperil Bush Agenda
Oxford Analytica, 10.20.05, 6:00 AM ET

http://www.forbes.com/business/2005/10/19/republican-party-split-cx_1020oxan_republicans.html

President George W. Bush is struggling to contain criticism from conservative activists upset by his decision to nominate Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court. The Bush Administration is for the first time facing serious dissent from within the Republican Party.

Bush has experienced a steady decline in political momentum throughout 2005. After setting out an expansive program at home and abroad in his January Inaugural Address and February State of the Union speech, the president struggled to impose his agenda in Congress and rally public support. Despite these setbacks, the broader conservative movement and Republican Party remained essentially loyal to the Administration. Therefore, the present public discontent within the Republican Party is unprecedented during the president's time in Washington. For observers beyond the Washington "beltway," the origins of these troubles may be opaque:

-- Improved Standing. Bush's overall public approval ratings, while unimpressive, have recovered from their nadir during the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, an event that embarrassed the White House.

-- Washington Scandals. Several "scandals" have emerged involving figures close to the president, although thus far they have created a greater stir in the Washington press corps than among the public at large.

[Jacobin]

1. Forbes is such a wanker

I read his rag a few months ago while in a waiting room, and this guy is so disconnected from reality that it is hard to understand why a business person would even read it

[VWolf]

2. Okaaaay

"If the economy strengthens, and the Iraqi security situation improves, it is conceivable that Bush's approval ratings could creep back above 50%."

And the chances of this are roughly ...... zero