Considering all of the events concerning the actions that President Bush has made towards Iraq, most people agree that his goal is to start war with Iraq and overthrow Hussein from his reign. Recently, as we know, both the House of Representatives and the Senate voted 'yes' to his war resolution. Based on his actions, do you feel that the people's opinions of him will change? If so for better or for worse? And a last question, do you feel that he could get re-elected into office if he ran for presidency next election?

Thank-you for your insites.

Sincerely,

Locke

His approval ratings are extremely high and I feel he will win the next election. He is very very popular with moderates and these are the people who determine the election. Devoted democrats will always hate him, and some on the right doubt his loyalty, but like any good politician he's playing to the middle, and he's winning. Most people support war (thought they want allies) this may boost his popularity, but not too much.

At some point, beyond Nov. 2002, the entire Iraq campaign only benefits Bush if he prosecutes the war and stomps Iraq into a mudhole, killing Saddam and his cohorts. This continuous saber-rattling and build-up without action is going to get old sometime in 2003 and then Bush will have to focus on the economy.

Bush has decided for whatever reason to have all of his first-rate personnel be on the foreign policy and defense side like Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, Cheney, etc. while allowing his domestic policy to be handled by Gong Show refugees like O'Neill and Ashcroft. This does not bode well for the economy or for his re-election prospects in 2004. Once he defeats Hussein, he's left with the problem of managing Iraq which will not be simple or quick. It could even result in a steady drain of American will and resources which could negatively affect the economy in all kinds of ways.

He can't win the election in 2004 without some improvement in the economy regardless of what happens in Iraq. However, he is fortunate because the Democrats don't seem to have any ideas whatsoever. Roll back tax cuts in a recession, that always stimulates the economy.(sarcasm)Interest rates really can't go much lower. He can't attack the stultifying effect of state regulation of commerce without attacking his base, all those states' rights idiots. Tort reform might be a start, limitation of liability for tobacco lawsuits and the like, or the elimination of punitive damages might be places to go.

In answer to your question, I don't think it matters one way or another what the public's opinions are of him are at the moment and if they are perceived to be on the verge of changing, the public is manipulable. The American public is not a very bright or intelligent body of people. Just looking at their representatives and their behavior should be enough to give you an indication of just how low grade are their values. On the whole their interests are superficial, their educational system is poor, their "heros" are childish examples of wannabe supermen, and their priorities are totally misplaced. This nation is riding high on the backs of billions and this is example enough to understand why nations rise to a pinnacle of power and then crash into 2nd or 3rd world status.

bush will not be re-elected because he wasn't elected the first time. It is obvious that anyone but gore might have stood a chance at the popular vote but as you probably know already, elections can and are fixed in this country regardless of your idealistic point of view if you have one.

You believe the controversy over 2000 will hurt Bush?
I seriously doubt that.
True, public opinion can change, but I think he'd have to screw up big to kill his chances now. People like to hold on to an incumbent president during war.

Hey, I'm am very conservative, I don't know what I'm doing here, but Bush in '04, Watts in '08.