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American Morning

Gallup Poll: Bush's 100-Day Approval Highest Since Reagan

Aired April 25, 2001 - 11:31   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: After 13 weeks in office, President Bush gets relatively high marks from the American public on a wide range of issues. The poll was taken before the president's remarks about defending Taiwan at all costs.

With details of the poll as we approach the president's first 100 days in office, here is Frank Newport, the Gallup Poll's editor-in- chief, live in Princeton, New Jersey.

Good to see you -- Frank.

FRANK NEWPORT, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, GALLUP POLL: Good to see you, Kyra.

Indeed, we're live here with an update from the public as of Sunday.

First of all, George W. Bush's job approval rating is now at 62 percent.

Let's put that in context of the last three presidents after their first 100 days, or 13 weeks, as you mentioned, in office. It's actually right on course. Reagan was a little higher in 1981, but that came after he had been shot, in Washington, so that was elevated. But look at Bush the elder -- Bush's father -- and Clinton: They actually had lower job approval ratings in April. Bush is at 62 percent, about average for all presidents since World War II, and above his immediate two predecessors,

Actually, the public has gotten a little more positive on a couple of things relating to George W. Bush. The question was will he be able to accomplish certain objectives. Look right over here: Will he be able to keep the United States prosperous? Despite all the stock market and other recession-type talk, there was no change from January up until this past weekend. The public stays 63 percent confident he will be.

Cut taxes? Ten percent more Americans now say he'll be able to accomplish that goal.

And he's actually up slightly in terms of Americans who think he will improve the environment, despite all the controversy.

One other thing on characteristics of George W. Bush: We asked, do these apply or not apply? Not much change -- the public hasn't been surprised either way, it looks to us, by what they've seen over the 100 days.

Inspires confidence? Can he understand complex issues? A little more than half say yes. A little higher on "can he get things done?"

And does he have a vision for the country? That's, actually, up here by 6 points.

So all in all, there wasn't a lot of change. We can show you our bottom line on George W. Bush after 100 days: no real surprises. Generally, he's getting a fairly positive report card.

Kyra, Leon, back to you.

PHILLIPS: Frank, thank you very much -- good news.

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