Why George W. Bush Should Not Be Reelected essays

Why George W. Bush Should Not Be Reelected essays The decision of any electorate to reelect the current presidential incumbent is usually contingent on his or her performance on important issues such as economic development, social justice, and foreign policy. Though the domestic economy has been the deciding factor in most U.S. presidential races, the Republican Party elevated September 11th and Homeland Security to the top of its political agenda in 2002 congressional campaign, based on which it won the Senate. Given its previous success and the recent increase in poll ratings post Saddam's capture, it is likely to feature prominently in the 2004 elections as well. While one more, unfortunate terrorist incident may well swing public opinion overwhelmingly in favor of Bush and the Republicans, the American public would do well to remember the democratic values it stands for and the fact that the Iraq war has not only undermined those values but taken a heavy toll of American As things stand, it does appear that the American electorate is divided in its opinion. A recent CBS News poll, in fact, shows that the president's overall job approval rating of 50% ties with the lowest ratings he has received since assuming office, and his disapproval rating (45%) is at its highest. Significantly, ratings on his ability to handle an international crisis, and perceptions of the respect he receives from international leaders has fallen back to pre-9/11 levels, after have risen sharply in the wake of the terrorist attacks and the capture of Saddam Hussein. The fall in ratings is attributed to continuing attacks on American troops in Iraq, and the costs of the war (CBS News Polls, Jan. 17, These ratings match similar findings by other polls. The Los Angeles Times poll, for instance, reveals that Americans remained split along lines of gender, race, and cultural values on the issue of Bush's reelection, with 42% stating that Bush...