By Peter Brown

As President Bush’s poll ratings hit historic lows, the answer to whether he can rehabilitate his image may be rooted in why he has lost the support of the American people in the first place.

Simply put, are Americans fed up with Bush’s brand of conservatism, or skeptical about the president’s competence, his ability to make the trains run on time?

With only a third of Americans approving of his job performance, even his most committed supporters, mainstream conservatives and evangelical Christians, are complaining.

If the dramatically lower numbers result from Americans souring on the president’s vision for the United States, then it will be difficult, if not impossible, for Bush to return to the point in the public’s mind where he was when re-elected 18 months ago.

Strange as it may seem, it would be easier for Bush to regain his popularity if his problems stem from a perceived lack of competence.

For example, if the president’s poor ratings stem primarily from Americans’ views that Bush & Co. has made too many mistakes in how they fought the war in Iraq and led the post-war reconstruction, rather than the decision to invade, that is another matter.

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In general, any way back in the public opinion polls for this President Bush would require he and his administration to demonstrate their ability to deal with the nation’s problems in a way that satisfies the public. The public has so far found the record in dealing with Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath, and implementation of the prescription drug plan, as unacceptable.

That is why, for instance, the president and his aides are so desperate to have Congress pass an immigration reform bill, among other measures.

And, of course, unforeseen events, such as the capture of Osama Bin Laden, could provide a political environment that could favor the president. However, an economic downturn would make his task that much more difficult.

Even at the time of the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, a vocal minority of Americans opposed the decision as the embodiment of Bush’s overly aggressive and unilateral foreign policy. Democrats like to believe that many of the millions who voted for Bush, but now think he is a failed president, have also adopted their viewpoint.

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Public opinion and approval rating is something that is always considered important in American politics. According to polls, President Bush’s approval rating has been in the mid to low 30s for some time. Many political pundits blame mishappenings in Iraq, FEMA incompetence in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and sometimes undeniable Bush family evil and corruption.

However, I really don’t think that incompetence and unpopularity of the presidency solidly resides at the foot of Bush’s White House. Often times people and especially opposition politicians denounce President Bush’s character for not going it differently in Iraq. But I think if you asked people on the street what Bush should do differently, you’d get nothing more than rhetoric they have heard in 30 second segments in the mainstream media. Some would say “He should win the peace.” Those who disagree with Bush under the “he didn’t win the peace” pretext must realize it is difficult for a representative government to keep a peace while surrounded by a region of Islamo-fascist states and foreign influence. Even after WWII, Germany had holdouts and insurgent attacks that kept on for decades. I think many wouldn’t really know how Bush should go about it differently anyway, but instead quote their favorite party talking points while remembering what their local politicians have said. The sad reality is that many people today do not think for themselves or educate themselves in today’s pressing issues.

According to many conservatives, a liberal mainstream, network media is to blame for many aspects of Bush’s low approval rating. While focusing on everyday, negative news, I believe the media has lost touch with the positive aspects of Bush’s foreign policy and military pre-emption strategy. Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have rid the world of tyrannical regimes while freeing 25 million people and have refocused the world on the dangers of Iran and nuclear proliferation. But these facts are not communicated to common citizens through the mainstream media. Fortunately, the Internet and reformed media outlets like Fox News are slowly changing that.

A third aspect of the Bush presidency that I think has reduced approval ratings is a lack of conservative leadership on important issues. The American people sent President Bush a mandate to govern another four years, giving him more votes than any other president in our nation’s history in the general election of 2004. However, reelection promises have not gone through as hoped, even with a Republican-led Congress and a right of center Supreme Court. Social Security reform never even got off the ground, federal spending is out of control, immigration reform has taken a turn toward amnesty, and the 2003 middle class tax cuts haven’t been made permanent. It’s not that the American people disagree with Republican conservativism, it’s that Bush has not offered leadership to push reforms through a liberal-minded Senate, even with the support of a right-leaning House of Representatives. Frankly, the Bush press office and the president himself have refused to forcefully denounce the chaotic, socialist ideals of the Democratic Party opposition.

There are many things that could provide a boost to President Bush’s approval ratings. A solid enforcement-first immigration policy and additional tax cuts would definately be a start, followed by a more efficient grassroots outreach program and positive news about the Iraq war. The American people aren’t stupid by any means, but I think the lack of education and a focus on looks and appearance instead of policy definately don’t help our country. As conservatives, we must stand firm with the President, while loyally disagreeing with his policy when incorrect. We must educate those who need educating and stand by our values and what we think is right - even if that means voting out liberal Republicans in November.