Most Americans believe Bush is dishonest, new poll reveals
Almost six-in-10 - 57% - said they do not think the Bush administration has high ethical standards. The same portion says George Bush is not honest, the AP-Ipsos poll found. Whites, Southerners and evangelicals were most likely to believe Mr Bush is honest.
Mr Bush, who promised in the 2000 campaign to uphold “honour and integrity”, last week ordered White House workers to attend ethics classes.
Some 82%, described Mr Bush as “stubborn”.
Concern about the administration’s ethics has been fuelled by the controversy over flawed intelligence leading up to the Iraq war and the recent indictment of Vice-President Dick Cheney’s top aide, Lewis “Scooter” Libby, on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice for his role in the leak of CIA operative Valerie Plame’s name.
Mr Bush’s job approval rating remains at his all-time low in the poll at 37%.
“Honesty is a huge issue because even people who disagreed with his policies respected his integrity,” said Bruce Buchanan, University of Texas political scientist.
Only 42% said they approve of Mr Bush’s handling of foreign policy and terrorism, his lowest rating yet in an area that has long been his strongest issue.
“To use an unfortunate metaphor, Iraq is a roadside bomb in American politics,” said Rich Bond, a former Republican chairman.
Mr Bush’s Christian beliefs and values were cited as the second biggest reason for supporting him after his policies.
