Poll shows older Americans deserting Bush

The public’s confidence in President George Bush’s job performance and the United States’ direction have slipped in the opening weeks of his second term, particularly among people 50 and older, according to a poll.

Adults were evenly divided on Bush’s job performance in January, but now 54% disapprove and 45% approve, the Associated Press poll says. The number who think the country is headed down the wrong track increased from 51% to 58% in the past month.