Bush support hits record low

Public support for President Bush has sunk to a record low, according to figures released today.

Only 31%said they approve of the job Mr Bush is doing according to the survey, the worst figure ever recorded in the Associated Press-Ipsos poll.

The previous worst was 32%, recorded several times, most recently in June.

Amid a major credit crunch and housing weaknesses, a record low 34% said they approved of Mr Bush’s performance in handling the economy. His prior low was 37%.

The president also hit a new low with 31% approving of his work on domestic issues like health care, just below June’s 32%.

The poll was taken as Mr Bush was about to veto a measure which aimed to increase funds for children’s health coverage.

President Harry Truman’s approval of 23%, recorded in 1951 and 1952, is the lowest ever recorded by the Gallup Poll.

The poll was conducted from October 1 to 3 and involved telephone interviews with 1,005 adults.