By George Anderson
Public opinion is divided on President Bush's handling of the economy. According to a Gallup Poll, 49 percent say they approve of the job the Mr. Bush and his administration is doing. The current approval rating is well off Mr. Bush's high of 72 percent in October 2001.
Moderator's Comment: What do you think of the Bush administration's handling of the economy?
Mr. Bush came to office, we understood, having learned the lesson of his father's presidency. Do not let the conduct of foreign affairs interfere with the public's perception of how domestic/economic issues are being handled.
We must admit being concerned, however. Is Mr. Bush, in his zeal to take Saddam Hussein out (the same person the current president has reminded us several times tried to kill his father), diverting resources and attention from areas critical to the country's economy and security? [George Anderson - Moderator]