WASHINGTON -- The American political landscape continues to be dominated by U.S. President George W. Bush. He had his ups and downs in 2005, and while he has gained about seven points in the various polls since he hit bottom in late November, his approval ratings remain in the low 40s, according to various polls.
The president's "right direction, wrong track" figures now stand at 35 percent negative, 60 percent positive -- about the same as they were last month. The rise in Bush's ratings is being fueled by the improved economy. His defense of U.S. operations in Iraq and his promises to fix disaster-relief problems have not garnered him new support.
Although Bush is the dominating figure in American politics today, he will not be on the ballot this year -- or ever again, for that matter. This is a congressional year, and right now the Democrats are pleased with what they see and feel from the hinterlands.