The Nation - News from March 12, 1989

President Bush continues to enjoy a large measure of public confidence. In a recent Gallup Poll, more than six in 10 (63%) approve of Bush’s performance in office, while only 13% disapprove and 24% are undecided--similar to the job ratings given Bush’s predecessors at comparable points in their tenure. In Gallup’s first assessment in late January, 51% approved and 6% disapproved of Bush’s job performance, with 43% undecided. Refuting criticism of the White House as lacking a clear sense of purpose, Americans of all political stripes commend Bush for the job he has done in communicating his policies and agenda. And, although the public opposed Senate confirmation of former Sen. John Tower as secretary of defense, a solid majority (55%) approves of Bush’s Cabinet appointments in general.