George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) served as the 43rd President of the United States from 2001 to 2009 and the 46th Governor of Texas from 1995 to 2000. Bush is the eldest son of President George H. W. Bush, who served as the 41st President, making him one of only two American presidents to be the son of a preceding president. The crux of Bush's campaign against John Kerry in 2004 was to present Bush as a "war President". The Bush campaign was concerned mainly with personalities rather than tackling issues. Much of the opposition to the Bush campaign took the form of "Anybody but George W. Bush". Bush began his presidency with ratings near 50%. In the time of national crisis following the September 11 attacks, polls showed approval ratings of greater than 85% as Americans rallied to their country's defense. Afterward, his ratings steadily declined as the economy suffered and the Iraq War initiated by his administration grew bloodier and bloodier. By early 2006, his average rating was near 40%, and in September 2008 with his recession getting deeper and deeper, his approval rating was 19%, a record low for any sitting U.S. President. Only Dick Cheney was rated lower in popularity.

Continue reading →