New AP-Ipsos poll shows Bush’s approval rating holding
steady t 39%. Right now only 21 % strongly approve of his job.

The alarming numbers come from the dwindling support in his
actual base.  

This is not only a key stronghold for the President, but
also for the Republican Party at large. With midterm elections just a year away,
these numbers should be sending chills down the backs of the RNC. Other current
polls are showing a strong possibility of Democrats regaining control of the
Senate next November. This would seriously cripple the final quarter of Bush’s
tenure as President.

It appears Bush is trying to gain support over the general
public more, but at the same time he is destroying the support within his own
party.

His threat to veto the bill banning torture, which passed
Senate this week by 90-9, will surely dwindle his support on Capital Hill even
more. The amendment which calls for the ban on torture was authored by John
McCain and is part of the larger military spending bill. To veto a military bill
over an amendment authored by one RNC 2008 Presidential hopeful will certainly
divide the right side of Senate even further.

On Tuesday during a Rose Garden speech, President Bush
reassured reporters that he still has strong political capital. That seems to be
a highly debatable issue. Between Bush’s continued spending increases, record
high deficit, and crony nominated Supreme Court justice, there is a definite
break down in the unity that has kept this President’s agenda strong.  The next
few weeks should be very interesting for him.