Bush is unpopular. What if bin Laden is captured?

Question

Even Bush defenders have to concede that Bush' popularity rating is miserable. That's NOT the issue here, but it's important for asking:

If bin Laden is captured/killed during remainder of Bush's term, what will happen to Bush's popularity and people's current judgement of him?

Question is for Americans of all political persuasions.

Answer 1

If bin Laden is captured or killed, it would provide a spike in Bush's ratings for a short while, however, he would still not maintain it and it will never reach the levels that it did just after 9-11.

The conservative base and the Republican party would roll it out all over the news as a major acheivement and proof that America is winning the war on terror. Some independents would jump on the band wagon and his rating would probably climb about 5-10% points. That, however, would still only give him a 35-40% approval rating which is still low. Then the American people would realize that Iraq is still a problem. I am sure that the next leader of al Queda would release a video or some other type of propaganda that would make the American people realize that they are still a threat. The violence in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Africa would probably escalate to support these claims.

Not only does Bush have to deal with failed foreign policies, but he is now starting to deal with a shaky economy. For years the Republicans and this administration have relied on faulty numbers presented by an overinflated and foreign dependent Dow Jones. Even when other indicators looked questionable, they trotted out the Dow Jones. Now their economic flagship indicator has started to stutter. This will definitely affect consumer confidence, as well as the drop in the value of the dollar.

These two things will cause any superficial spike that Bush might see to halt quickly and reverse back to his usual of 30%. I can say that his rating will probably be even lower by January of 2009.

Answer 2

It's been said that Bush could find the cure for cancer tomorrow, and all that would happen is that the liberals would claim he did it to help out the drug companies. If Bin Laden was killed or captured tomorrow, it's the same thing. They would claim that's just another ploy to bolster his image and his partie's, because he could have done it anytime if he really wanted to. There is no stopping the hate campaign anymore.

Answer 3

Bush is a lame duck and there is nothing in it for him anymore he can not run for a 3rd. term. The Taliban is planing attacks this summer, Iraq is falling apart, the media is call for the troupes to come home, the economy his headed for recession if not depression. Bush needs Ben Ladan alive to fuel the continuing war on terror. Now Ben Ladan will never be caught, Saddam was a agent for the States so he figured for all he did for America they would have pity on his, it did no work, Ben Ladan on the other hand is not a coward like Saddam, he will fight and he knows the USA needs him. Why do you think we are still in Afgan. we destroyed the Taliban and yet they plan on mounting an attack. Its time the American people stop listening to the news commentators and open there eyes. We have the best military you heard this for years but we look as if we are rookies on the ground, ask why

Answer 4

Bin Laden's capture will be insignificant as far as Bush's approval ratings as the press will spin it as a negative some how. I do not approve of everything Bush has done or not done in his term and a half, but I do think that he does not get credit for the things he has accomplished.

Think of what the country has been through since the 2000 election. The 2000 election itself was a nightmare! Aside from the post Iraqi govt. takeover debacle, we are in pretty good shape.

Answer 5

No matter what happens he's "jumped the shark."

Bush's ratings are so low not even Bin Laden could help.

It's unfortunate everything is political, but that's reality.

Answer 6

It will not make much of a difference. His organization has morphed into so many different groups it is like the many headed Hydra from Greek mythology. Cut one off, two grow in its place. Bin Laden is essentially the figurehead and Al Qaeda in Iraq is responsible for about 8%-10% of the carnage there. The majority is being done by Sunni insurgents and Shi'ite on Sunni and vice versa attacks.
These are the main reasons why we are losing so many of our brave men and women.
Until we stop refereeing a complex "civil" war ( who can war be considered civil), his numbers will not get any better.

Answer 7

The name " Bush" is damaged goods in American politics.
Nothing can fix it now and where is the credibility after being lied to for so many years? They could wave Bin Laden's head on a stick and it would not change his negative image, low ratings and standing as the worst American president ever.

Answer 8

If Ben Ladin is captured then it would should me that at least we are fighting a war on terrorism.
I don't agree with the president's policies however he will gain points with me if Ben Ladin is captured!
If he is killed then I want DNA evidence that's it's him. I also want facts about when he died. Medical and scientific fact.

Answer 9

The only reason he has low poll ratings is because the alphabet networks have told you he's bad for 6 years running.
If the people in this country are constantly hammered with "Bush is bad" and "the war is bad" from the TV, sooner or later people begin to believe it.

Answer 10

I think it would help Americans feel safer, somewhat but I don't think it would really change anyone's opinion (either for or against) Bush.