What looks like a fairly linear decline in Bush’s approval ratings is actually much worse than it appears. When he went down 12 points from 80 to 68, it meant that about 15% of his supporters left the building. But the last twelve points, from 40 to 28, represents not only almost a one-third loss of his support, but loss from what were presumably the most dedicated fans among the starting group. Bush support is not only going down the drain, but going down faster and faster.
Mark Twain cautions us, however, not to extrapolate carelessly. It is not the case that within two and a half years he will be so unpopular that several millions of supporters would have to materialize just to bring him to zero.
