It Is Impossible For Ideas To Compete

The Public's Evaluation Of The Job George W. Bush Is Doing As President Changed Dramatically As A Result Of The Horrific Attacks Of September 11 And His Response In Leading The Country On A Campaign Against Terrorism.

Redistricting Is A Deeply Political Process, With Incumbents Actively Seeking To Minimize The Risk To Themselves (via Bipartisan Gerrymanders) Or To Gain Additional Seats For Their Party (via Partisan Gerrymanders).

The Increase In Straight-ticket Party Voting In Recent Years Means That Competitive Congressional Races Can Tip One Way Or The Other Depending On The Showing Of The Candidates At The Top Of The Ticket.

All Of This Suggests That While Citizens Became More Comfortable With President Bush After September 11 And Thought Him To Have The Requisite Leadership Skills, They Continue To Harbor Doubts About His Priorities, Loyalties, Interests, And Policies.

But Presidential Approval Also Became A Surrogate Measure Of National Unity And Patriotism.