Bush gets mixed marks

GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

Nearly eight of 10 Americans approve of the overall job President Bush is doing, but on an issue-by-issue basis, he shows some weaknesses, a USA Today/CNN/ Gallup Poll shows.

Bush's strongest scores come in the foreign affairs/national security areas, an apparent outgrowth of his handling of the war on terrorism for which he gets 86 percent approval.

Though the poll indicates he is vulnerable on health care, the environment and Social Security, he scores well in other domestic areas:

- Two of three approve of his handling of the economy.

- A similar percentage like what he's doing on education.

- Two-thirds approve of his handling of taxes. Most of those who disapprove are Democrats.

The poll shows that much of the public does not view Bush as a strong leader on campaign- finance reform. Fewer than half approve of his handling of it.

The president also scores below 50 percent approval on Social Security.

Bush's lowest Social Security scores come from those 65 and over, especially women.

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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