(PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Americans are a gloomy bunch these days.
According to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll, 82% of us think this country is headed in the wrong direction. That's the highest percentage of people who feel that way in more than 15 years.
President Bush's job approval rating is at another all-time record low. It's been below 50% for 38 consecutive months – more than 3 years. People overwhelmingly say they trust Democrats over Republicans – 53% to 32% – to do a better job with the many problems facing the U.S.
This is a pretty dire picture for John McCain – a Republican and President Bush's buddy. But so far, McCain has found a way to escape some of the anger facing his party. In a hypothetical match-up with Barack Obama, McCain remains competitive, trailing him 51% to 44%.
But you can bet Obama and the Democrats will do everything they can to exploit the discontent felt by many Americans. In fact, Obama runs more than 20 points ahead of McCain among those 82% in the poll who think the country is headed in the wrong direction. And about 7 in 10 of those who disapprove of President Bush say whey would back Obama over McCain.
Obama also holds double-digit leads over McCain on issues like health care, gas prices and the economy, while McCain has a 21-point lead on handling terrorism. Surprisingly, the two run almost even on the Iraq war and on immigration.
Here’s my question to you: Considering 82% of Americans think the country is on the wrong track and 66% disapprove of President Bush, what are the chances John McCain wins in November?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Roxanne from Minnesota writes:
It all depends on what he says between now and November. If he sounds just like Bush, his chances are nil to none. If he distances himself from Bush, continues to talk about global warming and other things that really matter, and doesn't say things like, "We will be in Iraq for a hundred years", his chances may be much better.
B. from Truckee, California writes:
Well, let's hope it does a lot of damage to McCain. But, when we go to the polls in November, no matter who the Democratic choice is, we need to turn out all of the Republican senators and house members. Otherwise, we get the same old partisan gridlock we have now.
Deb from Bow, New Hampshire writes:
This election should have been a slam dunk for Democrats, with the fact of Bush's approval rating and the fact that more than 80% of the country thinks we're on the wrong track. It's the Democrats’ own fault that it won't be – the divisiveness of the campaign has seen to that. I think it could now go either way.
Bruce from St. Paul, Minnesota writes:
Since the real campaign has not started yet, McCain is still seen as a maverick war hero. When the time comes for him to be accountable for his opinions and propose solutions, he will be in big trouble. He will not be able to repudiate and denounce the party that nominated him. If he tries to go against the grain, like he is now doing with global warming, he will be on the same side as his opponent. Tricky business.
Kristi from Indiana writes:
Let's hope none. McCain is turning out to be like every other Republican politician running for office: He talks a good game but you can never figure out where he really stands on anything. If he's talking to Hollywood types, he tells them that he didn't even vote for Bush in 2000. If he's with the right wing, he embraces Bush like a long-lost brother. Will the REAL John McCain please stand up!