Katrina: More from AP-IPSOS & SUSA

Two quick updates, as MP is rushing to catch a train:**

AP-IPSOS has a new survey out this morning conducted September 16-18 (and AP has their usual summary article).  The job rating for President George W. Bush is 40% approve, 57% disapprove, a slight but statistically insignificant improvement from since their last poll two weeks ago (which had his approval drop to 38%).  MP lacks the time to make a graph, but the long term trend in the AP-IPSOS polling is consistent with the other polls.  They show a gradual decline throughout 2005 from 49% in January to 40% today.   The Katrina specific job rating asked by AP-IPSOS, which puts unique emphasis on "the relief effort for victims" is also statistically unchanged at 46% approve, 51% disapprove.

Also, Survey USA‘s latest automated tracking poll out this morning shows the first big increase in approval of President Bush’s "response to Hurricane Katrina" for the first time in weeks, 47% approve, 48% disapprove.   The trend results for this question have shown little movement over the last two weeks, consistently falling with sampling error of 41% approve, 55% disapprove for weeks.   Perhaps this question about "the response to Hurricane Katrina" now also taps attitudes about the response to Rita?

**A reminder that MP will be participating in a forum on polling and blogs hosted by the New York chapter of the American Association for Public Opinion Research tonight in Manhattan.  More details here. The event is open to the general public although an advance RSVP is required and the cost is $20 for non-NYAAPOR members.  Hope to see you there!

Katr