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Jed Boal ReportingWhile the president's approval rating nationwide has weakened, he still enjoys strong support among Utahns. A majority in our state say they will watch the State of the Union address, and most think the country is on the right track.
President Bush's job approval ratings have rebounded somewhat, but still hover in the high 30s to low 40s in most polls. About two-thirds of Americans think the country is headed down the wrong track. But in a Survey USA poll for KSL-TV, more than 50 percent of Utahns say the country is headed in the right direction; 40 percent think it is not.
"I completely support President Bush on the war in Iraq. I think he hasn't focused enough on social security. That's an issue I continue to be concerned about."
"I voted for Bush, but I don't like where he is at right now."
As for the economy, nearly one third think it's strong, but half aren't so sure.
"I think it's strengthening. I do commercial loans with businesses and I've seen a greater strength of ability of businesses to qualify for loans. I see a lot more spending taking place."
"We, the working men and women of the country, know that the wages have gotten lower. Those in leadership positions have had bonuses go up. Enough is enough."
When it comes to the war on terror, more than half of Utahns polled think the US is winning.
"I think if you pump enough money into it, we'll eventually win it, and I think that's what you're seeing. I think the US is definitely coming out ahead. I wouldn't, by any means, think the terrorists are succeeding."
"Terrorism is a tactic, it's not a country, it's not a people. The polls have constantly said that Iraqis don't want us there, and we are actually fomenting the insurgency."
"If we saw some degree of our military coming home then people would feel better."
Only one in four Utahns think Iraq is truly self-governing; most believe Iraqi leaders are being told what to do by Americans.
The State of the Union Address and Democratic response air tonight at 7:00 on KSL-TV 5.
