Gallup / '' USA Today '' Bush public opinion polling from February 2001 to January 2009 . Bush 's approval ratings ran the gamut from high to all-time record low . Bush began his presidency with ratings near fifty percent . In the time of national crisis following the September 11 attacks , polls showed approval ratings of greater than 85 % , peaking in one October 2001 poll at 92 % , and a steady 80 – 90 % approval for about four months after the attacks . Afterward , his ratings steadily declined as the economy suffered and the Iraq War initiated by his administration continued . By early 2006 , his average rating was averaging below 40 % , and in July 2008 , a poll indicated a near all-time low of 22 % . Upon leaving office the final poll recorded his approval rating as 19 % , a record low for any U.S. president
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Presidency of George W. Bush