Political Wire received an early copy of a new Time magazine poll that finds President Bush's approval rating at 41% with 53% disapproving. This is down a point from the last poll two months ago.
Major drags on the Presidentís standing include: Iraq and high energy prices (each 45%),the federal budget deficit (39% say ìvery negativeî impact), his handling of the economy (35%), and the failure of his social security initiative (32%).
Stunning: Of those who disapprove, 76% say they're unlikely to change their minds about the president's performance in the future.
More stunning: If last year's election were held again, Sen. John Kerry would win, but the margin would only be one point, 48% to 47%.