By RON FOURNIER, AP Political Writer
24 minutes ago
WASHINGTON - More and more people, particularly Republicans, disapprove of President Bush's performance, question his character and no longer consider him a strong leader against terrorism, according to an AP-Ipsos poll documenting one of the bleakest points of his presidency.
Nearly four out of five Americans, including 70 percent of Republicans, believe civil war will break out in Iraq — the bloody hot spot upon which Bush has staked his presidency. Nearly 70 percent of people say the U.S. is on the wrong track, a 6-point jump since February.
"Obviously, it's the winter of our discontent," said Rep. Tom Cole (news, bio, voting record), R-Okla.
Republican Party leaders said the survey explains why GOP lawmakers are rushing to distance themselves from Bush on a range of issues — port security, immigration, spending, warrantless eavesdropping and trade, for example.
The positioning is most intense among Republicans facing election in November and those considering 2008 presidential campaigns.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060310/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_ap_poll;_ylt=AtWD6N.BuHBFGWxbR87Lb4qs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3ODdxdHBhBHNlYwM5NjQ-