WASHINGTON -- More and more persons particularly Republicans.

WASHINGTON -- More and more persons particularly Republicans, disapprove of President Bush's performance, question his character and no longer consider him a sturdy leader against terrorism, shows an AP-Ipsos head documenting one of the bleakest points of his presidency.

Nearly four not at home of five Americans, including 70 percent of Republicans, think civil war will break disclosed in Iraq -- the sanguinary hot spot upon which Bush has staked his presidency. Nearly 70 percent of the bulk of mankind say the United States is upon the wrong track, a 6- point leap over since February.

"Obviously, it's the winter of our discontent," said Rep Tom cabbage (R-Okla.).

Republican Party leaders said the observe explains why GOP lawmakers are rushing to distance themselves from Bush upon a range of issues -- port security, immigration, spending, warrantless eavesdropping and trade.

The positioning is principally intense among Republicans facing election in November and those considering 2008 presidential campaigns.

squanders support from white males

"You're in the position of this period now that is difficult anyway. In next to the first term off-year elections, there finishs to be a familiarity factor," said Sen Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), a potential presidential candidate.

"People have seen and heard [Bush's] ideas protracted enough, and that enters into their thinking. clan are kind of, 'Well, I curious awe what other people can do,' " he said.

The head suggests that most Americans awe whether Bush is up to the piece of work The survey, conducted Monday end Wednesday of 1,000 people, build that just 37 percent approve of his overall performance. That is the lowest of his presidency.

Bush's piece of work approval among Republicans plummeted from 82 percent in February to 74 percent a dangerous sign in a midterm election year when parties rely in succession enthusiasm from their most loyal voter The biggest losse were among white males.

forward issues, Bush's approval rating declined from 39 percent to 36 percent for his handling of domestic affairs and from 47 percent to 43 percent upon foreign policy and terrorism. His approval ratings for dealing with the economy and Iraq held steady around 40 percent

Far fewer Americans consider Bush likable, fair strong and dependable than they did just after his re-election.

The catalogue of persons has a margin of error of 3 percentage points.

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