Poll: Most Americans have favorable view of Bush

From CNN Polling Director Keating Holland

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Most Americans approve of the way George W. Bush is handling his presidential transition, and six in ten have a favorable view of him, according to the latest CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll.

More than eight in ten say that current economic conditions are good. But the public's expectations for the future have gotten more pessimistic since last year. Sixty-eight percent say that the economy will be good a year from now, down from 80 percent in June. Only 14 percent say the country is in an energy crisis, but 54 percent say there are major problems with the cost and availability of electricity, gasoline, and other forms of energy.

The incoming president's favorable ratings are high, but even more Americans have a favorable view of his father, former President Bush. And neither man is as popular as Ronald Reagan, who is viewed favorably by three-quarters of all Americans.

The poll was conducted January 15-16 with 1,056 adults. It has a margin of error of +/-3 percent.

Do you think the country will be better off four years from now?

Do you think the country will be better off four years from now?

Do you think the policies being proposed by George W. Bush would move the country in the right direction?

Which of the following comes closer to your view -- George W. Bush will personally make the decisions in his administration that a president should make, or other people aside from George W. Bush will make the decisions in his administration that a president should make?

Would you describe George W. Bush more as a uniter or a divider?

George W. Bush has frequently described himself as a "compassionate conservative." Do you think Bush will govern in a way that is truly compassionate?

Do you think President-elect Bush will keep the country prosperous?

Regardless of which presidential candidate you preferred, do you think the Bush administration will be able to make the improvements in the following areas: