Iraq is just a great weight holding down perceptions of an economy that is quite robust. Whenever you have troops in harm's way, people are anxious about things in general.

Americans are clearly worried about the future course there [in Iraq], but at the same time I just don't think most are ready to throw in the towel at this point.

Public opinion has been remarkably stable for 30 years and at one and the same time deeply contradictory.

This president should be glad he's not running for re-election. But the president is clearly holding his base. It's very important for him to keep the base support in terms of getting things done.

Whether you agree or disagree with him, the president has taken a pounding on perceptions of his honesty.

People have to believe that the situation is getting under control very, very quickly.