Giddy up Gallup

One thing to consider when comparing Gallup to other media-driven polls is that polling is all that Gallup does, so their reputation is on the line. Therefore, today’s report should bring some cheer for the GOP going into the weekend:

A new Gallup Poll shows a slight improvement in President George W. Bush's overall job approval rating, while the presidential contest remains essentially unchanged. In a two-way contest with Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, Bush enjoys a slight lead among likely voters, 50% to 47%, little changed from the 51% to 47% lead he enjoyed in a July 30-Aug. 1 poll.

This poll shows President Bush with a 51% approval rating among likely voters.