What should worry Bush most is that his popularity is falling fast among groups that once solidly supported him. Viewing him favorably are only 48 percent of gun owners, 44 percent of NASCAR fans, 46 percent of regular churchgoers and 41 percent of military households.

Bush can't look to Vice President Dick Cheney for advice. Cheney's approval rating has dropped 9 points this year to 19 percent.

The White House needs a fresh political strategy to regain public confidence. That suggests a hard look at what Bush's political strategist, Karl Rove, has done for him lately. If he's not following Rove's advice, why pay him? If it's Rove's advice that has led Bush to depths not seen since Richard Nixon was president, it's time to fire him.