Final answer:
Presidential approval ratings fluctuate based on a variety of factors, including executive actions and media portrayal. Presidents like Obama and Bush have experienced both dips and surges in approval, depending on national and international events. Promotional campaigns for policies can also significantly influence public opinion and media coverage.
Step-by-step explanation:
News events related to the executive office can significantly impact how a president is viewed, both positively and negatively. Executive actions, media framing, and the public's reaction are important elements in shaping a president's approval ratings. For instance, President Obama's approval ratings saw an upsurge following the successful mission to kill Osama bin Laden in 2011. Conversely, events such as economic downturns, prolonged military conflicts, or controversial decisions like President Ford's pardon of Nixon can lead to lower approval ratings.
The depiction of President George W. Bush during his term illustrates the complexity of presidential approval ratings. Despite challenges like the Iraq War starting in 2003 and the response to Hurricane Katrina, Bush won reelection against John Kerry in 2004. His ability to manage perceptions amidst unpopularity and acute challenges both domestically and abroad is part of his complex presidential legacy.
Presidents and their administrations often undertake promotional campaigns to garner support for their policies. For example, President Obama traveled across the country to promote the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and later the Affordable Care Act, to shape media coverage and build public support for these legislative initiatives.
Moments of international crisis, such as terrorist attacks, also propel the President to the forefront, offering them an opportunity to embody and express the official position of the United States, which can lead to a unifying effect and a rise in approval ratings. However, the president's visibility also subjects them to scrutiny regarding their leadership abilities and policy choices, underscoring the importance of strategic communication and media engagement.