Condence in Political Authorities
Public concerns about the democratic process normally begin with questions about the holders of power. Americans
might not doubt the institutions of governance, but they might criticize Richard Nixon's actions during Watergate,
George Bush's involvement in the Iran–Contra negotiations, or Bill Clinton's multiple indiscretions. Questions that
focus on specific politicians illustrate the public's doubts. For example, the American National Election Study (ANES)
found that feeling thermometer ratings for both the Republican and Democratic candidates in 1992 had decreased to
nearly historic low points. This may be a problem with the candidates themselves. However, there are also signs that
the public has become more focused on leaders and more demanding in judging them (Wattenberg 1991: ch. 4). As an
illustration, during a modest recession in 1992 Bush's popularity hit a low point that nearly matched Nixon's worst
approval rating during the Watergate crisis or Harry Truman's in the midst of the Korean War (Public Perspective, April/
May 1995: 42).