Bush: That public disapproval isn't really disapproval-- just nerves

In a pretty disturbing interview with David Gregory, the president explains why his 65% disapproval rating actually means he's misunderstood-- and as soon as he starts pushing his domestic policy agenda (Social Security, anyone?) he'll be recognized as the revered savior he's been all along.

Gregory: Let me ask you about your leadership. In the most recent survey, your disapproval rating is now one point lower than Richard Nixon’s before he resigned the presidency. You’re laughing...

President Bush: I’m not laughing.

Gregory: Why do you think that is?

President Bush: Because we’re at war. And war unsettles people. Listen, we’ve got a great economy. We’ve added 5.2 million jobs in the last two-and-a-half years, but people are unsettled. They don’t look at the economy and say, 'life is good.' They know we’re at war. And I’m not surprised that people are unsettled because of war. The enemy’s got a powerful tool — that is to get on your TV screen by killing innocent people. And my job is to continue to remind the people it’s worth it. We’re not going to retreat hastily. We’re not going to pull out of there before the job’s done and we’ve got a plan for victory.

Gregory: They’re not just unsettled, sir. They disapprove of the job you’re doing.

President Bush: That’s unsettled. (. . .)

Gregory: Do you think it's possible that, like Nixon and Watergate, the American people have rendered a final judgment of disapproval on you and your war in Iraq?

President Bush: Of course not. I’ve got two-and-a-half years left to be President of the United States and I intend to get a lot done, including immigration reform. Yesterday, I signed the extension of tax relief. We’re making good progress on cutting this deficit in half. I’ve got a lot to do and I’m going to work with the Congress and get things done on behalf of the American people. We’ve got a positive agenda that is making a difference in people’s lives.

Raising the debt ceiling four times to increase spending is progress in cutting the deficit? I'm thinking it isn't the 65% of the American public who need a reality check.