The chart of Presidential approval ratings shown below in this blog [one of several charts on POLLKATZ ] is intriguing. The most marked feature on the graph is the sudden increase in GWB's (Bush II) popularity in the aftermath of 911. America threw it's support behind it's President, regardless of what they thought about him. The trend from there has been downhill.

Was it his popularity with the American citizens that led Bush II to think he could ignore international laws, torture other people, and make up pretenses to bomb and invade other countries?
  ¶ 8:49 AM