When George W. Bush ended his second term as president in January 2009, he left with an approval rating of just 24%, among the lowest of any president in US history. His reputation remained abysmal until someone ostensibly worse came along to make him look better in comparison.
But in 2003 as he sent US forces to invade Iraq, 18 months after the terrorist attacks on 9/11, George W Bush enjoyed enormous public support, even from his critics. His peak was shortly after 9/11 when 86% approved of his performance; approval ratings had dropped to 57% before invading Iraq — but once boots were ground in Baghdad polling found him up to 71%. (All data from this handy Gallup Poll graph.) The US media and right wing propaganda machine generated a culture of militarist patriotism that made almost impossible for a critical voice to be heard amidst the cheering din. With militarism came instant disapproval of anyone who questioned the reasons or motives behind the invasion or called out official lies. Demonization was soon to follow. See: the Dixie Chicks.
