In the latest poll, taken from September 7-10, Bush’s approval rating has dipped back into the thirties, with 39 percent approval and 56 percent disapproval. (His low point, in Gallup, was 31-65 in a poll taken May 5-7, 2006.)

In the new poll, Congress’ approval rating stands at 29-63, virtually the same as the last poll, when it was 27-65. (Its low point in Gallup was 21-71, in a poll taken May 8-11, 2006.) Comparing Congress’ ratings today to roughly the same point in recent mid-term elections, Congress had a 52-40 approval rating in September 2002; a 55-36 rating in September 1998; and a 23-70 in October 1994 (I couldn’t find a measure from September of that year).

Finally, on the question “In general, are you satisifed or dissatisfied with the way things are going in the United States at this time?” the results are 32-67 in the new poll. In September 2002, it was 47-51; in October (not September — no poll available) 1998, it was 60-34; and in October 1994, it was 31-66.