This here is exactly the sort of thing that has sapped any energy that I might have had to blog about anything political these days. Apparently, Murkans aren't too thrilled about the president of the Congress they elected just 9 weeks ago.

WASHINGTON - The American public is deeply ambivalent about President Bush (news - web sites) as he begins his second term and his approval rating is lower than any recent two-term presidents, a troubling sign for his ambitious agenda, an Associated Press poll found.

Bush's approval rating is at 49 percent in the AP poll with 49 percent disapproving. His job approval is in the high 40s in several other recent polls — as low as any job approval rating for a re-elected president at the start of the second term in more than 50 years....

About four in 10, 41 percent, approve of the job Congress is doing, while 53 percent disapprove, according to the poll conducted for the AP by Ipsos Public Affairs.

As Ren would say, "You idiots!" Reap it.

So while Des is back and fired up, I just don't have it in me. I spent my outrage reserves last fall and haven't psyched myself back up for the fall of the empire. Maybe if an indictment ever comes through on the Plame case or for Tom Delay. Or maybe if Dr.Bill Frist admits that it is impossible to contract HIV through sweat and tears. But until then, I'll be looking for other things to blog about. And lacking other things to blog about, I'll inevitably return to politics.