Today large banks and big companies have public approval ratings down around 20%, according to Gallup.

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Mr. Bush's overall public approval ratings are also at new lows.

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"It is this approach, I think, that explains at least in part why this Congress has the lowest public approval ratings of any in memory, if not history, " Carney said.

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In return, the public rewarded her with high approval ratings that could come in handy if she runs in 2016.

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Berlusconi remains popular among the Italian public, however, with his approval ratings remaining well over 50 percent.

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The government also believes this approach chimes with public opinion: recent surveys suggested the benefit reforms enjoyed approval ratings of up to 60%.

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Biden, who at times has been known more by the public for his gaffes than his policy work, has seen his approval ratings rise recently.

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Congress is suffering from historically low approval ratings, prompting frank admissions that the bill is aimed at cleaning up its public image.

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