The Los Angeles Times puts Bush approval at 38 percent, confirming the drop reported in a CBS/New York Times poll that has faced hack conservative opposition:

Buffeted by resistance to the port transaction and discontent over the turmoil in Iraq, President Bush’s approval rating fell to 38%, the lowest level recorded for him in a Times poll. His disapproval rating rose to 58%.

And, in a trend that could affect turnout in the November midterm elections, Bush confronts what might be called an intensity gap: The percentage of Americans who said they strongly disapproved of his performance on a wide range of issues greatly exceeded the share who strongly approved.

The poll also reveals remarkable across-the-board disapproval of Bush’s policies, including the war on terror:

The LAT notes that “44% said they approved of Bush’s handling of terrorism, whereas 54% disapproved — the first time a majority has expressed a negative opinion of his handling of that issue in a Times survey.” Presumably, the ports deal is the reason. How long until Bush caves? The countdown is on…