The impact of the Gulf War on the ingredients of presidential evaluations: multidimensional effects of political involvement.

Former Pres George Bush's approval ratings surged to nearly 90% in Mar 1991, just when the 1991 Persian Gulf War was almost over. Since majority of the public thought that Bush made the right decision in handling the crisis, his popularity soared. However, knowledge about the Gulf war was not solely provided by the mass media.

In general, the 90% ratings came from people who were seldom exposed to the news media and had little interest in politics. These people were often surrounded by those who frequently discussed political affairs and who have become highly knowledgeable in politics by ...

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