41.   But because his hibernation from access coincided with a rise in his job approval rating, the tradition of regular questioning has been called into question.

42.   But colleagues say he has the steadfast support of Tung, the public backing of Beijing and soaring public approval ratings.

43.   But he quickly captivated the nation with his wit, his beautiful wife and children, and his approval ratings rose dramatically even before he took office.

44.   But he worked hard to win over the audience that has given him his lowest approval ratings.

45.   But his approval ratings are well below those of Clinton.

46.   But it appears the president, buoyed by the highest public approval ratings of his term, is winning at least some senators to his side.

47.   But presidential approval ratings can plummet sharply.

48.   But some Republican political consultants believe Voinovich, who has been enjoying record-high approval ratings, stands the best chance of doing that among the Midwest governors.

49.   But there has only been a modest uptick in his overall approval rating.

50.   But what of the polls, in which his disapproval rating is now where his approval rating was in sunnier days?