Bush approval rating: January 2009

[MODU]

Took me a moment to figure out what you were asking for.  

As far as on the day he turns over control, I would say he'd be between 50-55%.  The economy will still be recovering, most of our troops will be out of Iraq, and both Afghanistand and Iraq will have had their first free elections.  Depending on technology, we might see more fuel cell or advanced diesel vehicles on the road, decreasing our dependence on middle eastern oil.  And, if we are lucky, there won't be another attack on our soil.

[MODU]

Remember, Reagan's and Clinton's exiting approval ratings weren't very high either.  I think we all are in the same ballpark . . . somewhere in the 50s%.  Now, down the road after the 44th President has been sworn in, and depending how the Middle East develops, Bush's rating could go in either direction, but most likely up.

[MODU]

hopefully Iraq stays a US ally. what are the chances of a pro-US government getting elected though?

Well, if the foundation is laid correctly, we don't really need a pro-US government, but one which is anti-dictatorship.  As long as their constitution allows for established election periods (like ours), then we know that every few years the ruling parties will change.  This is the flaw in some of the other pro-Western societies that seem to decide to hold elections "on demand."  Puts more power in the hands of the people, and that leads towards a more free society, which is harder for terrorists to find safe harbor.