According to the Gallup poll, a record number of Americans believe the seriousness of global warming is exaggerated.

FORBES: Global Warming Alarmism Continues To Backfire

With only a little over two years left on Mr Bush's term, his poll ratings are at record lows, and his allies in Congress are facing a tough mid-term election.

ECONOMIST: Paulson's progress

The record low for a national poll in peacetime is the 23% turnout for the 1999 European elections.

BBC: First police commissioners chosen amid turnout concerns

His political ambitions recently received a boost from a Los Angeles Times poll that showed his approval ratings at record levels.

ECONOMIST: The California primaries

Macy Gray, Westlife and S Club 7 are among the acts hoping to be voted record of the year in a poll on prime-time TV.

BBC: Viewers vote for top record

The Associated Press-LifeGoesStrong.com poll comes as politicians face growing pressure to curb record federal deficits, and budget hawks of both parties have expressed a willingness to scale back Social Security, the government's biggest program.

MSN: Poll reveals baby boomers' retirement fears

It was always likely that the poll ratings for both Ms Merkel and her party, which hit record highs in late May, would fall.

ECONOMIST: Let battle commence | The

The real hit a record low of 2.95 against the dollar on July 24th after a new poll showed Mr Gomes far ahead of Mr Serra, whose support has dwindled to 14%, down from 21% last month.

ECONOMIST: Brazil's election