Why did HW Bush so rapidely lose popularity after the Gulf War?

[Sir Mohamed]

When the first Gulf War ended in 1991, HW Bush was extremely popular and the public assumed, he would sweep into a 2nd term. Why did he lose popularity so fast after the war that caused his 1992 defeat. Only because of the economy and GOP fatigue after 12 years? The read my lips promise was already broken in 1990, before the victory on battlefield.

[sg0508]

The Gulf War temporarily covered up the economy, which was already bad. Americans quickly re-focused on the economy after foreign issues seemed to disappear (i.e. the war, break up of the Soviet Union, etc.).

And, the Democratic Party finally found the right candidate to remind everyone of the economy, as did Perot.

[morgankingsley]

Clinton was "hip" and Perot was "Smart" and the economy sucked. People wanted a smart, hip, leader who would save the economy. Clinton provided two of these, and Bush provided none, and Perot provided one

[darklordoftech]

“It’s the economy, stupid.”

[Georgia Democrat in 2021]

The "rally around the flag" effect fades rapidly after the crisis is resolved and/or attention fades.  This happened in 1945 in Britain shortly after WWII ended and Winston Churchill lost to Clement Attlee. 

Closer to home, the Cuban missile crisis sent Kennedy's approval rating into the stratosphere and then faded.  But it was enough for the Democrats to be very strong in the 1962 midterms.  The Iran hostage crisis was enough to boost Jimmy Carter's approval ratings so that he was very strong in the early part of the 1980 primary season to eventually push back Ted Kennedy.

Add to the fact that the economy was in bad shape in 1991--and Bush's ratings dropped considerably toward the end of the year.

[marty]

the 91 economic recession wasn't that bad by historical standards.

and we were already months into a recovery by time of 1992 election.

[Does the title even matter?]

His 90% approval ratings were completely artificial. Same thing happened with Dubya after 9/11, though at a slower pace.

the 91 economic recession wasn't that bad by historical standards.

and we were already months into a recovery by time of 1992 election.

Nobody cares what a stock ticker says if unemployment is high.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Also, to a some degree, there was a fatigue factor. Republicans were in power for three terms. Also with foreign issues dissapearing, Bush's perception as too old and out of touch didn't help.