By any definition, it's safe to say that President George W. Bush has lost a significant amount of popularity nationwide in the past few years. Are these sentiments shared by the average UT student?

To answer that question and others, Politics Editor Austin Baird surveyed 38 UT students at random Monday afternoon to look into the thought process of the average UT voter. 

Many students here at the University of Tennessee appear to have one common belief, regardless of age, race or gender when they're looking for a new president in 2008: almost everyone is ready for a change in the White House.

Some are critical of the War in Iraq, others blame Bush for the faltering economy. No matter their reason for wanting a change or their hope for the outcome of the 2008 elections, it is clear that most students want a fresh face and a new sense of hope in Washington D.C. this November--no different than the results of nationwide polling.

Here are the specific questions asked in today's poll, the results and a few of the more interesting responses: 

Do you believe George W. Bush has generally lead the country in the right direction during his time as president?

33 students believe that George W. Bush has led America in the wrong direction during his time as Commander in Chief.

"It's not that I think he's a bad person, I just think he's done a bad job overall. The war in Iraq, the economy is bad, job security is going down."

- Andrew M. 

4 people believe that George W. Bush will leave America in a better position than when he took control.

Bush hasn't really done that bad. I know most people will write me off just for saying this, but I think he's been a great president. UT Student Sam W."Bush hasn't really done that bad. I know most people will write me off just for saying this, but I think he's been a great president. I know for a fact America is safer than if Gore or Kerry had been president."

- Sam W. 

1 person was not sure 

"I don't think you'll be able to tell for 10-15 years if Bush made the right decisions, it takes a little perspective to see how wise his decisions really were."

- Sarah W. 

Who do you feel is the best presidential candidate: Hillary Clinton, John McCain, Barack Obama or a third-party leader? 

John McCain, 17 supporters 

"...John McCain is the best man to lead America, I'm sick of everyone saying he would be the same as Bush. He's not, and really, that's just a cheap way of not facing the issues." 

- Tyler R. 

Barack Obama, 10 supporters 

"Barack has already done a lot for politics: energizing voters that usually don't care, moving further than any African-American has politically, pushing America on to a new generation. But he'll do even more as president, he will unify America and help our world image."

- John M. 

I'm just not sure who is best fit to lead the country at this point, I'm not impressed with McCain, Clinton or Obama. UT Student Kelly M.Hillary Clinton, 6 supporters 

"Hillary has the most good experience leading the country, and she has the ideas to move America in the right direction--away from a Bush style presidency.

- Eric A. 

Undecided, 2 voters

"...I'm just not sure who is best fit to lead the country at this point, I'm not impressed with McCain, Clinton or Obama. I don't know what it would take to convince me but right now, I'll just wait it out." 

- Eric B. 

Will you vote in the 2008 Presidential elections? If so, what party are you most likely to support?

32 students claim are likely to vote in November 

"This is a turning point in history and I don't want to look back and regret not doing my part, no matter how little it is."

- Mary W. 

22 are likely to vote Democrat

"The Democrats seem more open minded and free, even if I don't vote for Clinton or Obama, most of the senators and local people I vote for will be Democrat."

- William R. 

15 are likely to vote Republican

"The Republicans have gotten away from their core values recently, but the Democrats are still worse in my mind. We need more politicians like Newt Gingrich in the Republican party and we'll be just fine."

- Thomas L. 

1 is likely to vote Libertarian

"If you want a real change, you won't look at the two parties that have controlled the government for 100 years. Look into the Root and the Libertarians before you make up your mind!"

- Roger T.