Posted on 08/06/2004 7:23:26 PM PDT by RWR8189
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Democrat John Kerry, whose nominating convention highlighted his war service and focused on national security, has narrowed the gap on President Bush's strong suit of protecting the country, according to an Associated Press poll that shows the race remains tight.
Flanked by his Vietnam crewmates, Kerry delivered an acceptance speech last week laden with references to patriotism, his decorated military record and his qualifications for commander in chief -- a theme underscored by speaker after speaker over the four-day gathering.
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The images and rhetoric registered with a number of voters.
In the AP survey conducted Tuesday through Thursday, 43 percent said Kerry would do a better job of protecting the country -- a gain of 8 percentage points for the Democratic presidential nominee from a similar survey in March.
Kerry improved his standing on the issue with a demographic group that tends to lean Republican: men under age 45.
Bush still has the advantage on the issue, with 52 percent saying the Republican incumbent would do better in protecting the nation. But Bush's percentage on the issue has dropped 6 percentage points since March, according to the poll conducted for the AP by Ipsos-Public Affairs, and the latest survey was taken as he faced questions about dated intelligence for increased terror alerts.
Edison Montgomery, a 59-year-old Democrat from Lancaster, Ohio, said that after watching the convention he has grown more comfortable with Kerry -- especially on whether he is capable of protecting the nation.
``He seems like he's got a good head on his shoulders,'' Montgomery said.
Despite the gains for the Democratic challenger, Bush and Kerry remained essentially tied in the presidential race -- an outcome similar to where they've been for months.
In a three-way matchup, Kerry and running mate John Edwards have the backing of 48 percent, Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney 45 percent and independent Ralph Nader and running mate Peter Camejo 3 percent among registered voters.
The poll had a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points.
In July, Bush had a slight lead over Kerry -- 49 percent to 45 percent -- with 3 percent backing Nader.
Kerry also improved his standing in state polls in two swing states -- Florida and New Hampshire -- pulling slightly ahead of Bush since the convention, according to the American Research Group.
Although Bush's ratings have dipped in other areas, including his stewardship of the war in Iraq and his handling of the economy, 51 percent still approve of the president's handling of the war on terrorism to 48 percent who disapprove in the AP poll.
``I don't think Kerry's ready to be president,'' said Laura Weber, a 37-year-old Republican from Pierre, S.D. ``Bush would be more decisive.''
The economy has been improving in fits and starts but continues to be a troublesome issue for Bush. Fewer than half -- 46 percent -- said they approve of the Republican's handling of the economy, about the same percentage as July.
Kerry held a clear advantage over Bush on the question of who would do better at creating jobs, with 55 percent naming Kerry and 39 percent saying Bush -- a number essentially unchanged from March.
The job numbers released Friday are likely to reinforce that perception.
New figures on job growth in July were far below analysts' predictions, with only 32,000 jobs being added -- a potentially troubling sign that the rough patch the economy hit in June was not an isolated problem despite 11 consecutive months of jobs growth. Analysts were expecting the economy to add anywhere from 215,000 to 247,000 jobs in July.
All total, 1.1 million jobs have been lost since Bush took office in January 2001.
``We have a long way to go on jobs,'' said Cara Easterly, a 37-year-old Democrat from the Seattle area. ``I don't think Bush is focused on the problem. He's more focused on what's going on outside the country.''
Strong support for Bush and Kerry now is about even, with 32 percent saying they are backers of the Republican and 31 percent saying their candidate is Kerry. In July, Bush was slightly ahead of Kerry in intensity of support.
``I think President Bush has done an excellent job,'' said Linda Roberts, a conservative Republican from Liberal, Kan. ``He's a Christian. I don't believe there's any reason to kill babies by abortion. I don't believe in gay marriage. I believe he is for equal rights, but also for God's rights.''
The AP-Ipsos poll surveyed 1,001 adults, including 798 registered voters.
ping
Who do you think the 203 adults will vote for?*LOL*
ping
yeah, sure buddy...
Very misleading title.
"Bush still has the advantage on the issue, with 52 percent saying the Republican incumbent would do better in protecting the nation"
Also, notice its 1,000 polled with 700 registered voters and the rest just adults. At this point, you have to look at likely voters. Any poll at this point that includes just "adults" in the sample is intentionally misleading.
Yeah, sure he does.
Funny how all these polls show Kerry leading two days after the Swiftvet onslaught.
No hand-wringers here, thank you very much.
Wait a week.
I probably should have clarified that Kerry 48 Bush 45 was the horserace numbers.
No bearing on reality whatsoever!
BS... Kerry should have a 10 to 20 pt lead... instead its a dead heat. And that's BEFORE the GOP convention opens at the end of the month. All those atmospherics - I mean flag waving and patriotic sentiments and pretty speeches didn't put him where he wanted to be. And not even AP with its polling spin can change the fact the Democratic presidential candidate hasn't had a good week, let alone dramatically improved his standing in the polls.
Not bad considering. We need a good convention from Bush and Rove.
I simply cannot understand how supposedly the majority of Americans want a liberal like Kerry in the White House. We are less than three years out from 9-11, and the most liberal ticket in US history is about to be elected?? I just don't get it.
Are the majority of people so gullible that they will swallow the Dem fake patriotism, etc., put on at their convention. Since when in the last 40 years have Democrats protected the security of the nation? All the convention talked about was Kerry's 4 months in Vietnam, nothing about his actions when he returned or his many years in the Senate.
I just can't help to think the public isn't that easily fooled.
I'll never get it! How a slime ball like Kerry wins the hearts of a Christian nation. While a strong leader, honest man, like Bush comes in second, or whatever, but a loser. What is happening to our nation. We will pay a terrible price if this continues.
All those who called or emailed today to volunteer to register voters in GOP neighborhoods, raise your hands.
I was told some are reluctant to volunteer because they fear that will put them in a data base and they'll be hit up for donations. Well, you can ask for that not to happen. Also, if they ask for donations and you don't want to donate, don't.
But you must call and volunteer, hopefully in a battleground state. This is the time frame when elections are decided because the deadline for registration in some states is approaching.
Do it. If we lose in November, you'll hate yourself for not doing your best to help.
Without the breakdown of Republicans, Rats, and Others, it is impossible to know if this poll is just another push poll that has oversampled Democrats (like 80% of polls do) or is more accurate. I vote for option 1.
AP is as biased as it gets. Their Polls can not be trusted.
We are becoming polarized. The majority of Christians are for Bush.
Registered voters - 'nough said......
What is a matter with you and your obsession with Rove? Rove isn't running for President, Bush is. The campaign is ultimately Bush's responsibility, whoever he should choose to run it.
I can't believe all this bed wetting over polls like this one that include 20% opinions of people that aren't registered to vote. I mean that literally, I cannot and do not believe these posters are legit. The people that are willing to back up their opinion with cash are still saying Bush will win. http://geekmedia.org/tradesports/
The sky is falling crowd should should put their money where their mouth is and go offer up 10,000 shares of Bush at below price for quick sale over at tradesports.com.
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