Bush Support Strong After Convention; Kerry Favorability Rating Plunges in New Survey

Washington Post ^ | 9/10

[ambrose]

Bush Support Strong After Convention

Kerry Favorability Rating Plunges in New Survey

By Richard Morin and Dan Balz

Washington Post Staff Writers

Friday, September 10, 2004; Page A01

-snip-

In the five weeks since the Democratic convention, Kerry's favorable rating has plunged. Besides a relentless pounding from the GOP, Kerry has experienced attacks on his Vietnam War service from a group of Vietnam veterans, and the Democrat's comments about Iraq have been a source of controversy. Kerry's favorable rating fell from 51 percent at beginning of August to 36 percent among registered voters in the new Post-ABC News poll, while his unfavorable rating rose from 32 percent to 42 percent.

Bush's favorable rating rose slightly to 51 percent, and his overall approval rating rose another notch to 52 percent. An identical percentage of voters said Bush deserves a second term. Strategists in both campaigns have watched Bush's approval rating closely as an indicator of his reelection prospects. That rating fell below 50 percent in May and has been inching back up over the summer. History suggests that Bush will be formidable in November if his approval rating remains in the low 50s, vulnerable if he is in the 40s.

-snip-

[blanknoone]

a group of Vietnam Veterans

Umm, Wapo, you need to do better reporting. There are several large groups of Vietnam Veterans against Kerry. I assume your single reference is to the relatively small group of 254 who served with and personally knew Kerry. But there are other groups effectively opposing him as well. There are at least 2 groups of non specific Vietnam Veterans as well as at least one of former POWs. Without thought or research, I know of 4 groups. Four groups is not 'a group'

[hinckley buzzard]

"This makes me wonder how Kerry is going to handle the debates. Is he going to take both sides of every issue?"

Mainly he will be attacking GW for "attacking his patriotism." GW will then graciously acknowledge that he would never question Kerry's patriotism.

Then Kerry will attack GW for attacking his service in VietNam. GW will graciously acknowledge that his service in VietNam was "heroic."

Then Kerry will attack GW for not showing up for his physical 32 years ago. GW and everyone else in the hall will burst out laughing.

Game, set, and match.

[teletech]

Mainly he will be attacking GW for "attacking his patriotism." GW will then graciously acknowledge that he would never question Kerry's patriotism.

Then Kerry will attack GW for attacking his service in VietNam. GW will graciously acknowledge that his service in VietNam was "heroic."

Then Kerry will attack GW for not showing up for his physical 32 years ago. GW and everyone else in the hall will burst out laughing.

Game, set, and match.

So basically what you're saying is that the President will make Kerry look foolish. I LIKE IT!!

[bushsupporter30]

You know, I think the same thing. Also, to all the people who were the doom and gloom crowd, when Bush wasnt doing so well in the polls, of how abysmmal the Bush relection team was and Rove needed to be fired and etc etc etc. Wonder with the impending implosion of the Kerry campaign, what they would think now.

[NormsRevenge]

Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards (news - web sites) waves to supporters at LaborFest in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2004. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards (news - web sites), left, shakes hands with Mark Cullins, during a tour of downtown Canton, N.C., Sunday, Sept 12, 2004. Edwards was touring the town after heavy rains associated with the remnants of Hurricane Frances flooded the area last week. Cullins was helping remove mud and debris from a local buisness. (AP Photo/Alan Marler)

[bushsupporter30]

I think by the time the debates roll around, Kerry is going to be so upset that none of the mud slinging worked, that he is going to bring up the vietnam crap again, and Bush is going to take the high road. Methinks he is going to pull another AlGore in your face that will turn off the voters even more against this turd.
When have we seen the polls go up with Kerry out there in front of people. For all those who think Kerry is going to cream Bush in the debates, they might want to think about Gore and Ann Richards.

[Truthsearcher]

We need to prop up the notion that Kerry will destroy Bush in the debates, setting the bar so high that Kerry will appear to be a total failure in the aftermath.

[hinckley buzzard]

So basically what you're saying is that the President will make Kerry look foolish. I LIKE IT!!


Well, sure. Kerry has no option but to attack, and his attacks are getting progressively more picayune. GW has only to stand back, Kerry will make himself look foolish.
I understand he did this in Texas with Ann Richards mocking him and insulting him, and ending up in private life after the election.

[cmotormac44]

Just saw the History Channel 2 hr piece about the War of 1812---interesting note that some of New England states pushed for secession during that period since they were greedy and cared more about money than the country---seems to me there were 'traitors' and Rats back then as well as today--'-more things change , more they stay the same'

[maro]

I've seen old George on TV in recent years. He's a likeable human being, sort of avuncular, probably would be a great neighbor. I also bet that George puts his money where his mouth is, and gives freely to his favorite charities. A good man who espoused the wrong politics.

[teletech]

I think by the time the debates roll around, Kerry is going to be so upset that none of the mud slinging worked, that he is going to bring up the vietnam crap again, and Bush is going to take the high road. Methinks he is going to pull another AlGore in your face that will turn off the voters even more against this turd.

When have we seen the polls go up with Kerry out there in front of people. For all those who think Kerry is going to cream Bush in the debates, they might want to think about Gore and Ann Richards.

The President will take the high road and everytime Kerry unleashes a vicious attack, as I know he will, Dubya will just give Kerry that famous Dubya stare. You know, the one that says I've got you by the cajones.

I want to see a full Kerry meltdown during the debate. I'm talkin' rope-a-dope straight jsacket time meltdown.

[DaveMSmith]

This has really got to hurt. They live and breathe by polls.

[HardStarboard]

John Edwards looks like he ought to be the State Farm agent in one of their ads.

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

There is plenty of sentiment out there.... or shall we say, conventional wisdom, to the effect that it's not in Hillary's best Presidential-aspirations-interest for Kerry to win in 2004.

(PS - read your profile - a belated welcome to FR and thanks for speaking up and posting on the forum! We wish you all the success in your Kuwait venture!)

[teletech]

Well, sure. Kerry has no option but to attack, and his attacks are getting progressively more picayune. GW has only to stand back, Kerry will make himself look foolish. I understand he did this in Texas with Ann Richards mocking him and insulting him, and ending up in private life after the election.

The President will take the high road in the debates and when Kerry launches into one of his vicious attacks, Dubya will give him that famous Dubya stare. The stare that says I've got you by the cajones.

Kerry will meltdown in the debates. I want a meltdown so severe it will be straight jacket time for Kerry.

[meatloaf]

Bush will get another bounce from the debates. I'd look for a Kerry "Dean" moment when his poll numbers drop afterwards. Kerry is a person who really believes the whole world looks up to him except for those who are too stupid to understand what he's saying.

His real problem is the majority does understand what he's been saying. When he understands the magnitude of his rejection, he's going to blow.

[RayChuang88]

I want to see a full Kerry meltdown during the debate. I'm talkin' rope-a-dope straight jsacket time meltdown.

That's if we even make it THAT far. Senator Kerry is literally on the edge of a "Howard Dean moment" within the next week or so at the rate things are going.

[hinckley buzzard]

." I want a meltdown so severe it will be straight jacket time for Kerry."

That would be sweet. He's too well defended to fall apart in public but I can easily foresee a painful, well deserved decline into the shadowlands bordering insanity, a' la Algore.

[teletech]

Bush will get another bounce from the debates. I'd look for a Kerry "Dean" moment when his poll numbers drop afterwards. Kerry is a person who really believes the whole world looks up to him except for those who are too stupid to understand what he's saying.

His real problem is the majority does understand what he's been saying. When he understands the magnitude of his rejection, he's going to blow.

Kerry is so arrogant and used to having it HIS way, he is apt to lose it in the debates. I will TIVO the debates and play them over and over and.....

[teletech]

That would be sweet. He's too well defended to fall apart in public but I can easily foresee a painful, well deserved decline into the shadowlands bordering insanity, a' la Algore.

That would be fine. Reduced to a quivering mass of jello (eventually).