Three National Polls Show Bush Leads Of 5, 6, And 8 Points
President Bush continues to maintain a lead in the presidential race, albeit a narrow one. ABC World News Tonight reported, "51% of people who call themselves likely voters say they support Mr. Bush. 45% say they support Senator Kerry. 1% are for Ralph Nader." The Washington Post reports Bush "heads into the first presidential debate with a solid lead over John F. Kerry, boosted by the perception that he is a stronger leader with a clearer vision, despite deep concerns about Iraq and the pace of the economic recovery."
A George Washington University-Battleground 2004 poll of 1,000 likely voters taken 9/20-9/23 shows George Bush leading John Kerry 50%-45% among likely voters. 53% approve of the job Bush is doing as president. Meanwhile, USA Today reports Bush "leads Sen. John Kerry by 8 percentage points among likely voters," 52%-44%, "the latest USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll shows."
Kerry Behind On The Economy, Less Than 50% Say He Could Handle Commander-In-Chief Job. USA Today also reports "findings in the survey indicate that Kerry's standing on some fundamental measures has eroded, presumably as a result of Republican hammering in TV ads and on the stump." Kerry "doesn't have an advantage on handling the economy. Those surveyed say by 6 points Bush would do a better job. On handling terrorism, Bush has a 27-point edge. His job-approval rating is 54%, the highest since January." And "for the first time, the number of voters who say Kerry could handle the responsibilities of commander in chief fell below 50%, to 49%."
