New ABC/WP Poll Bush leads generic Dem 48-40

[CMT]

This is an imporovement for Dems over the last time this poll asked the question of who voters would vote for--Bush or a generic Democrat. On April 30th Bush led on the ballot question by 53-40 percent, So Dems have cut his lead by five-points.

Bush's approval rating is stable in the Post Poll--59/37 approval--no change over last month. On his handling of Iraq 56% approve and 41% disapprove. On the economy 45% approve and 51% disapprove. On Taxes Bush has a 49/46 percent approval rating. On the budget a 41-50% approval ratiing.

Which party do you trust more to lead the country? Split 40% for the GOP and 39% pick the Dems. This is an improvement for Dems. It was 51-39 percent favoring the GOP back in October of 2002.

The only major issue working in Bush's favor is Terrorism where he is trusted more than a Democrat by a whopping 54-25 percent.

On the economy the Dems hold a 47-37 percent lead
On Social Security the Dems hold a 46-33 percent lead
On Taxes a 43-40 percent Dem advantage.
On the Budget it is split 41-40 percent in Bush's (!!) favor.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A50881-2003Aug12.html

[Catch22Dem]

1. I have a question, I guess

"Which party do you trust more to lead the country? Split 40% for the GOP and 39% pick the Dems. This is an improvement for Dems. It was 51-39 percent favoring the GOP back in October of 2002."

The vote for Dems was at 39% last Oct. It's at 39% now. The rethugs, however, went from 51% to 40%. Does this mean 11% of the sample population no longer has an opinion? Or does this mean 11% don't trust either party to lead?

[DavidDvorkin]

2. People rarely switch directly from one side to the other

On major issues or party preference. They tend to move through Undedicded first. So that 11% are moving in the right direction.



http://www.dvorkin.com

[mndemocrat_29]

3. Bush below 50

That's very important.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

4. Typical.

Americans favor Dem issues but still vote for personalities.