Bush pulling ahead of Kerry

2004-09-29 09:40

Washington - President George W Bush has pulled further away from his Democratic rival John Kerry, drawing support from 48% of likely voters compared to 40% for the Massachusetts senator, a survey on Tuesday found.

The last poll by the Pew Research Centre for People and the Press had the two candidates in a dead heat at 46% each.

The Republican president's rise in support comes more amid voters' concerns about Kerry's leadership skills than from improving opinions about Bush, according to the poll taken September 22-28.

Bush was seen as better able to handle the situation in Iraq, while Kerry was seen as more capable on the economy, it also found.

Bush 'more honest and truthful' than Kerry

The bad news for Kerry is that only 32% of voters said they thought him more "honest and truthful" than his rival; Bush was so regarded by 41% of those polled, the survey said.

In another survey released earlier in the day Bush's lead over Kerry narrowed by three points among likely voters to 51% to 45%, compared to the first week in September when he was nine points ahead, according to a Washington Post/ABC News poll published.

Taken three weeks after the Republican National Convention of August 30 to September 2, the new poll also puts Bush ahead of Kerry by 51%-44% among registered voters, showing no change.

Independent candidate Ralph Nader got one percent support from likely voters.

Bush had a bigger lead over Kerry among male voters (53%-41%) than female voters (49%-46%).

Bush's overall approval rating five weeks before the November 2 presidential election remained at 50%, and his rating for having a clear plan to fight against terrorism continues very high at 62%, compared to only 36% for Kerry.

On the ongoing war in Iraq, Bush also had the trust of more voters (53%) in dealing with the insurgents, compared to Kerry (38%).

However, 51% said the Iraq war was not worth fighting for, compared to 46% who thought the contrary.

- AFP