US children want Kerry: Poll

2004-10-21 17:15

Washington - A strong majority of American children support Democratic White House hopeful John Kerry over President George W Bush in the election less than two weeks away, according to an online poll released on Wednesday by Nickelodeon cable channel.

Children have always picked the winner since the popular channel aimed at kids began conducted the poll in 1988. In 2000, they backed Bush with 55%.

Some 400 000 children responded to the poll, and 57% backed Kerry against 43% for Bush.

"The 'kids' vote' seems to work as a good barometer of the actual presidential vote because, developmentally, kids between the ages of two and 11 share the same opinions and outlooks as their parents," said Cyma Zarghami, president of the television channel, part of Viacom International.

Now Nickelodeon is launching a campaign called "Nag the Vote," encouraging kids to nag adults into casting ballots.

Election day is November 2, but some states have opened "early voting" centres allowing people to cast ballots up to two weeks ahead of time.

- SAPA