AP/Ipsos: LV Kerry 50% Bush 46%; RV Bush 47% Kerry 47%

[tritsofme]

WASHINGTON - Sen. John Kerry holds a slim lead over President Bush, according to an Associated Press poll that shows the Democrat gaining ground while Bush lost support on personal qualities, the war in Iraq and national security.

Fewer voters than a month ago believe Bush is the best man to protect the country and fight the war.

The AP-Ipsos Public Affairs poll, completed on the eve of the second presidential debate, charted a reversal from a month ago, when the Republican incumbent had the momentum and a minuscule lead. Since then, bloodshed increased in Iraq, Kerry sharpened his attacks and Bush stumbled in their initial debate.

Nearly three-fourths of likely voters said they had watched or listened to the first presidential debate last week, according to the poll. Only 8 percent came away with a more favorable view of Bush while 39 percent said they felt better about Kerry.

Among 944 likely voters, the Democratic ticket of Kerry and Sen. John Edwards led Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney 50 percent to 46 percent. The Oct. 4-6 survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

The race was tied 47-47 percent among all voters. Others polls show the race just as tight.

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http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/news/special_packages/election2004/9860100.htm

[DemocratSinceBirth]

1. Most Likely Voters Models Are Showing Kerry Doing Better Than Registered

Voter Models...


This is counterintuitive since Republicans are more "loyal" voters....


However Dems and ABBers are amped for this election

[Supersedeas]

2. the public can smell a WINNER

[tritsofme]

3. kick

[Demi_Babe]

4. AWESOME

[sonicx]

5. headline should be' bush's support collapses'

kerry 'jumped' almost double digits. :D

[GOPBasher]

6. This is awesome!

The electoral map looks great right now, too!

[yellowcanine]

7. "Bush Support Cratering Following Debate Debacle "- that's the one I

would like to see.

[alarcojon]

8. Great talking point in the article!

Eric Schlichting, a suburban Chicago inventory manager who tends to vote Republican, said Iraq is troubling him.

"Up until the last 18 months, I was leaning toward Bush, but the more that happens the worse it gets," Schlichting said. "He sticks to his guns, but his aim is so far off that sticking to his guns is not paying off."