Bush vs. Kerry on Economy and War
National Defense/ War on Terror
Bush 51%
Kerry 39%
RasmussenReports.com
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Economy
Bush 45%
Kerry 45%
RasmussenReports.com
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March 26, 2004--Despite accusations from former White House aide Richard Clarke about the Bush Administration's handling of the threat from terrorists, American voters continue to trust President George W. Bush more than Senator John F. Kerry when it comes to the issues of national defense and the War on Terror.
A Rasmussen Reports survey found that 51% now prefer Bush on these national security issues. Thirty-nine percent (39%) prefer Kerry. Those numbers do reflect some slippage for the President. Last week, voters preferred Bush by a 54% to 37% margin.
Add the economy:
While voters have a clear preference for Bush on national defense matters, they are evenly divided when it comes to the managing the economy--45% say that they trust Bush while another 45% have more trust in Kerry.
It is somewhat remarkable that the candidates are perceived as equal on the issue of the economy. Currently, 55% of Americans say that the economy is getting worse. That's the highest number since last October. If Kerry cannot gain an advantage on this issue in the current environment, he may be in real trouble if the economy improves.
They leave out that Bush led 48-41% on 3/10-11, just about the only poll that had Kerry tied or behind.
Oh, yeah...
Kerry 47% Bush 44%
Election 2004 Presidential Ballot
Bush 44%
Kerry 47%
Other 4%
Not Sure 5%
RasmussenReports.com
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Rasmussen Reports Home
Friday March 26, 2004--The latest Rasmussen Reports Presidential Tracking Poll shows Senator John F. Kerry at 47%, President George W. Bush at 44%, and "some other candidate" at 4%.
The recent news cycle featuring the accusations of Richard Clarke has taken a toll on the President's numbers. A week ago, the President was leading by four points. However, it is not clear how long the Clarke bounce will benefit Kerry. Last night's single night tracking suggested a possible move back in the President's direction.