Newsweek Poll: Kerry surges to the head of the pack, beating even Bush. ( Lib RAG Alert)

newsweek via msnbc.msn.com ^ | 01/24/04 | Brian Braiker

[KQQL]

Bush’s own standing has slipped among registered voters. "Because of American leadership and resolve, the world is changing for the better," he declared Tuesday. But more people now say they are dissatisfied (52 percent) than satisfied (43 percent) with the way things are going in the United States, down from a post-9/11 peak last April of 50 percent satisfied. And even thought Bush used the State of the Union to emphasize his controversial tax cuts, Medicare overhaul, opposition to gay marriage and a burgeoning economic rebound, Bush saw his job performance ratings dip to 50 percent approval (versus 44 percent who disapprove)—his most negative ratings to date—suggesting a nation sharply divided over the president and his policies. To be sure, Bush is just as solidly backed by Republicans (85 percent) as he is opposed by Democrats (86 percent).

Overall, 52 percent of those polled by NEWSWEEK say they would not like to see Bush serve a second term, compared to 44 percent who want to see him win again in November.

As a result, Kerry is enjoying a marginal advantage over Bush, a first for the poll. Forty-nine percent of registered voters chose Kerry, compared to 46 percent who re-elected Bush.

In fact, all Democrats are polling better against Bush, perhaps due to increased media attention to their primary horserace: Clark gets 47 percent of voters’ choice compared to 48 percent from Bush; Edwards has 46 percent compared to Bush’s 49; Leiberman wins 45 percent versus Bush’s 49 percent; and Dean fares the worst with 45 percent of their votes to Bush’s 50 percent.

------------------------------------------

For this NEWSWEEK poll, Princeton Survey Research Associates interviewed 1,006 adults aged 18 and older Jan. 22 and Jan. 23 by telephone. The margin of error is plus or minus 3 percentage points

[KQQL]

It depends .....economy and situation in Iraq

[oceanview]

but they are able to use these polls to sway undecideds to Kerry, that is their purpose.

[anniegetyourgun]

Well, one thing is certain: Next year we will either have a Republican or a Democrat in the presidency.

[ambrose]

Of course it depends on those things. It doesn't depend on a Newsweak poll in weak after which Kerry has received nothing but glowing and positive coverage and while W. still hasn't turned on the campaign machinery.

[calchey]

This would be laughable except it seems some of you believe it. Conservatives once again will shoot themselves in the foot and then scream for 4 years if a democrat is elected. Even democrats don't get everything they want when they elect a President. So, go ahead and let a democrat be elected and then please be quiet for the following 4 years. IMO, I am about fed up listening to the whining of so called conservatives. Be happy for once in your life (if that is possible)that we have a wonderful President who we should respect. Thank you very much!!!!!!!!!!!

[KQQL]

You are right, he will only compete with W in following Red states NH, NV, AZ, OH , FL, WV and AR

[ambrose]

The true purpose of this poll is to sway the Rats in N. Hampshire.

Pure manipulation. Media has done nothing but bash Dean for weeks, nothing but kissy poo coverage of Kerry, and now this poll. Bet the stupid Rat lemmings won't pick up on the fact they're being buffaloed into supporting the establishment anointed candidate over the outsider, Howard Dean.

[Kuksool]

Kerry's wife, Teresa Heinz, still has strong local ties in PA. She could actually deliver PA for Kerry, along with a few neighboring Great Lakes states. I think the 2004 election outcome will be determined in the Midwest.

[KQQL]

You are right, OH and MO could decide the race.

[Kevin Curry]

So, you'd rather see the Democrats back in power, right?

Great question. Why don't you pose it to someone who can really influence the outcome: George W. Bush himself?

Shriekers like you always seem to assume that the individual voter is the only dynamic factor in a presidential election. In your world Bush is a helpless static factor, imprisoned by circumstances beyond his control. It is thus up to the individual voter to rescue him from his prison.

In truth, Bush can vitally affect the outcome of the election depending on the strategy he adopts. On the advice of people such as Karl Rove, Bush has calculated the odds and determined that he must suck up to seniors and illegal aliens to win. That is the "winning" strategy he has adopted, and he has adopted it in the full expectation that he will lose the "unappeasable" conservative voters such as myself.

Has Bush miscalculated? If you believe he has, whine to him about it. If you believe he is right on the money, why are you complaining at all?

[EGPWS]

Well, one thing is certain: Next year we will either have a Republican or a Democrat in the presidency.

Your statement Tailored pragmatically reads we WILL have a Republican in the Presidency.

[anniegetyourgun]

No...I don't assume that. Remember, this is the electorate that sent Bill Clinton to the Whitehouse....twice.

[EGPWS]

That is the "winning" strategy he has adopted, and he has adopted it in the full expectation that he will lose the "unappeasable" conservative voters such as myself.

And still will win reelection in a landslide.

Sadly enough, in politics making everyone happy is an impossibility, and Carl knows this to his credit.

[rockinonritalin]

We have a 2 party system that ensures that no American with strong ideological views is truly satisfied. The fact remains, however, that there is will be a vast difference between Bush and whoever the Democrats nominate. And that difference makes voting worthwhile. You can bet that those on the far Left will be voting Democrat, even if they run a centrist campaign in the general election.

[Pubbie]

No it won't. Kerry is a lightweight.

[jpl]

This is not good. W is starting to fade even earlier than his Poppy did. If any of you bigwig Republican movers and shakers out there are reading this, now's the time to jettison the wishy-washy bullcrap and go on the attack, before we see history repeat itself.

[Pubbie]

Newsweak polls are heavily slanted in favor of Democrats.

[anniegetyourgun]

Oh there you go...making sense again....