Bush ahead of Kerry on Battling Terrorism, Iraq War [View All]

[cosmokramer]

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush's continued edge over Democrat John Kerry on leadership skills and battling terrorism are keeping the presidential race close despite widespread concerns about Iraq, a bipartisan poll suggests.

The Battleground Poll, sponsored by George Washington University, found Bush and Kerry running even, with 48 percent each in a two-way matchup. It also found signs the public is growing slightly more optimistic about the economy.

Kerry has the advantage with voters on issues ranging from Social Security and prescription drugs to jobs and federal spending. Bush leads on handling terrorism and has a slight edge on Iraq and - in this poll - on taxes.

Just over half in the Battleground Poll, 51 percent, said it's time to give a new person a chance to be president. Yet Bush continually matches up evenly against Kerry in many polls.

http://apnews1.iwon.com/article/20040629/D83GNE601.html