Bush ahead of Kerry on Battling Terrorism, Iraq War

[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

[JI7]

1. this is why Kerry is emphasizing domestic issues

it's how we will win the election.

[cosmokramer]

2. No, we won't win this way...

...'fear factors' on national security will win the election. We MUST combat the issue, and own it. Otherwise, we will lose. Indies won't vote their domestic preferences over their sense of security...guaranteed.

[JI7]

3. yes, Kerry will and has talked about his national security/foreign policy

experience. and will continue to do so many times. but he will also emphasize the areas where he is strong such as on the domestic issues.

[Scoopie]

14. I care both about the economy and about terrorism

I live near Oak Ridge, TN, which was in chaos on 9/11. However, because we are at war, it's doing OK economically, even if other jobs are in shambles.
However, I still contend that the two, particularly this year, are entertwined and that improving our international standing will, not only help us to battle terrorists, it will also improve our economy AND the economies of other nations.
How does this help?
Well, the more people who are gainfully employed, the less there are angry at the world and blowing up people. Now, we just have to get rid of Sharon, get a more moderate Israeli PM in and give the Palestinians some land.
Get them some land and some autonomy and they will be too busy building and governing to worry about bombing.
Yes, it will take time, but, we have to begin this process.
And, the best way to do it is to have Kerry tackle our OWN problems, which badly need tending to and which the polls show with which Kerry is most trusted. Let the VP, SoS and other delegates handle the war, our international standing and trade agreements.
This is why our VP MUST have foreign policy experience.
Kerry should take care of us at home and let the VP help with our links to the world community.

[unblock]

4. actually, this is great news (although it's not very "new")

the fact that an incumbent "war president" is neck-and-neck with a completely untested would-be commander-in-chief is remarkable.

people had great confidence in fdr during wwii and would never have felt equally comfortable with a challenger.

i'd love it if kerry were to pull ahead in this category, but if the population as a whole is equally comfortable with a unknown, then they can't be very impressed with the known.

[JI7]

5. right

[lancdem]

6. Yes

Kerry will pick up steam when he chooses his VP, momentum which shouls carry into the convention.

[TexasSissy]

7. This is the same ol' same ol' It's been this way for umpteen years.

I was hoping it'd be different this time, but alas, doesn't seem it will be.

But the Dems win, anyway. We can't be on top for ALL things.

[cosmokramer]

10. No, we can't be on top for all things...

...but this election will be about national security, so we damn sure better be on top of things. Historical data is rendered moot in the post September 11 world, so Kerry needs to come out swinging on this issue and OWN it, or we will lose.

[Dr Fate]

8. Clark on the ticket would solve this in about 2 seconds. n/t

n/t

[cosmokramer]

9. Precisely...

...or a selection that does have significant experience in these areas...

[Gloria]

11. Is this the poll that I just caught FAUX talking about....Bush16 points up

on saying what he means, or somesuch????

Bush ahead on terror and leadership??? All the more reason for Clark, who is now saying the choice is between those who have been WRONG every time and those who are clear and offer better ideas.

I don't think Kerry is esp. clear, at least in the media's eyes, on Iraq, but Clark's plain talk is certainly an antidote to that....

[cosmokramer]

12. Not sure if this was on Fox or not....

[Scoopie]

13. I was saying that the poll

that showed Kerry over Bush by one point wouldn't last long.
I figured Bush would poll back up on approach to this whole hand-over thing.