AP poll: Kerry narrows security issue gap
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-08-07 08:48

Democrat John Kerry, whose nominating convention highlighted his war service and focused on national security, has narrowed the gap on President Bush's strong suit of protecting the country, according to an Associated Press poll that shows the race remains tight.

Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass holds up a book as he talks about his plans to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil during a stop at a farm near Smithville, Mo. Friday, Aug. 6, 2004. [AP]

Flanked by his Vietnam crewmates, Kerry delivered an acceptance speech last week laden with references to patriotism, his decorated military record and his qualifications for commander in chief — a theme underscored by speaker after speaker over the four-day gathering.

The images and rhetoric registered with a number of voters.

In the AP survey conducted Tuesday through Thursday, 43 percent said Kerry would do a better job of protecting the country — a gain of 8 percentage points for the Democratic presidential nominee from a similar survey in March.

Kerry improved his standing on the issue with a demographic group that tends to lean Republican: men under age 45.

Bush still has the advantage on the issue, with 52 percent saying the Republican incumbent would do better in protecting the nation. But Bush's percentage on the issue has dropped 6 percentage points since March, according to the poll conducted for the AP by Ipsos-Public Affairs, and the latest survey was taken as he faced questions about dated intelligence for increased terror alerts.

Edison Montgomery, a 59-year-old Democrat from Lancaster, Ohio, said that after watching the convention he has grown more comfortable with Kerry — especially on whether he is capable of protecting the nation.

"He seems like he's got a good head on his shoulders," Montgomery said.

Despite the gains for the Democratic challenger, Bush and Kerry remained essentially tied in the presidential race — an outcome similar to where they've been for months.

In a three-way matchup, Kerry and running mate John Edwards have the backing of 48 percent, Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney 45 percent and independent Ralph Nader and running mate Peter Camejo 3 percent among registered voters.

The poll had a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points.

In July, Bush had a slight lead over Kerry — 49 percent to 45 percent — with 3 percent backing Nader.

Kerry also improved his standing in state polls in two swing states — Florida and New Hampshire — pulling slightly ahead of Bush since the convention, according to the American Research Group.

Although Bush's ratings have dipped in other areas, including his stewardship of the war in Iraq and his handling of the economy, 51 percent still approve of the president's handling of the war on terrorism to 48 percent who disapprove in the AP poll.

"I don't think Kerry's ready to be president," said Laura Weber, a 37-year-old Republican from Pierre, S.D. "Bush would be more decisive."

The economy has been improving in fits and starts but continues to be a troublesome issue for Bush. Fewer than half — 46 percent — said they approve of the Republican's handling of the economy, about the same percentage as July.

Kerry held a clear advantage over Bush on the question of who would do better at creating jobs, with 55 percent naming Kerry and 39 percent saying Bush — a number essentially unchanged from March.

The job numbers released Friday are likely to reinforce that perception.

New figures on job growth in July were far below analysts' predictions, with only 32,000 jobs being added — a potentially troubling sign that the rough patch the economy hit in June was not an isolated problem despite 11 consecutive months of jobs growth. Analysts were expecting the economy to add anywhere from 215,000 to 247,000 jobs in July.

All total, 1.1 million jobs have been lost since Bush took office in January 2001.

"We have a long way to go on jobs," said Cara Easterly, a 37-year-old Democrat from the Seattle area. "I don't think Bush is focused on the problem. He's more focused on what's going on outside the country."

Strong support for Bush and Kerry now is about even, with 32 percent saying they are backers of the Republican and 31 percent saying their candidate is Kerry. In July, Bush was slightly ahead of Kerry in intensity of support.

"I think President Bush has done an excellent job," said Linda Roberts, a conservative Republican from Liberal, Kan. "He's a Christian. I don't believe there's any reason to kill babies by abortion. I don't believe in gay marriage. I believe he is for equal rights, but also for God's rights."

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