So much for *'s Reagan Bounce, Kerry leads Bush in war on terrorism!!

[ShaneGR]

Front page of MSNBC:

www.msnbc.com
Nation divided
Rising doubts about the war in Iraq have helped to erase President Bush's advantage over Sen. John F. Kerry over who is best able to deal with terrorist threats, according to a new Washington Post poll.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5264834/

(snip)
Public anxiety over mounting casualties in Iraq and doubts about long-term consequences of the war continue to rise and have helped to erase President Bush's once-formidable advantage over Sen. John F. Kerry concerning who is best able to deal with terrorist threats, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

Exactly half the country now approves of the way Bush is managing the U.S. war on terrorism, down 13 percentage points since April, according to the poll. Barely two months ago, Bush comfortably led Kerry, the presumptive Democratic nominee, by 21 points when voters were asked which man they trusted to deal with the terrorist threat. Today the country is evenly divided, with 48 percent preferring Kerry and 47 percent favoring Bush.

With fewer than 10 days before the United States turns over governing power to Iraq, the survey shows that Americans are coming to a mixed judgment about the costs and benefits of the war. Campaign advisers to both Bush and Kerry believe voters' conclusions about Bush and Iraq will play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the November election.

The shift is potentially significant because Bush has consistently received higher marks on fighting terrorism than on Iraq, and if the decline signals a permanent loss of confidence in his handling of the fight against terrorism, that could undermine a central part of his reelection campaign message.

[JHBowden]

1. This doesn't bode well for Wes Clark.

If Kerry can hold his own on defense issues, I think we're going to be stuck with someone like Gephardt or Edwards.

[ShaneGR]

2. Oh no! Not Edwards!!

You mean the guy who I voted for, contributed to, and worked for in Ohio... where we ended up with over 35% of the vote despite the media's drumbeat of Kerry, Kerry, Kerry, Kerry???

No! This can't be!

Seriously, I like Wes Clark but you need to get over it already. Edwards is an excellent VP pick and will allow Kerry to stick to the major cities while Edwards plays with the heartland. And Clark will be a part of the new administration anyways.



BTW, I agree with you on Gephardt. Never pick a horse who's been kicked in the teeth 25 times.

[JHBowden]

5. Hey man, I supported Dean.

Most of the considered choices will be fine. If Kerry has strong defense numbers against Bush (who would have thought it a year ago?) he'll likely go with an experienced candidate that's been around the block once or twice that won't outshine Kerry and won't make mistakes. I shouldn't have said we'll be "stuck" with Edwards or Gephardt, but to put it bluntly, I don't see how Kerry would rationally choose someone else.

[ShaneGR]

8. K

Fair enough. Seriously, we're all on the same side here. I guess I don't like my guy Edwards being grouped with boring old Gephardt.

Anyways, regardless, we're kicking Bush's ass!

[PROGRESSIVE1]

3. Kerry needs to be strong on this issue!!!

[Robbien]

4. The WaPo/ABC poll is even worse news for BushCo

They still have Bush at his low of 47% job approval rating, with his disapproval rating a high of 51%.

And it gets even worse, by a 52 percent to 39 percent margin, Kerry is seen as more honest and trustworthy.

link
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A58293-2004Jun21?language=printer

[Beetwasher]

6. Kerry Needs To Strike NOW W/ A Full Court Press On His Ideas On Fighting

Terrorism. He needs to seize this initiative.

[Poiuyt]

7. Holy Shit!

I never thought I'd see Bush fall behind on dealing with terrorism. And it warms my heart to see that more Americans find Kerry more honest and trustworthy. Wow!