Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry has taken a small lead over US President George W Bush in the race for the White House and has improved his standing on issues like economy and national security,
according to a new Washington Post-ABC News Poll.
The new poll showed Kerry has the support of 50 per cent of all registered voters, compared with 44 per cent for Bush, with independent candidate Ralph Nader at 2 per cent. On the eve of the Democrat Party convention held last week, Bush led Kerry 48 per cent to 46 per cent.
Among those likely to vote, the contest is closer: Kerry leads Bush by two per cent.
Kerry is viewed by 52 per cent of voters as a better commander-in-chief compared to 44 per cent who back Bush. He has also erased the President's double-digit advantage as the candidate best able to deal with terrorism.
But the survey also suggested that the Democrats were less successful in answering questions about specific plans for Iraq, the terrorist threat and the lackluster economy.
Only 53 per cent say they have a clear idea of where Kerry stands on these issues. 46 per cent continue to say they are uncertain.
Bush is still viewed as the stronger leader, but Kerry has managed to cut the President's advantage by more than half. Fifty per cent of all voters see Bush as the stronger leader, while 44 per cent say Kerry is.
The Democrat is also viewed as more honest and trustworthy by 47 per cent to 41 per cent.
Kerry also has a 50 to 44 per cent advantage over Bush in terms of voters who think he shares their concerns.
A Newsweek poll taken Thursday and Friday also gave the Democratic ticket a 49 per cent to 42 per cent lead.
However, another poll conducted by USA Today and CNN said that the Democratic convention failed to give Kerry an expected boost.
In the poll taken on Friday and Saturday, Bush led Kerry by 50 per cent to 46.
But views of Kerry's personal characteristics and leadership have improved while voter's views on Bush haven't changed much.
Bush's edge in handling terrorism was shaved to 12 points from 18. In a switch, Kerry now is trusted more to handle the responsibilities of Commander-in-chief, by 51 per cent to 46 per cent, the USA Today-CNN poll said.
Kerry's acceptance speech at the convention was rated as "excellent" by 26 per cent, a more positive response than Bush got in 2000. A 44 per cent said the Democrats were "about right" in criticising Bush; 30 per cent said they went too far.
Kerry's military service is seen as a plus. A 52 per cent majority says it would help him be an effective President. More than one in four say it makes them more likely to vote for him.
