US voters evenly split on new president
US voters are so deadlocked on their choice for president that the campaigns will need to focus on keeping support high and turning people out for elections, according to pollsters.
The overall race between Democrat John Kerry and President George Bush, a Republican, remains deadlocked.
Kerry showed little movement in the head-to-head matchup with Bush after the Democratic National Convention last month in Boston, gaining slightly in some polls. A new Los Angeles Times poll today gave Bush the edge.
But he has solidified support among key groups, like union voters, according to the Battleground Poll, and is now running even with the incumbent on strength of support.
The poll found that 84% of voters say they have made a definite choice for president, compared with 64% who said that at a comparable time in the late summer of 2000.
Bush will attempt to influence the electorate at the Republican National Convention next week in New York.
“Realistically, the Bush campaign should expect little or no bounce … because of the polarised political environment,” said Republican pollster Ed Goeas, who joined Democrat Celinda Lake in conducting the poll sponsored by George Washington University.
A key for Bush after the convention will be regaining an advantage in the intensity of support, Goeas said.
