Tuesday, January 20, 2004

Kerry Wins, Edwards Places, Dean Lags, And Gephardt Drops Out

Poll Shows Bush Vulnerable on Deficit

by David M. Fine

IOWANS FINALLY had their opportunity to transcend the polls and caucus for candidates yesterday. John Kerry significantly overshadowed Howard Dean, coming away with who has been the media darling and presumed front-runner. Senator John Edwards placed second, pulling himself out of obscurity, though he will likely find the field in New Hampshire to be tougher.

Rep. Richard Gephardt, placing fourth, announced he was dropping out of the race.

Iowa City's Press-Citizen reports that more than 120,000 people turned out for the caucuses, coming close to doubling last year's turnout of 61,000.

The remaining candidates will now move on to the New Hampshire primary, to be held next week, Tuesday January 27th. Wesley Clark stayed out of Iowa and opted to campaign in New Hampshire instead, so with Kerry's boost, the race between Clark, Kerry, and Dean may be very close.

An American Research Group poll shows Dean barely leading in New Hampshire, and Kerry and Clark neck and neck.

Bush Vulnerable on Key Issues
As the President prepares to give his State of the Union address tonight at 9pm. Eastern time, the Washington Post released a poll of President Bush's approval and which highlights many of his vulnerabilities.

While 51% of those polled approve of how Bush is handling the economy and another 55% approve of his handling of the situation in Iraq, 58% disapproved of how he is dealing with the federal deficit, 51% disapproved of his handling of taxes, and 55% disapproved of his policy toward the cost and availability of health insurance.

66% approve of the President's handling the war on terror.

48% of those polled said they would vote for Bush, and 46% said they would vote for ant Democrat. However, only 66% said they were following the Presidential race.

56% of respondents said they thought the war in Iraq was worth fighting. But they seem to want their cake and to eat it too: 62% said the cost in casualties has been "unacceptable."

56% of respondents also said the federal government should not be in the role of encouraging traditional marriage between a man and a woman.

43%, however, believed it should.

The President is reportedly going to emphasize domestic issues, including job retraining, in tonight's speech. He will also mention reforming Social Security.

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