The Occasional Observer

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/Presidential_Tracking_Poll.htm

Kerry 48% Bush 42%

Wednesday April 07, 2004--Senator John F. Kerry leads President George W. Bush 48% to 42% in the latest Rasmussen Reports Presidential Tracking Poll. This is Kerry's biggest lead of the year and the lowest level of support for Bush since Kerry became the front-runner.

Today's result marks a nine-point net gain for Kerry since last Friday morning. That change is especially dramatic because Friday's strong job creation report was expected by many to boost the President's numbers.

The President receives some modestly good news on the economic front--39% now give him good or excellent marks for handling the economy. That's up from 36% a week ago. Still, 41% of Americans believe the economy is still in a recession.

Any bounce the President might have enjoyed from the economic news was outweighed by developments in Iraq. In a survey conducted over the past two nights, 44% of voters say Bush is doing a poor job handling the situation in Iraq. That's up six points in a week.

The President's Job Approval rating has dropped to its lowest level in 2004. Democrats have also moved to their largest lead of the year on the Generic Congressional Ballot.

The Rasmussen Reports Presidential Tracking Poll is updated daily by noon Eastern