A new poll suggests that domestic issues may hurt Bush in a race with a Democrat.
But while Bush retains the support of nearly six in 10 Americans, the public believes Democrats would do a better job on domestic issues, such as the economy, prescription drugs for the elderly, health insurance, Medicare, the budget deficit, immigration and taxes. And Bush has lost the advantage on education policy he once enjoyed.
As a result, Bush finds himself in a statistical dead heat with the opposition nine months before the election. When matched against a generic Democratic presidential candidate — the party held its first nominating contest last night in Iowa — Bush narrowly wins, 48 percent to 46 percent. On the question of who is trusted to handle the nation’s major problems, Bush is roughly even with Democrats, ahead 45 percent to 44 percent — down from an 18-point advantage Bush enjoyed nine months ago.
So whatever the outcome of the primaries and nominatino process, the Dems are still within striking distance of Bush.