[editor's note, by DemFromCT]: This story is posted in hopes of giving Kos some packing time...
Most Reject President's Handling of Economy, War in Iraq
At a time when Bush and Kerry are running roughly even among all registered voters, Kerry enjoys a 2-1 advantage over Bush among registered Latino voters. Hispanics give Bush lower approval ratings than does the overall population, and the poll shows that the bulk of the Latino community continues to identify with the Democratic Party.
The findings suggest that, at this point in the campaign, Bush is falling short of his goal of notably improving on the 35 percent share of the Hispanic vote he received four years ago, although his advisers said they believe he is still on track to do so. Kerry advisers, in contrast, said they are determined to keep Bush from winning as much of the Hispanic vote as he did in 2000.
The particulars are here. Needless to say, this is a critical group and whether it's Florida or the country, recent signs suggest Kerry is holding on to this constituency. And why not? Latinos may be a diverse group, but no one likes what's happening in Iraq and doubts remain about this economy. Once again, Bush shows himself to be a uniter, though not in the way he intended.
(Compared to the WaPo national average) Latinos:
* approve/disapprove of the way Bush is handling Iraq 29/62 (44/55).
* approve/disapprove of the way Bush is handling the economy 32/60 (46/52).
* horserace: Kerry/Edwards 60 (46)
Bush/Cheney 30 (46)
Around 20% of voters are willing to change their mind about K/E or B/C.
In conjunction with the
Pew Poll, the message remains that the fundamentals (and the momentum) are for now in Kerry's favor.