American Voters Prioritize Jobs and Foreign Competition in 2004 Presidential Election

Strategic Insights -

As the 2004 US presidential election approaches, American voters are placing a high priority on the economy, with 68% of registered voters identifying American jobs and foreign competition as a very important factor in their vote choice. President George W. Bush's handling of the economy is under scrutiny, with 55% of voters disapproving of his performance and 32% approving. Meanwhile, Democratic candidate John Kerry leads the pack among registered Democrats and Democratic leaners with 54% of the vote, followed closely by John Edwards with 19%.

Key Takeaways:

  • 68% of registered voters say American jobs and foreign competition will be very important in determining their vote for president this year.
  • 35% of voters believe President George W. Bush would do a better job of protecting American jobs and creating new ones.
  • 55% of voters disapprove of Bush's handling of American jobs and foreign competition.
  • 61% of voters say a major reason for the loss of American jobs to foreign competitors is lower environmental and worker health standards in other countries.
  • 56% of voters believe consumers in the US want everything at the lowest possible price, contributing to job loss.
  • 73% of voters believe a major reason for job loss is that investors and CEOs prioritize profits over domestic jobs.
  • John Kerry leads among registered Democrats with 54% of the vote, followed by John Edwards with 19%.
  • In test match-ups, Kerry leads Bush 48% to 45% among registered voters, while Edwards ties Bush at 46%.
  • If the election were held today, Kerry/Edwards leads Bush/Cheney 49% to 45% among registered voters.
  • 52% of voters say they would not like to see Bush re-elected, while 43% say they would.
  • 38% of registered voters believe Bush is likely to be re-elected.
  • 48% of Americans approve of Bush's handling of his job as president.
  • 49% of voters believe Bush fulfilled his military service obligations, while 33% have serious doubts.

Statistics:

  • 68% of registered voters say American jobs and foreign competition will be very important in determining their vote for president this year.
  • 68% of voters believe lower environmental and worker health standards in other countries contribute to job loss.
  • 76% of voters believe investors and CEOs prioritize profits over domestic jobs.
  • 55% of voters disapprove of Bush's handling of American jobs and foreign competition.
  • 54% of registered Democrats support John Kerry, the preferred Democratic nominee.
  • 48% of registered voters say they would vote for or lean toward voting for Kerry.
  • 45% of registered voters say they would vote for or lean toward voting for Bush.
  • 38% of registered voters believe Bush is likely to be re-elected.
  • 52% of voters say they would not like to see Bush re-elected.
  • 48% of Americans approve of Bush's handling of his job as president.

Sources:

  • "Bush's Economy" by Newsweek Poll, February 21, 2004.
  • Princeton Survey Research Associates International, "Newsweek Poll", February 19-20, 2004.
  • [http://www.newsweek.msnbc.com/](http://www.newsweek.msnbc.com/).