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Bush, George W.

Voters Remain Divided on Presidential Choices

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

American voters are evenly split on their choices for president, with lingering doubts about Vice President Al Gore's sincerity and Gov. George W. Bush's preparedness for the White House, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News Poll. While many view Mr. Gore as more caring and capable, they are uncertain about his ability to connect with them on a personal level. Mr. Bush, on the other hand, inspires discomfort with voters due to his perceived lack of experience and readiness for the presidency. Despite the debates, neither candidate has established a clear edge, with Mr. Bush drawing 44 percent of likely voters and Mr. Gore at 42 percent. The poll, conducted between October 18 and 21, has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus three percentage points.

Key Takeaways:

  • The presidential contest remains close, with neither candidate having a clear edge 15 days before the election.
  • Voters view Mr. Gore as more caring, closer to them on issues, and generally more capable than Mr. Bush.
  • Mr. Bush helps his candidacy in the debates but still inspires discomfort, with nearly half of respondents saying he is ill-prepared for the presidency.
  • Most voters believe Mr. Bush would defer responsibility in international crises, while Mr. Gore would be personally involved.
  • The support for both candidates is fluid, with the gap between them narrowing day by day.
  • Voters are uneasy about the choices, with many viewing both candidates as the "lesser of two evils."
  • Mr. Bush holds an advantage among men, while Mr. Gore does better among women.
  • Voters with lower incomes prefer Mr. Gore, while those with higher incomes favor Mr. Bush.
  • Centrist voters are closely divided, with Mr. Bush doing better among independent voters and Mr. Gore doing better among moderates.

Statistics:

  • 44% of likely voters support Mr. Bush, while 42% back Mr. Gore. (Source: New York Times/CBS News Poll)
  • 48% of voters believe Mr. Bush has more honesty and integrity than most people in public life, compared with 42% for Mr. Gore. (Source: New York Times/CBS News Poll)
  • 60% of respondents describe the campaign as interesting. (Source: New York Times/CBS News Poll)
  • 59% of voters said the debates made them feel better about a Bush presidency, while 56% said the same about a Gore presidency. (Source: New York Times/CBS News Poll)
  • 4% of likely voters support Ralph Nader, while 1% support Patrick J. Buchanan. (Source: New York Times/CBS News Poll)

Sources:

  • The latest New York Times/CBS News Poll, conducted between October 18 and 21.
  • New York Times/CBS News Poll, October 18-21, 2000.

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