Democrats Frustrated with Party Even as Candidates Gain Visibility

The Complete Pew Report

Fully 70% of Democrats say there is no chance they will vote to reelect the president, up from 62% a month ago.

About three-in-ten Democratic voters (29%) say there is a "good" or "some" chance they will vote for Dean, a significant gain since July (19%). But Dean remains an unknown figure to most Democratic voters (55%, down from 65% last month).

The Democratic presidential picture changes when viewed from the perspective of only those Democratic voters who are familiar with the candidates. In that case, Kerry, Dean, Gephardt and Lieberman all draw comparable levels of potential support.

Kerry, Dean, Gephardt and Lieberman also elicit similar levels of voter enthusiasm.

Gephardt and Graham win the most enthusiasm among conservative Democrats at this point in the race, but both are struggling to appeal to liberals.

Dean receives more enthusiastic support among war opponents than the other candidates. A third of Democratic voters who oppose the war say there is a good chance they will vote for Dean, compared with 30% for Kerry, 27% for Gephardt, and 26% for Lieberman.

Sharpton Polarizes

Preferences Not Strongly Influenced by Party Criticism

Bush Jr. War Bounce Smaller Than Bush Senior
(Chart)

More Want Greater Focus on Economy

Bush's Lead Slips to 5% from 14% during war

Iraq: Growing Pessimism

People want to Sacrifice Tax Cuts for Security, Health Care

Most Favor Raising Taxes for Health Care

Most Find Medicare Benefit Too Skimpy