ABC News/Washington Post Democratic Convention Closer Poll, July 2004

This poll, conducted July 30-August 1, 2004, is part of a continuing series of monthly polls that solicit opinions on the presidency and on other political and social issues. Shortly after the close of the 2004 Democratic National Convention, respondents were asked how closely they were following the 2004 United States presidential election, how likely they were to vote, and which candidate they were likely to vote for or favored. They were queried on their knowledge and opinions of the candidates, Republican incumbent George W. Bush and Democratic Senator John F. Kerry, and their preferences between the candidates concerning domestic and international issues, and personal qualities. Specific questions asked which candidate the respondent trusted to do a better job handling the economy, the situation in Iraq, education, the United States campaign against terrorism, health care, taxes, international relations, and improving United States intelligence agencies. Respondents were also asked which candidate they thought was more honest and trustworthy, understood the problems of people like them, was a strong leader, took a position and stuck with it, would make the country safer and more secure, shared their values, had a vision for the future, and understood complex issues. Background information includes age, education, ethnicity, geographic classification, labor union membership, political party affiliation, political party ideology, religious affiliation, voter registration status, and whether the respondent voted in the 2000 United States presidential election and for whom they voted.