Bush approval hits new lows in poll

CNN) -- President Bush holds a single-point lead over Democratic challenger John Kerry in the latest CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll of likely voters, but voters' approval of Bush's performance and support for the war in Iraq dropped to new lows in the survey.

With nearly six months remaining before the November election, Bush led Kerry 48 percent to 47 percent in the survey -- a reversal of a poll taken last week, which found the Massachusetts senator with a 1-point edge, 49-48.

With consumer advocate Ralph Nader's independent candidacy factored in, the latest results showed Bush the choice of 47 percent of likely voters. Kerry, the presumptive Democratic nominee, had 45 percent. Nader had 5 percent

The poll questions on the election had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percentage points, meaning the presidential race remains close.

http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/05/10/war.bush.kerry/index.html

SNIP

Is this the first time that CNN has even come close to the truth?

... showing Kerry ahead by 6% among Registered Voters (and 8% among National Adults polled).

Also, Kerry ahead by 5% in each of those groups when Nader is included.

At least it would be closer to the truth to give similar weight to these results, and not just state that "Bush holds a single-point lead" in the headline. Or at least to mention these results in the story.

But, see, CNN uses the "Likely Voters" number, because they assume that this poll is a more reliable prediction. Even though past history has shown this pool to be weighted towards Republicans. But you all know what happens when we "ASS-U-ME", don't we?

Not to worry, though. These polls are actual voter opinions. Any ayttempt to spin them after the fact doesn't change them.

The press has been "interpreting" the numbers in *z favor for years.