Kerry edges closer to Bush

DEMOCRATIC challenger John Kerry cut US President George W Bush’s lead to two points with just over two weeks to go, according to the latest poll.

Mr Bush led Mr Kerry by 46% to 44% in the latest Reuters/Zogby three-day tracking poll of the race for the White House. The president led the Massachusetts senator by 48% to 44% the previous day.

“The third debate is now registering among voters and Kerry had a good day,” pollster John Zogby said.

The poll found Mr Kerry regained a good lead among 18 to 29-year-old voters and consolidated his advantage among Hispanics. Mr Bush and Mr Kerry were tied among Roman Catholics, a group Mr Kerry, himself a Catholic, must win to capture the White House, Mr Zogby said.

Among the 7% of voters still undecided, Mr Bush had a 34% positive job rating, versus a 66% negative rating. Only 18% of undecided respondents said the president deserved re-election, while 39% said it was time for someone new. In the latter group, 99% said they were likely to vote.

Mr Bush and Mr Kerry have intensified their war of words as they campaign in crucial swing states following their third and final presidential debate last Wednesday. Polls gave the edge to Mr Kerry in all the debates, which helped narrow a lead Mr Bush built in September after the Republican National Convention.

The candidates have accused each other of being out of touch with reality on domestic issues like the economy and health care and on Iraq and the war on terror.

Mr Bush campaigned on Saturday in Florida, and Mr Kerry was in Ohio - two states that could prove pivotal to their White House hopes.