US voters split down middle on second term for Bush

A year before the next presidential election, US voters are evenly divided over President George W. Bush.

A new poll by Time magazine and CNN showed that 47 per cent were somewhat likely or very likely to vote to re-elect him and 48 per cent were somewhat unlikely or very unlikely to do so.

Even with rising disapproval ratings, Bush still would defeat any of his possible Democratic opponents if the election was held this year.

The Democrat who would give Bush the toughest run for re-election would be retired Army General Wesley Clark. Even so, Bush would defeat Clark 49 per cent to 42 per cent.