Economy, Terrorism Top Issues in 2004 Election Vote

Terrorism, Iraq more important to Republicans; domestic issues more important to Democrats

Thursday, September 25, 2003

By Joseph Carroll

Gallup News Service Writer

The largest partisan gaps in the perceived importance of issues are seen for several key domestic issues. Democrats are far more likely than Republicans to say the federal budget deficit, the environment, Medicare, healthcare, Social Security, the economy, and energy will be extremely important to their vote next year. Republicans are more inclined than Democrats to say terrorism will be extremely important to their vote.

PRINCETON, N.J. -- GNS
With the 2004 presidential election just over a year away, Americans tell Gallup that the economy and terrorism are the issues most likely to influence their choice for president next year. Republicans are more likely to say issues related to terrorism and Iraq will be extremely important to their vote in next year's presidential election, while Democrats are more likely to assign importance to domestic issues like the economy and jobs, both of which are consistent with the political parties' issue strengths.

Most Important Issues in Election 2004

A new CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll, conducted Sept. 19-21, asked Americans to rate the importance of candidates' positions on 15 separate issues in influencing their vote for president in the next election.

The most important issues, according to the poll, are those related to the economy and the war against terrorism. Nearly half of all Americans, 49%, say that presidential candidates' stances on the economy and on terrorism will be extremely important to their vote next year. Creating or protecting American jobs and the situation in Iraq follow close behind in importance. Forty-six percent of Americans say each of these issues will be extremely important in determining their vote next year.

Other issues with slightly lower levels of importance include: education (45% say it is extremely important), healthcare (43%), the federal budget deficit (39%), Social Security (36%), taxes (36%), and Medicare (36%).

Further down the list comes the environment, with 30% saying it will be extremely important, and energy, with 27% saying it will be extremely important. The lowest rated issue on the list is policies toward gays and lesbians, with only 12% saying the candidates' positions on this issue will be extremely important to their vote.