(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States would vote for a Democratic Party politician in the event of a new presidential election, according to a poll by Gallup released by CNN and USA Today. 55 per cent of respondents would support a Democrat, while 39 per cent would back Republican George W. Bush.

In American elections, candidates require 270 votes in the Electoral College to win the White House. In November 2004, Bush earned a second term after securing 286 electoral votes from 31 states. Democratic nominee John Kerry received 252 electoral votes from 19 states and the District of Columbia. As far as the popular vote is concerned, Bush garnered 51.03 per cent of all cast ballots, with Kerry getting 48.04 per cent.

On Oct. 20, Bush answered a question on specific "distractions" during his second term—such as the possible leak of an undercover Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer's identity, criticism over the nomination of Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court, and investigations on top Republican leaders in Congress—by saying, "There's some background noise here, a lot of chatter, a lot of speculation and opining. But the American people expect me to do my job, and I'm going to."

Bush is ineligible for a third term in office. The next presidential election is scheduled for November 2008.

Polling Data

Suppose there was an election for president this year. If George W. Bush were running for re-election, in general, would you be more likely to vote for Bush or for the Democratic Party's candidate for president?

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