New ABC/Wash Post poll - the good, the bad, and the confusing

1. For Americans who say the economy is their number 1 issue, which candidate do you prefer?

Kerry 60%
Bush 33%

Compare this to a virtual tie before the convention.

2. Kerry is running about even with the president on who can be trusted to handle the war on terror and the conflict in Iraq.

3. Which candidate is more qualified to be Commander in Chief?

Kerry 52%
Bush 44%

4. Kerry backers have intensified their support of the nominee.

5. Which candidate is more consistent?

Kerry 31%
Bush 60%

6. While Kerry has the lead among registered voters, among those 'MOST LIKELY TO VOTE' the race is too close to call.

REGISTERED VOTERS
"Among registered voters, 50 percent support Kerry in this ABC News/Washington Post poll, 44 percent Bush and 2 percent Ralph Nader — a gain of four points for Kerry and a loss of four for Bush from the pre-convention ABC/Post poll."

LIKELY VOTERS
"Among likely voters, Kerry's six-point edge slips to an insignificant two points — 49 percent support for Kerry, 47 percent for Bush and 2 percent for Nader, a net (and at best very slight) six-point shift toward Kerry from the pre-convention poll."

You can read LOTS more details of the poll's findings here.