THE MORE YOU KNOW THE LESS YOU LIKE:

Kerry less liked than a month ago, poll suggests (WILL LESTER, May 4, 2004, Associated Press)

Democrat John Kerry's image has taken a beating with the public in the last month after more than $60 million worth of advertising by President Bush's re-election campaign and a steady barrage of Republican criticism.

A poll released Tuesday found that Americans were slightly more likely to say they hold a favorable view of Kerry, 38 percent, than an unfavorable view, 33 percent. In mid-March, 40 percent had a favorable view and 24 percent had an unfavorable view of Kerry, according to the University of Pennsylvania's National Annenberg Election Survey.

In 18 battleground states, people were almost evenly split on Kerry, with 36 percent viewing him unfavorably and 35 percent viewing him favorably - down from 41 percent favorable and 28 percent unfavorable in mid-March.

The likely Democratic presidential nominee launched a $25 million ad campaign Monday in swing states to focus on his personal life - from Yale to Vietnam to the U.S. Senate.

An encouraging note for Kerry in the poll: People who are undecided or could change their position have not changed their overall views on the Democrat.

Among those swing voters nationwide, 38 percent have a favorable view of Kerry and 18 percent an unfavorable opinion. In mid-March, 37 percent had a favorable view and 15 percent had an unfavorable view. Kerry lost popularity with conservatives, Republicans, Hispanics and independents.

Bush's popularity overall was unchanged, with 51 percent saying they had a favorable view and 37 percent an unfavorable view.

Consider also that the only period between now and the election where Mr. Kerry's favorables are likely to bump up is during the Democratic convention.

Posted by Orrin Judd at May 4, 2004 6:45 PM