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Voters Learned Positions on Issues Since Presidential Debates; Kerry Improves Slightly On Traits

The public’s knowledge of the presidential candidates’ positions on issues such as tax cuts and re-importation of drugs from Canada increased after the three presidential debates, the University of Pennsylvania’s National Annenberg Election Survey shows.

There were smaller changes in perceptions of the individual traits of President George W. Bush and Senator John Kerry. Kerry gained on such perceptions as being inspiring or a strong leader, but did not overtake Bush.