Poll: Gore has many advantages, but not voter enthusiasm

"The enthusiasm advantage has resurfaced for Bush," said Andrew Kohut, director of the Pew Research Center. "This probably reflects Democrats not liking Gore's performance in the debate."

Bush held a big advantage on the enthusiasm factor for months leading up to the political conventions, but Gore had a successful convention and increased excitement about his effort.

Then came the first presidential debate last week, when Gore won on points but clearly irritated some voters with his style, including sighing loudly as Bush talked and interrupting to make a rhetorical point. Their second debate is scheduled for Wednesday night.

Fewer than half of Democrats in the Pew poll said they strongly support Gore while more than six in 10 Republicans said they strongly support Bush. Polls by ABC News and CBS News also suggested that Bush's backers are more fired up. All three polls suggested the head-to-head race is close -- within their margins of error.

Just under half of voters think Gore will win the election while about a third think Bush will win. But Bush's more enthusiastic backing from his own party could be significant on Election Day.

"Enthusiasm could affect turnout," Kohut said. "It could affect the extent to which voters encourage others to vote for their candidate."

Enthusiasm could be crucial in a race so close that swing voters were just as likely to tilt toward Gore as they were toward Bush, as the Pew poll suggested.

The enthusiasm shortage for Gore comes at the same time that polls suggest he has many advantages in the issues and in some key personal traits.