Fit to Command

Those who are risking their lives to fight the war on Islamic terror, and their families, have a clear opinion as to whom they trust to be commander in chief:

Poll: GIs, Families Trust Bush Over Kerry

WASHINGTON - When asked who they would trust as commander in chief, people in military service and their families chose President Bush (news - web sites) over Sen. John Kerry (news - web sites), a decorated Vietnam veteran, by almost a 3-to-1 margin.

Bush, who served in the Texas Air National Guard, was more trusted by 69 percent while 24 percent said they trusted Kerry more, according to the National Annenberg Election Survey released Friday.


Among all Americans, Bush has a more narrow advantage on trust to be commander in chief, 50-41.


The military sample was far more likely to be Republican than Democratic, which could help explain the more favorable view of the president. Four in 10, 43 percent, of the military sample said they were Republicans, while 19 percent said Democrats and 27 percent independents.


Those in the military and their families have a more favorable view of Bush than Americans generally, and they take a more optimistic view about Iraq (news - web sites), the economy and the nation's direction.


A majority in the military sample, 64 percent, said the country is on the right track. Among Americans generally, 55 percent said the country is headed in the wrong direction.


The National Annenberg Election Survey found that seven in 10, 69 percent, had a favorable view of Bush. Only three in 10, 29 percent, had a favorable view of Kerry.