Poll: Blacks Favor Kerry, 8 to 1

The BET/CBS News Poll confirms that African American voters are continuing in their traditional Democratic voting patterns: by a wide 8 to 1 margin, Senator John Kerry leads President George W. Bush among black voters.  But African American voters are not yet enthusiastic about the Democratic candidate, nor do they think he is as yet talking about the issues that matter to them -- but most like and trust him. African Americans' strong dislike of incumbent President George W. Bush is one important factor in their vote choice.  But so is the memory of the disputed Florida 2000 election and that controversy is also a cause of deep suspicion. Most African American voters say President Bush did not win the 2000 election legitimately, and for some, the events of 2000 have given them additional motivation to turn out this year.  At the same time many black voters worry that there will be deliberate efforts to discount their votes this November.[more]