A new poll has put US President George W Bush eight points ahead of his Democratic rival John Kerry in the US presidential race.
The Pew Research Centre poll puts support for Mr Bush at 48% compared to 40% for Mr Kerry.
The poll, which was taken between September 22 and 28, appears to measure voters' concerns about Mr Kerry's leadership skills, with Mr Bush seen as more capable of handling events in Iraq.
The Democratic challenger is seen as better on the issue of the economy.
Only 32% of voters said they believe Mr Kerry is more 'honest and truthful' than Mr Bush, while 41% of those polled offered a similar assessment of the president.
The US presidential election takes place on 2 November.
