Tracking poll: Bush, Gore in dead heat going into first debate

By CNN Polling Director Keating Holland

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- On the eve of the first presidential debate, Democratic presidential hopeful Al Gore and his Republican rival George W. Bush are locked in the tightest presidential race in two decades.

Tuesday's tracking poll indicates a neck-and-neck race, with Al Gore winning 46 percent to George W. Bush's 44 percent. It is important to note that Gore's razor-thin 2-point advantage is based on a snaptshot of just 1 percent of the total voting public.

Since the poll has a margin of error of four percent, the slight change in Gore's numbers can't be considered a sign that the vice president is gaining ground or that he has a significant lead over Bush. The two candidates have been locked in a virtual dead heat for 10 days now, with both candidates' numbers in the mid-40s. Neither has been able to hold onto a winning margin for any length of time.

Tuesday's survey is drawn from interviews of 684 likely voters conducted September 30-October 2, 2000.

CNN will be releasing the results from its tracking polls every day until Election Day. The polls monitor public opinion about the presidential race during intervals of two to three days.

CNN/USA TODAY/GALLUP POLL

September 30-October 2

Likely voters' choice for president

COMPLETE TRACKING TREND ON HORSE RACE