Poll: Voters divided over whether Gore, Bush would better handle Mideast crisis

By Keating Holland/CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- It does not appear that the current crisis in the Middle East provides an election advantage to Democratic presidential nominee Al Gore or Republican George W. Bush, according to a recent CNN/Time survey. In fact, likely voters are split over whether the vice president or the Texas governor would better handle the recent explosion of violence that many fear may derail the Arab-Israeli peace process.

It is important to note that pollsters often look for a "rally-around-the-flag" effect during times of international crisis. This is best measured by examining the president's approval rating, which usually goes up at least a few points in the immediate aftermath of U.S. military casualties or unrest overseas.

However, President Clinton's approval rating dropped by a statistically insignificant margin in the survey -- evidence that the recent attack on the USS Cole in Yemen and increased violence between Palestinians and Israelis has had impact on views of the presidential race.

In addition, likely voters also remain divided over which candidate would better handle international affairs. The CNN/Time Poll, conducted October 12-13, 2000, consisted of interviews with 1,218 adult Americans, including 603 likely voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percent.

CNN/TIME POLL

October 12-13

Asked of likely voters: Who would better handle the situation in the Middle East?

CNN/TIME POLL

October 12-13

Asked of likely voters: Would be good in an international crisis

CNN/TIME POLL

October 12-13

Asked of likely voters: Who would better handle world affairs?

CNN/TIME POLL

October 12-13

President Clinton approval rating