Tracking poll: Bush may be expanding lead over Gore

By CNN Polling Director Keating Holland

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Texas Gov. George W. Bush may be expanding his narrow lead over Vice President Al Gore in the hard-fought presidential race, according to Friday's CNN/USA Today/Gallup tracking poll. Friday's results indicate Bush garnering 50 percent and Gore drawing 40 percent of likely voters' support.

However, the survey of 702 likely voters was conducted October 17-19, meaning a third of the interviews were completed before the final presidential debate in St. Louis, Missouri, last Tuesday. The results are based on interviews conducted Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with nearly all of the Tuesday night interviews conducted before the debate concluded. So, while it is too early to tell the full effect of Tuesday night's face-to-face encounter, the poll indicates that Bush has gained some strength in the past few days.

CNN will be releasing the results of its tracking polls every day until the November 7 elections. The polls monitor public opinion of the presidential race over intervals of two to three days.

CNN/USA TODAY/GALLUP POLL

October 17-19

Likely Voters' Choice for President

COMPLETE TRACKING TREND ON HORSE RACE