Forty-nine percent (49%) of American voters believe George W. Bush is a better leader than John Kerry. That's down a point from a week ago and the first time that indicator has fallen below 50% in over a month.

Forty-one percent (41%) take the opposite view and believe the Senator from Massachusetts is a better leader than the President. That's the highest number opting for the Senator all year.

The Rasmussen Reports survey found that Republicans see Bush as a better leader by an 88% to 9% margin.

Democrats, as you would expect, see Kerry as a better leader. Today, 71% of Democratic voters name Kerry while 18% of those in Kerry's party see Bush as the better leader.

As for those not affiliated with either major party, 44% say Bush is the better leader while 40% name Kerry.

Rasmussen Reports offers a comprehensive Election 2004 polling service including daily updates. The Rasmussen Reports Presidential Election Tracking Poll has found Bush and Kerry virtually even for weeks.