Recent news, including a stagnant job market and an expensive Iraqi occupation, has been weighing on George Bush's prospects for re-election. Recent polls show a dead heat with a generic Democrat:

But if voters are unhappy with Mr. Bush, they have even less regard for the Democratic candidates for president:

While the poll is an early one, it is striking how weak Howard Dean is, given his current status as the presumptive nominee.

No matter the appeal of the various candidates, primary voters that disagree with the direction of the current administration seem on track to ensure that it continues.

source: National Journal, Nov. 12, 2003, margin of error ±2%