The Battleground 2004 poll mirrors other surveys, including a Washington Post-ABC poll that shows Kerry's lead among women shrinking, while Bush is running as strong as ever among men.
"I think women are the most interesting segment of this electorate, and they will play a pivotal role," said Andrew Kohut, who directs the Pew poll. "They are cross-pressured: They worry more about national security than men, and they see Bush as stronger on that count. But they are also discontent with how Bush has handled economic issues, and they lean toward Kerry in that regard."
At an Edwards rally in Florida yesterday, Bobbie Haynes, 66, said she was drawn to the Democratic ticket because of domestic issues -- jobs, the economy. She described the Republican focus on the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and the war on terrorism as "scare tactics."
Democrats privately say the Bush campaign has been effective in addressing women's concerns about security and in general targeting a variety of socioeconomic female demographic groups. In addition, first lady Laura Bush is very popular among women, as is Bush's mother, Barbara, while Kerry's wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, is more controversial.
Still, the dominating issue is national security. "I do worry about safety," said Jeanne McAleer, 42, a mother of three in the Dayton, Ohio, area. "I feel like Bush would make the decisions necessary and spend the money to keep us safe. A possible terrorist attack scares the heck out of me. I'd rather do without and have this taken care of."
McAleer, who considers herself Republican but has voted Democratic, said there is a small chance she could support Kerry but said she is not comfortable with him. She said she believed what she heard from the GOP -- that the senator has "flip-flopped" on issues.
Responds Mellman: "We do have every reason to believe that when people have a chance to hear Kerry talk in a coherent fashion that they will come away impressed that he is a strong leader and can be a more effective commander in chief."
Staff writer David Snyder and researcher Lucy Shackelford contributed to this report.
