Ron Suskind noted that the CIA analysis of the video led them to the consensus view that the tape was designed strategically to help President Bush win reelection in 2004. Deputy CIA director John E. McLaughlin noted at one meeting, "Bin Laden certainly did a nice favor today for the President." Suskind quoted Jami Miscik, CIA deputy associate director for intelligence, as saying "Certainly, he would want Bush to keep doing what he's doing for a few more years."[ (source: Robert Parry, CIA: Osama Helped Bush in '04, Consortiumnews.com, July 4, 2006 )
The 2004 tape boosted the popularity of American President George W. Bush. President Bush opened up a six-point lead over his opponent Senator John Kerry in the first opinion poll to include sampling taken after the videotape was broadcast.[Source - Sherwell, Philip (2004-11-01). "Bush takes a six-point lead after new bin Laden tape". ]
Internationally, the possibility that the video could have been faked was expressed.