Poll Watch: Quinnipiac Presidential Survey

Quinnipiac Presidential Poll

Thinking about the United States Presidents we have had since World War II, which one would you consider the best president?

• Ronald Reagan 35% (28%)
• Bill Clinton 18% (25%)
• John Kennedy 15% (18%)
• Barack Obama 8%
• Dwight Eisenhower 5% (5%)
• Harry Truman 4% (7%)
• Lyndon Johnson 3% (1%)
• George Bush Sr. 3% (2%) 
• Jimmy Carter 2% (5%)
• George W. Bush 1% (3%) 
• Gerald Ford 1% (1%)
• Richard Nixon 1% (1%)

Among Democrats

• Bill Clinton 34% (48%)
• John Kennedy 18% (26%)
• Barack Obama 18%
• Ronald Reagan 6% (7%) 
• Lyndon Johnson 6% (1%)
• Harry Truman 4% (7%)
• Jimmy Carter 4% (5%)
• Dwight Eisenhower 2% (2%)
• George Bush Sr. 1% (0%) 
• Gerald Ford 1% (0%)
• George W. Bush 0% (0%) 
• Richard Nixon 0% (0%)

Among Republicans

• Ronald Reagan 66% (56%)
• George Bush Sr. 6% (5%) 
• John Kennedy 6% (8%) 
• Dwight Eisenhower 4% (6%)
• Harry Truman 4% (6%)
• Barack Obama 4%
• Bill Clinton 3% (2%)
• Richard Nixon 2% (2%)
• George W. Bush 1% (8%) 
• Gerald Ford 1% (0%)
• Lyndon Johnson 0% (0%)
• Jimmy Carter 0% (3%)

Among Independents

• Ronald Reagan 36% (25%)
• John Kennedy 17% (17%)
• Bill Clinton 16% (22%)  
• Dwight Eisenhower 8% (7%)
• Harry Truman 6% (9%) 
• George Bush Sr. 4% (2%)
• Jimmy Carter 2% (6%)
• Barack Obama 2% 
• George W. Bush 1% (3%)
• Richard Nixon 1% (1%) 
• Gerald Ford 1% (1%)
• Lyndon Johnson 1% (2%)

Among Men

• Ronald Reagan 37% (36%)
• Bill Clinton 18% (23%)
• John Kennedy 14% (14%)
• Dwight Eisenhower 6% (5%)
• Harry Truman 6% (8%)
• Barack Obama 6%
• Lyndon Johnson 4% (1%)
• George Bush Sr. 2% (2%)
• Jimmy Carter 2% (4%)
• George W. Bush 1% (2%)
• Richard Nixon 1% (1%)
• Gerald Ford 0% (0%)

Among Women

• Ronald Reagan 33% (20%)
  
• Bill Clinton 18% (28%)
• John Kennedy 15% (21%)
• Barack Obama 10% 
• George Bush Sr. 4% (3%)
• Dwight Eisenhower 4% (5%)
• Harry Truman 4% (6%)
• Jimmy Carter 3% (5%)
• Lyndon Johnson 2% (1%)
• George W. Bush 1%
• Gerald Ford 1% (1%)
• Richard Nixon 1% (1%)

Which of these twelve presidents we have had since World War II would you consider the worst president?

• Barack Obama 33%
• George W. Bush 28% (34%)
• Richard Nixon 13% (17%)
• Jimmy Carter 8% (13%)
• Lyndon Johnson 3% (4%)
• Bill Clinton 3% (16%)
• Ronald Reagan 3% (3%)
• Gerald Ford 2% (2%) 
• George Bush Sr. 2% (3%)
• Dwight Eisenhower 1% (0%)
• John Kennedy 0% (1%)
• Harry Truman 0% (1%)

Among Democrats

• George W. Bush 54% (56%)
• Richard Nixon 20% (18%)
• Ronald Reagan 6% (6%)
• Barack Obama 4%
• George Bush Sr. 4% (6%)
• Lyndon Johnson 3% (3%)
• Gerald Ford 2% (1%)
• Bill Clinton 1% (3%) 
• Jimmy Carter 1% (2%) 
• Dwight Eisenhower 1% (0%) 
• Harry Truman 0% (1%)
• John Kennedy 0% (0%)

Among Republicans

• Barack Obama 63%
• Jimmy Carter 14% (28%)
• Richard Nixon 5% (15%)
• George W. Bush 5% (7%)
• Bill Clinton 4% (34%)  
• Lyndon Johnson 4% (6%)
• Dwight Eisenhower 1% (0%)
• Gerald Ford 0% (2%) 
• John Kennedy 0% (2%)
• Harry Truman 0% (1%)
• George Bush Sr. 0% (0%)
• Ronald Reagan 0% (0%)

Among Independents

• Barack Obama 36%
• George W. Bush 23% (35%)
• Richard Nixon 14% (17%)
• Jimmy Carter 9% (12%)
• Bill Clinton 3% (15%)
• Ronald Reagan 3% (3%)
• Gerald Ford 2% (3%) 
• Lyndon Johnson 2% (4%)
• George Bush Sr. 1% (4%)
• John Kennedy 0% (1%)
• Harry Truman 0% (1%)
• Dwight Eisenhower 0% (0%)

Among Men

• Barack Obama 34%
• George W. Bush 26% (33%)
• Jimmy Carter 11% (18%)
• Richard Nixon 11% (15%)
• Lyndon Johnson 4% (5%)
• Ronald Reagan 4% (3%)
• Gerald Ford 3% (2%)
• Bill Clinton 2% (14%)
• George Bush Sr. 1% (3%)
• Dwight Eisenhower 0% (0%)
• John Kennedy 0% (1%)
• Harry Truman 0% (1%)

Among Women

• Barack Obama 32%
• George W. Bush 30% (35%)
• Richard Nixon 15% (18%)
• Jimmy Carter 6% (8%)
• Lyndon Johnson 3% (4%)
• Bill Clinton 3% (18%)
• Ronald Reagan 3% (3%)
• George Bush Sr. 2% (4%)
• Dwight Eisenhower 1% (0%)
• Gerald Ford 0% (2%) 
• John Kennedy 0% (1%)
• Harry Truman 0% (1%)

Survey of 1,446 registered voters was conducted June 24-30, 2014. The margin of error is +/- 2.6 percentage points. Party ID: 31% Democrat; 26% Republican; 35% Independent. Results from the poll conducted May 23-30, 2006 are in parentheses.

Bill Clinton on Morning Joe

Face the Nation: Interview with Former President Bill Clinton

Face the Nation Roundtable

Poll Watch: Quinnipiac/New York Times/CBS News Wisconsin 2012 Presidential Survey

Quinnipiac/NY Times/CBS Wisconsin 2012 Presidential Poll

• Barack Obama 51% [49%] (51%)
• Mitt Romney 45% [47%] (45%)

Among Independents

• Mitt Romney 50% [48%] (47%)
• Barack Obama 44% [43%] (48%)

Among Men

• Mitt Romney 49% [51%] (53%)
• Barack Obama 47% [46%] (43%)

Among Women

• Barack Obama 55% [52%] (59%)
• Mitt Romney 42% [43%] (36%)

(Among Obama Voters) Would you describe your support for Barack Obama as strongly favoring him, or do you like him but with reservations, or do you support him because you dislike Mitt Romney?

• Strongly favor Barack Obama 74%
• Like but with reservations 21%
• Dislike Mitt Romney 4%

(Among Romney Voters) Would you describe your support for Mitt Romney as strongly favoring him, or do you like him but with reservations, or do you support him because you dislike Barack Obama?

• Strongly favor Mitt Romney 56%
• Like but with reservations 25%
• Dislike Barack Obama 17%

Favorable / Unfavorable {Net}

• Bill Clinton 63% / 29% {+34%}
• Barack Obama 52% [51%] (53%) / 44% [45%] (44%) {+8%}
• Paul Ryan 43% [44%] / 38% [35%] {+5%}  
• Mitt Romney 45% [44%] (41%) / 44% [43%] (43%) {+1%}
• Joe Biden 36% [35%] / 42% [42%] {-6%}

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling his job as President?

• Approve 51% [46%] (51%)
• Disapprove 46% [49%] (46%)

Would you say that Barack Obama cares about the needs and problems of people like you or not?

• Yes 60% [58%] (57%)
• No 37% [40%] (40%)

Would you say that Mitt Romney cares about the needs and problems of people like you or not?

• Yes 43% [44%] (41%)
• No 51% [48%] (51%)

How confident are you in Barack Obama's ability to be an effective Commander-in-Chief of the nation's military?

• Very confident 36%
• Somewhat confident 24%
• Not too confident 13%
• Not at all confident 27%
  

How confident are you in Mitt Romney's ability to be an effective Commander-in-Chief of the nation's military?

• Very confident 23%
• Somewhat confident 29%
• Not too confident 20%
• Not at all confident 25%

Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job on the economy, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

• Barack Obama 49% [43%] (47%)
• Mitt Romney 46% [49%] (46%)

Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job on health care, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

• Barack Obama 51% [50%] (49%)
• Mitt Romney 45% [44%] (43%)

Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job on taxes, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

• Barack Obama 50% [46%]
• Mitt Romney 45% [47%]

Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job on Medicare, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

• Barack Obama 50% [51%]
  
• Mitt Romney 43% [42%]

Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job on national security, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

• Barack Obama 50%
• Mitt Romney 43%

Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job on women's reproductive health issues, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

• Barack Obama 55%
• Mitt Romney 34%

Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job handling an international crisis, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

• Barack Obama 53%
• Mitt Romney 41%

Which comes closest to your view of Barack Obama's economic policies, A) They are improving the economy now, and will probably continue to do so, OR B) They have not improved the economy yet, but will if given more time, OR C) They are not improving the economy and probably never will.

• A)Improving now 28%
• B)Will improve 29%
• C)Will never improve 42%

If Barack Obama is re-elected President, do you think the policies of his administration will favor the rich, favor the middle class, favor the poor, or will they treat all groups the same?

• Favor the rich 10%
• Favor middle class 34%
• Favor the poor 26%
• Treat all the same 24%

If Mitt Romney is elected President, do you think the policies of his administration will favor the rich, favor the middle class, favor the poor, or will they treat all groups the same?

• Favor the rich 55%
• Favor middle class 10%
• Favor the poor 1%
• Treat all the same 31%

Survey of 1,485 likely voters was conducted September 11-17, 2012.  The margin of error is +/- 3 percentage points.  Party ID: 35% [32%] (34%) Democrat; 27% [28%] (27%) Republican; 32% [33%] (33%) Independent; 4% [6%] (6%) Other.  Results from the poll conducted August 15-21, 2012 are in square brackets.  Results from the poll conducted July 31 - August 6, 2012 are in parentheses.

Poll Watch: Quinnipiac/New York Times/CBS News Virginia 2012 Presidential Survey

Quinnipiac/NY Times/CBS Virginia 2012 Presidential Poll

• Barack Obama 50% (49%)
• Mitt Romney 46% (45%)

Among Independents

• Mitt Romney 53% (50%)
• Barack Obama 42% (43%)

Among Men

• Mitt Romney 51% (50%)
• Barack Obama 45% (45%)

Among Women

• Barack Obama 54% (54%)
• Mitt Romney 42% (40%)

(Among Obama Voters) Would you describe your support for Barack Obama as strongly favoring him, or do you like him but with reservations, or do you support him because you dislike Mitt Romney?

• Strongly favor Barack Obama 71% (68%)
• Like but with reservations 24% (25%)
• Dislike Mitt Romney 4% (7%)

(Among Romney Voters) Would you describe your support for Mitt Romney as strongly favoring him, or do you like him but with reservations, or do you support him because you dislike Barack Obama?

• Strongly favor Mitt Romney 55% (40%)
• Like but with reservations 28% (36%)
• Dislike Barack Obama 15% (22%)

Favorable / Unfavorable {Net}

• Bill Clinton 67% / 29% {+38%}
• Barack Obama 53% (50%) / 43% (46%) {+10%}  
• Mitt Romney 45% (40%) / 44% (44%) {+1%}
• Joe Biden 42% / 42% {0%}
• Paul Ryan 37% / 37% {0%}

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling his job as President?

• Approve 49% (47%)
• Disapprove 47% (49%)

Would you say that Barack Obama cares about the needs and problems of people like you or not?

• Yes 59% (59%)
• No 37% (37%)

Would you say that Mitt Romney cares about the needs and problems of people like you or not?

• Yes 44% (44%)
• No 50% (48%)

How confident are you in Barack Obama's ability to be an effective Commander-in-Chief of the nation's military?

• Very confident 38%
• Somewhat confident 22%
• Not too confident 13%
• Not at all confident 27%
  

How confident are you in Mitt Romney's ability to be an effective Commander-in-Chief of the nation's military?

• Very confident 23%
• Somewhat confident 31%
• Not too confident 19%
• Not at all confident 25%

Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job on the economy, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

• Barack Obama 49% (45%)
• Mitt Romney 47% (47%)

Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job on health care, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

• Barack Obama 52% (49%)
• Mitt Romney 44% (42%)

Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job on national security, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

• Barack Obama 51% (48%)
• Mitt Romney 44% (43%)

Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job on Medicare, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

• Barack Obama 52%
• Mitt Romney 42%

Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job on taxes, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

• Barack Obama 50%
• Mitt Romney 45%

Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job on women's reproductive health issues, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

• Barack Obama 59%
• Mitt Romney 31%

Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job handling an international crisis, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

• Barack Obama 53%
• Mitt Romney 42%

Which comes closest to your view of Barack Obama's economic policies, A) They are improving the economy now, and will probably continue to do so, OR B) They have not improved the economy yet, but will if given more time, OR C) They are not improving the economy and probably never will.

• A)Improving now 31% (24%)
• B)Will improve 23% (29%)
• C)Will never improve 45% (46%)

If Barack Obama is re-elected President, do you think the policies of his administration will favor the rich, favor the middle class, favor the poor, or will they treat all groups the same?

• Favor the rich 7%
• Favor middle class 33%
• Favor the poor 27%
• Treat all the same 25%

If Mitt Romney is elected President, do you think the policies of his administration will favor the rich, favor the middle class, favor the poor, or will they treat all groups the same?

• Favor the rich 55%
• Favor middle class 11%
• Favor the poor 1%
• Treat all the same 31%

Survey of 1,474 likely voters was conducted September 11-17, 2012.  The margin of error is +/- 2.6 percentage points.  Party ID: 35% (30%) Democrat; 24% (23%) Republican; 36% (40%) Independent; 4% (8%) Other.  Results from the poll conducted July 31 - August 6, 2012 are in parentheses.

Poll Watch: Quinnipiac/New York Times/CBS News Colorado 2012 Presidential Survey

Quinnipiac/NY Times/CBS Colorado 2012 Presidential Poll

• Barack Obama 48% (45%)
• Mitt Romney 47% (50%)

Among Independents

• Barack Obama 47% (45%)
• Mitt Romney 46% (47%)

Among Men

• Mitt Romney 52% (56%)
• Barack Obama 43% (39%)

Among Women

• Barack Obama 52% (51%)
• Mitt Romney 43% (43%)

(Among Obama Voters) Would you describe your support for Barack Obama as strongly favoring him, or do you like him but with reservations, or do you support him because you dislike Mitt Romney?

• Strongly favor Barack Obama 73% (62%)
• Like but with reservations 21% (30%)
• Dislike Mitt Romney 5% (7%)

(Among Romney Voters) Would you describe your support for Mitt Romney as strongly favoring him, or do you like him but with reservations, or do you support him because you dislike Barack Obama?

• Strongly favor Mitt Romney 55% (51%)
• Like but with reservations 27% (27%)
• Dislike Barack Obama 16% (21%)

Favorable / Unfavorable {Net}

• Bill Clinton 63% / 32% {+31%}
• Barack Obama 49% (46%) / 47% (50%) {+2%}
• Paul Ryan 38% / 38% {0%}
• Mitt Romney 46% (47%) / 47% (42%) {-1%}
• Joe Biden 40% / 44% {-4%}

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling his job as President?

• Approve 47% (44%)
• Disapprove 50% (53%)

Would you say that Barack Obama cares about the needs and problems of people like you or not?

• Yes 55% (52%)
• No 41% (44%)

Would you say that Mitt Romney cares about the needs and problems of people like you or not?

• Yes 45% (47%)
• No 50% (46%)

How confident are you in Barack Obama's ability to be an effective Commander-in-Chief of the nation's military?

• Very confident 35%
• Somewhat confident 19%
• Not too confident 14%
• Not at all confident 30%
  

How confident are you in Mitt Romney's ability to be an effective Commander-in-Chief of the nation's military?

• Very confident 24%
• Somewhat confident 28%
• Not too confident 16%
• Not at all confident 30%

Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job on the economy, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

• Mitt Romney 48% (51%)
• Barack Obama 47% (41%)

Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job on health care, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

• Barack Obama 49% (47%)
• Mitt Romney 45% (45%)

Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job on national security, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

• Barack Obama 48% (41%)
• Mitt Romney 46% (50%)

Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job on Medicare, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

• Barack Obama 49%
• Mitt Romney 44%

Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job on taxes, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

• Barack Obama 49%
• Mitt Romney 45%

Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job on women's reproductive health issues, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

• Barack Obama 57%
• Mitt Romney 32%

Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job handling an international crisis, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

• Barack Obama 50%
• Mitt Romney 43%

Which comes closest to your view of Barack Obama's economic policies, A) They are improving the economy now, and will probably continue to do so, OR B) They have not improved the economy yet, but will if given more time, OR C) They are not improving the economy and probably never will.

• A)Improving now 29% (21%)
• B)Will improve 23% (26%)
• C)Will never improve 46% (51%)

If Barack Obama is re-elected President, do you think the policies of his administration will favor the rich, favor the middle class, favor the poor, or will they treat all groups the same?

• Favor the rich 9%
• Favor middle class 30%
• Favor the poor 25%
• Treat all the same 26%

If Mitt Romney is elected President, do you think the policies of his administration will favor the rich, favor the middle class, favor the poor, or will they treat all groups the same?

• Favor the rich 54%
• Favor middle class 10%
• Favor the poor 1%
• Treat all the same 32%

Survey of 1,497 likely voters was conducted September 11-17, 2012.  The margin of error is +/- 3 percentage points.  Party ID: 31% (32%) Republican; 30% (27%) Democrat; 35% (37%) Independent; 3% (4%) Other.  Results from the poll conducted July 31 - August 6, 2012 are in parentheses.

Poll Watch: NBC News/Wall Street Journal 2012 Presidential Survey

NBC/WSJ 2012 Presidential Poll

Likely Voters

• Barack Obama-Joe Biden 50%
• Mitt Romney-Paul Ryan 45%

Registered Voters

• Barack Obama-Joe Biden 50% (48%) [49%] {47%} (47%) [49%] {50%} (49%) [47%] {49%} (46%) [46%] {48%} [49%] {49%} [47%]
• Mitt Romney-Paul Ryan 44% (44%) [43%] {44%} (43%) [43%] {44%} (43%) [45%] {43%} (44%) [45%] {41%} [43%] {40%} [40%]

(Among Obama Voters) Would you definitely vote for Barack Obama, probably vote for Barack Obama but are still thinking about it, or are you just leaning toward voting for Obama?

• Definitely vote for Obama 83% (76%) [78%] {78%} (73%) [74%]
• Probably vote for Obama, but still thinking about it 9% (13%) [13%] {10%} (13%) [13%]
• Just leaning toward voting for Obama 8% (10%) [9%] {12%} (13%) [12%]

(Among Romney Voters) Would you definitely vote for Mitt Romney, probably vote for Mitt Romney but are still thinking about it, or are you just leaning toward voting for Romney?

• Definitely vote for Romney 79% (72%) [72%] {68%} (72%) [65%]
• Probably vote for Romney, but still thinking about it 13% (15%) [12%] {20%} (14%) [16%]
• Just leaning toward voting for Romney 8% (13%) [15%] {12%} (14%) [19%]

Definitely Vote for Candidate

• Barack Obama 41% (37%) [38%] {37%} (34%) [37%]
• Mitt Romney 34% (32%) [31%] {30%} (31%) [28%]

And, compared to when Barack Obama became President—do you think that the country is better off, worse off or in about the same place?

• Better off 38% (31%)
• Worse off 41% (42%)
• Same place 21% (27%)

Now, who do you think is better prepared to lead the country for the NEXT four years - Mitt Romney or Barack Obama?

• Barack Obama 47%
• Mitt Romney 36%

Do you think the U.S. economy is recovering or is not recovering? 

• Economy is recovering 51% [50%] 
• Economy is not recovering 45% [46%] 

I'd like you to compare Barack Obama and Mitt Romney on a few qualities that people might look for in a president. For each one, please tell me whether you think that Barack Obama would be better or Mitt Romney would be better on that item.

Who do you think would be better when it comes to:

Being a good commander-in-chief

• Obama 45% (45%) [45%]
• Romney 38% (38%) [35%]

Dealing with issues of concern to women

• Obama 54% (52%)
• Romney 26% (24%)

Looking out for the middle class

• Obama 53% [49%]
• Romney 34% [33%]

Now I'd like you to compare Barack Obama and Mitt Romney on a few issues. For each one, please tell me whether you think that Barack Obama or Mitt Romney would be better on that issue.
Dealing with Medicare

• Obama 47% [42%]
• Romney 37% [34%]

Dealing with taxes

• Obama 45% [40%]
• Romney 39% [38%]

Dealing with the economy

• Obama 43% [37%]
• Romney 43% [43%]

Rate your feelings toward each one as very positive, somewhat positive, neutral, somewhat negative, or very negative.

Barack Obama

• Very positive 35% (31%) [33%]
• Somewhat positive 13% (17%) [16%]
• Neutral 9% (8%) [8%]
• Somewhat negative 11% (13%) [11%]
• Very negative 31% (30%) [32%]

Mitt Romney

• Very positive 18% (18%) [13%]
• Somewhat positive 20% (20%) [22%]
• Neutral 18% (17%) [23%]
• Somewhat negative 16% (15%) [16%]
• Very negative 27% (29%) [24%]

Bill Clinton

• Very positive 39% (34%)
• Somewhat positive 18% (23%)
• Neutral 15% (18%)
• Somewhat negative 15% (13%)
• Very negative 12% (10%)

In general, do you approve or disapprove of the job Barack Obama is doing as president?

• Approve 50% (48%) [49%]
• Disapprove 48% (49%) [48%]

Do you generally approve or disapprove of the job Barack Obama is doing in handling the economy?

• Approve 47% (44%) [44%]
• Disapprove 51% (54%) [53%]

Do you generally approve or disapprove of the job Barack Obama is doing in handling foreign policy?

• Approve 49% (54%) [53%]
• Disapprove 46% (40%) [41%]

Survey of 900 registered voters, including 736 likely voters, was conducted September 12-16, 2012. The margin of error is +/- 3.27 percentage points among registered voters; +/- 3.61 percentage points among likely voters.  Party ID (among registered voters): 32% (34%) [35%] Democrat; 25% (27%) [23%] Republican; 38% (36%) [39%] Independent.  Ideology: 37% (35%) [34%] Moderate; 19% (22%) [20%] Somewhat conservative; 16% (18%) [19%] Very conservative; 14% (14%) [15%] Somewhat liberal; 10% (9%) [10%] Very liberal.  Results from the poll conducted August 16-20, 2012 are in parentheses.  Results from the poll conducted July 18-22, 2012 are in square brackets. Results from the poll conducted June 20-24, 2012 are in curly brackets.  Results from the poll conducted May 16-20, 2012 are in parentheses.  Results from the poll conducted April 13-17, 2012 are in square brackets.   Results from the poll conducted February 29 - March 3, 2012 are in curly brackets.  Results from the poll conducted January 22-24, 2012 are in parentheses.  Results from the poll conducted December 7-11, 2011 are in square brackets.  Results from the poll conducted November 2-5, 2011 are in curly brackets.  Results from the poll conducted October 6-10, 2011 are in parentheses.  Results from the poll conducted August 27-31, 2011 are in square brackets.  Results from the poll conducted July 14-17, 2011 are in curly brackets.  Results from the poll conducted June 9-13, 2011 are in square brackets. Results from the poll conducted March 31 - April 4, 2011 are in square brackets.  Results from the poll conducted February 24-28, 2011 are in curly brackets.  Results from the poll conducted January 13-17, 2011 are in parentheses. Results from the poll conducted December 9-13, 2010 are in square brackets.  Results from the poll conducted September, 2010 are in curly brackets.

Poll Watch: CBS News/New York Times 2012 Presidential Survey

CBS News/New York Times 2012 Presidential Poll

Likely Voters

• Barack Obama-Joe Biden 49%
• Mitt Romney-Paul Ryan 46% 

Independents

• Mitt Romney-Paul Ryan 50%
• Barack Obama-Joe Biden 44% 

Men

• Mitt Romney-Paul Ryan 52%
• Barack Obama-Joe Biden 44% 

Women

• Barack Obama-Joe Biden 53%
• Mitt Romney-Paul Ryan 41% 

Registered Voters

• Barack Obama-Joe Biden 51% [46%] (46%) {43%} [46%] (47%) {48%} [45%] (45%)
• Mitt Romney-Paul Ryan 43% [45%] (47%) {46%} [46%] (44%) {42%} [45%] (47%)

Would you describe your support for Barack Obama as strongly favoring him, or do you like him with reservations, or do you support him because you dislike Mitt Romney?

• Strongly favor 65%
• Like with reservations 20%
• Dislike Romney 12%

Would you describe your support for Mitt Romney as strongly favoring him, or do you like him with reservations, or do you support him because you dislike Barack Obama?

• Strongly favor 47%
• Like with reservations 27%
• Dislike Obama 23%

(Among Obama Voters) If you had to choose, which comes closer to your opinion? 1. I am voting for Barack Obama mainly because I like the direction he is taking the country. OR 2. I am voting for Barack Obama mainly because I dislike the direction in which Mitt Romney would take the country.

• Like Obama 62%
• Dislike Romney 30%

(Among Romney Voters) Which of these comes closer to your opinion? 1. I am voting for Mitt Romney mainly because I like the direction he would take the country. OR 2. I am voting for Mitt Romney mainly because I dislike the direction Barack Obama is taking the country.

• Like Romney 50%
• Dislike Obama 39%

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling his job as President?

• Approve 49%
• Disapprove 46%

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling foreign policy?

• Approve 48%
• Disapprove 41%

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling the economy?

• Approve 43%
• Disapprove 51%

Favorable / Unfavorable {Net}

• Michelle Obama 61% / 20% {+41%}
• Bill Clinton 64% / 27% {+37%}
• Ann Romney 35% / 12% {+23%}
• Paul Ryan 29% / 26% {+3%}
• Barack Obama 44% / 44% {0%}
• Mitt Romney 37% / 38% {-1%}
• Joe Biden 33% / 37% {-4%}

In general, which comes closest to your feelings about the Obama presidency so far — Would you say you are very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat disappointed or very disappointed?

• Very satisfied 17%
• Somewhat satisfied 29%
• Somewhat disappointed 20%
• Very disappointed 33%

Do you think Joe Biden has the ability to be an effective president if necessary, or not?

• Yes 39%
• No 49%

Do you think Paul Ryan has the ability to be an effective president if necessary, or not?

• Yes 37%
• No 38%

Do you think Joe Biden is honest and trustworthy, or not?

• Is 53%
• Is not 33%

Do you think Paul Ryan is honest and trustworthy, or not?

• Is 39%
• Is not 28%

Regardless of how you intend to vote, which candidate do you think would do a better job handling each of the following issues – Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

Health Care

• Barack Obama 50%
• Mitt Romney 46% 

The Federal Budget Deficit

• Mitt Romney 51%
• Barack Obama 43%

The Economy and Unemployment

• Barack Obama 47%
• Mitt Romney 46% 

Foreign Policy

• Barack Obama 49%
• Mitt Romney 39%

Taxes

• Barack Obama 48%
• Mitt Romney 46%

Medicare

• Barack Obama 50%
• Mitt Romney 43%

Help Middle Class Americans

• Barack Obama 54%
• Mitt Romney 40%

Do you think Barack Obama does or does not understand the needs and problems of people like yourself?

• Does 60%
• Does not 37%

Do you think Mitt Romney does or does not understand the needs and problems of people like yourself?

• Does 46%
• Does not 48%

Do you think Barack Obama says what he believes most of the time, or does he say what he thinks people want to hear?

• Says what he believes 54%
• Says what people want 43%

Do you think Mitt Romney says what he believes most of the time, or does he say what he thinks people want to hear?

• Says what he believes 42%
• Says what people want 53%

Do you think Barack Obama is honest and trustworthy, or not?

• Yes 58%
• No 37%

Do you think Mitt Romney is honest and trustworthy, or not?

• Yes 53%
• No 36%

How much confidence do you have in Barack Obama’s ability to handle an international crisis -- a lot, some, a little, or none at all?

• A lot 39%
• Some 26%
• A little 13%
• None at all 21%

How much confidence do you have in Mitt Romney’s ability to handle an international crisis -- a lot, some, a little, or none at all?

• A lot 26%
• Some 32%
• A little 15%
• None at all 22%

Do you think Barack Obama has made it clear what he wants to accomplish if he were re-elected president, or not?

• Yes, he has 59%
• No, he has not 37%

Do you think Mitt Romney has made it clear what he wants to accomplish if he were elected president, or not?

• Yes, he has 50%
• No, he has not 44%

Which comes closest to your view of Barack Obama's economic policies: 1. They are improving the economy now, and will probably continue to do so, OR 2. They have not improved the economy yet, but will if given more time, OR 3. They are not improving the economy and probably never will.

• Improving now 26%
• Will improve 30%
• No improvement 41%

These days, who do you blame more for the difficulties in reaching agreements and passing legislation in Congress — the Republicans in Congress or Barack Obama and the Democrats in Congress?

• Republicans in Congress 44%
• Barack Obama 31%

Which candidate do you think is running a more negative campaign -- Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

• Mitt Romney 42%
• Barack Obama 32%

As you may know, there have been efforts in some states to require voters to show a photo identification card to vote. Some people say this is needed to prevent people from voting who are not eligible to vote. Other people say such efforts are designed to suppress voting by minority voters. What do you think -- do you support or oppose efforts to require voters to show a photo identification card to vote?

• Support 71%
• Oppose 27%

Survey of 1,170 registered voters and 1,162 likely voters was conducted September 8-12, 2012.  The margin of error is +/- 3 percentage points.  Party ID (among likely voters): 35% Democrat; 29% Republican; 32% Independent.  Ideology: 42% Conservative; 33% Moderate; 22% Liberal.  Results from the poll conducted August 22-26, 2012 are in parentheses.  Results from the poll conducted July 11-16, 2012 are in curly brackets.  Results from the poll conducted May 11-13, 2012 are in curly brackets.  Results from the poll conducted April 13-17, 2012 are in square brackets.  Results from the poll conducted March 7-11, 2012 are in parentheses.  Results from the poll conducted February 8-13, 2012 are in curly brackets.  Results from the poll conducted January 12-17, 2012 are in square brackets.  Results from the poll conducted January 4-8, 2012 are in parentheses.

Inside the numbers:

Mr. Obama has an advantage among likely voters of 12 percentage points among women, the poll found, while Mr. Romney holds the upper hand among men by eight percentage points. Mr. Obama leads his Republican rival across all ages of voters, except those who are 65 or older, who favor Mr. Romney by 15 percentage points.

The poll found that Mr. Obama holds an advantage of 21 percentage points over Mr. Romney among voters whose household income is under $50,000. Mr. Romney has an edge in higher income groups, including leading Mr. Obama by 16 percentage points among voters whose household income is more than $100,000.

Poll Watch: PPP (D) Ohio 2012 Presidential Survey

PPP (D) Ohio 2012 Presidential Poll

• Barack Obama 50% (48%) {47%} [50%] (49%) {50%} [46%] (45%) {46%} [46%] (44%)
• Mitt Romney 45% (45%) {44%} [43%] (42%) {41%} [46%] (43%) {42%} [40%] (42%)

Among Independents

• Mitt Romney 46% (39%) {42%} [40%] (40%) {45%} [46%] (43%) {44%} [39%] (40%)
• Barack Obama 44% (49%) {42%} [43%] (45%) {39%} [35%] (38%) {34%} [37%] (34%)
  

Among Moderates

• Barack Obama 64% (66%) {56%} [56%] (62%) {64%} [54%] (57%) {52%} [61%] (59%)
• Mitt Romney 28% (27%) {29%} [31%] (33%) {23%} [35%] (28%) {30%} [21%] (24%)

Among Men

• Mitt Romney 48% (48%) {48%} [50%] (49%) {47%} [54%] (44%) {50%} [47%] (47%)
• Barack Obama 46% (44%) {41%} [44%] (43%) {45%} [38%] (42%) {43%} [38%] (37%)

Among Women

• Barack Obama 53% (52%) {52%} [55%] (54%) {54%} [53%] (47%) {49%} [52%] (51%)
• Mitt Romney 43% (43%) {41%} [36%] (36%) {36%} [38%] (43%) {35%} [35%] (37%)

Favorable / Unfavorable {Net}

• Mitt Romney 44% (41%) {35%} [37%] (28%) {28%} [36%] (30%) {32%} [33%] (36%) / 49% (52%) {54%} [53%] (56%) {48%} [48%] (49%) {43%} [43%] (39%) {-5%} 

Among Independents

• Mitt Romney 42% (34%) {28%} [33%] (30%) {32%} [42%] (32%) {35%} [34%] (38%) / 47% (57%) {54%} [59%] (53%) {40%} [42%] (44%) {38%} [38%] (36%) {-5%}

Among Moderates

• Mitt Romney 28% (24%) {19%} [26%] (26%) {26%} [37%] (22%) {26%} [26%] (27%) / 62% (68%) {68%} [62%] (59%) {46%} [40%] (54%) {48%} [50%] (47%) {-34%} 

Among Men

• Mitt Romney 47% (45%) {39%} [43%] (30%) {30%} [38%] (31%) {42%} [35%] (39%) / 47% (49%) {50%} [49%] (58%) {53%} [51%] (53%) {41%} [44%] (40%) {0%}

Among Women

• Mitt Romney 41% (37%) {31%} [31%] (25%) {26%} [33%] (29%) {24%} [32%] (33%) / 52% (55%) {57%} [56%] (53%) {44%} [45%] (46%) {44%} [42%] (38%) {-11%} 

Do you approve or disapprove of President Barack Obama’s job performance?

• Approve 48% (46%) {44%} [48%] (48%) {41%} [43%] (44%) {46%} [47%] (42%)
• Disapprove 48% (51%) {51%} [48%] (48%) {49%} [52%] (52%) {49%} [46%] (49%)

Among Independents

• Approve 40% (46%) {37%} [41%] (40%) {30%} [39%] (34%) {37%} [39%] (40%)
• Disapprove 54% (49%) {53%} [53%] (53%) {56%} [57%] (59%) {55%} [49%] (54%)

Did the Democratic convention make you more or less likely to vote for Democrats this year, or did it not make a difference?

• More likely 32%
• Less likely 32%
• Didn't make a difference 36%

Who do you think had a better convention: the Democrats or the Republicans?

• Democrats 47%
• Republicans 35%
• Not sure 18%

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Joe Biden?

• Favorable 46%
• Unfavorable 45%

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Bill Clinton?

• Favorable 57%
• Unfavorable 34%

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Michelle Obama?

• Favorable 57%
• Unfavorable 35%

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Ann Romney?

• Favorable 54%
• Unfavorable 28%

Do you have a higher opinion of Michelle Obama or Ann Romney?

• Michelle Obama 49%
• Ann Romney 41%

Who do you think gives better speeches: Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

• Barack Obama 60%
• Mitt Romney 31%

Who do you think deserves more credit for the killing of Osama bin Laden: Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

• Barack Obama 63%
• Mitt Romney 6%
• Not sure 31%

Survey of 1,072 likely Ohio voters was conducted September 7-9, 2012. The margin of error is +/- 3.0 percentage points. Party ID: 41% (40%) {39%} [41%] (42%) {41%} [47%] (44%) {45%} [43%] (44%) Democrat; 37% (37%) {37%} [39%] (36%) {35%} [37%] (34%) {35%} [35%] (39%) Republican; 22% (24%) {24%} [20%] (21%) {24%} [16%] (22%) {20%} [21%] (18%) Independent/Other. Political ideology: 29% (30%) {31%} [31%] (30%) {31%} [30%] (31%) {33%} [29%] Moderate; 25% (25%) {27%} [22%] (21%) {25%} [19%] (24%) {25%} [28%] Somewhat conservative; 17% (18%) {17%} [18%] (18%) {20%} [21%] (19%) {16%} [19%] Somewhat liberal; 17% (18%) {15%} [19%] (21%) {18%} [19%] (17%) {13%} [15%] Very conservative; 11% (10%) {9%} [9%] (10%) {7%} [10%] (8%) {13%} [7%] Very liberal.  Results from the poll conducted August 9-12, 2012 are in parentheses.  Results from the poll conducted June 21-24, 2012 are in curly brackets.  Results from the poll conducted May 3-6, 2012 are in square brackets.  Results from the poll conducted January 28-29, 2012 are in parentheses.  Results from the poll conducted November 4-6, 2011 are in curly brackets.  Results from the poll conducted October 13-16, 2011 are in square brackets.  Results from the poll conducted August 11-14, 2011 are in parentheses.  Results from the poll conducted May 19-22, 2011 are in curly brackets.  Results from the poll conducted March 10-13, 2011 are in square brackets.  Results from the poll conducted December 10-12, 2010 are in parentheses.

Mitt Romney on Meet the Press

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Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

CNN State of the Union: Interview with Newt Gingrich

Real Time with Bill Maher

VIDEO: Bill Maher Finally Goes Head To Head With Christine O’Donnell On Real Time - Mediaite

Overtime

Notable Quotes from Real Time:

Bill Maher on long gone privacy for presidents, notes of FDR: "People didn't even know he was a cripple, or his wife was a dyke."

Steve Schmidt on Bill Clinton: “He’s a force of nature. He got the Democratic delegates to clap for George W. Bush. It’s just amazing. He’s a political talent like no other. And we don’t have anyone like that on our side.”

Jim VandeHei on campaign financing: “Until this election, unions undoubtedly had as much money getting pumped into elections as corporations. That is verifiable. What is different this time around is Republicans are going to bury the Democrats from now until the end.”

Jim VandeHei: I just spent a bunch of time in Chicago and Boston, talking to operatives on both sides. They both openly – they’re gleeful about the fact that they don’t think facts matter anymore. Both sides. The Obama campaign is just as bad as the Romney campaign…All I’m doing is articulating to you what they’re telling us about how they’re operating the campaign. They both feel that that’s what you have to do – that everybody has such a short attention span, that nobody will pay attention to any fact or lie for more than 18 hours, that you keep doing it over and over. And you hear that from both sides.

Jim VandeHei on relationship (or lack thereof) between Presidents Obama and Clinton: “Barack Obama and Bill Clinton do not like each other personally…Over the last year, Barack Obama decided ‘I need Bill Clinton. I need him as a political asset.’ So, they went golfing, and they’ve been hanging out more often. And in every conversation related to us, it’s Bill Clinton talking, talking, talking, talking. And Barack Obama having to stomach it because he knows he needs him.”

Jim VandeHei on Bill Clinton’s speech at the Democratic National Convention: “He was disconnected from the rest of that convention. If you were there watching it, his speech was so radically different to me than almost every speech up there. He didn’t talk about abortion. Didn’t talk about gay rights. Never mentioned the word Bain. Never bashed business. That’s not what the rest of the Democratic Party was doing. If that was the modern Democratic Party – was Bill Clinton, Bill Clinton would be walking away with this election.”

Bill Clinton at the Democratic National Convention

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Poll Watch: NBC News/Wall Street Journal/Telemundo 2012 Hispanic Presidential Survey

NBC/WSJ/Telemundo 2012 Latino Presidential Poll

• Barack Obama-Joe Biden 63% {67%} [66%] (61%)
• Mitt Romney-Paul Ryan 28% {23%} [26%] (27%)

Rate your feelings toward each one as very positive, somewhat positive, neutral, somewhat negative, or very negative.

Barack Obama

• Very positive 46% {41%} [41%] (31%)
• Somewhat positive 21% {23%} [26%] (27%)
• Neutral 14% {13%} [14%] (17%)
• Somewhat negative 8% {8%} [6%] (11%)
• Very negative 11% {13%} [12%] (12%)

Mitt Romney

• Very positive 11% {7%} [5%] (6%)
• Somewhat positive 20% {15%} [16%] (20%)
• Neutral 15% {23%} [26%] (21%)
• Somewhat negative 17% {20%} [18%] (14%)
• Very negative 31% {24%} [23%] (21%)

Joe Biden

• Very positive 19% [13%]
• Somewhat positive 24% [21%]
• Neutral 21% [23%]
• Somewhat negative 10% [9%]
• Very negative 13% [14%]

Paul Ryan

• Very positive 11%
• Somewhat positive 15%
• Neutral 20%
• Somewhat negative 8%
• Very negative 19%

Bill Clinton

• Very positive 43%
• Somewhat positive 27%
• Neutral 17%
• Somewhat negative 5%
• Very negative 5%

Chris Christie

• Very positive 7%
• Somewhat positive 16%
• Neutral 17%
• Somewhat negative 8%
• Very negative 10%

Democratic Party

• Very positive 31% {27%} [22%] (24%)
• Somewhat positive 26% {27%} [30%] (27%)
• Neutral 17% {23%} [26%] (26%)
• Somewhat negative 12% {10%} [9%] (8%)
• Very negative 11% {11%} [8%] (11%)

Republican Party

• Very positive 12% {9%} [6%] (7%)
• Somewhat positive 21% {17%} [16%] (15%)
• Neutral 20% {25%} [27%] (31%)
• Somewhat negative 14% {17%} [20%] (15%)
• Very negative 28% {28%} [25%] (25%)

I'd like you to compare Barack Obama and Mitt Romney on a few qualities that people might look for in a president. For each one, please tell me whether you think that Barack Obama would be better or Mitt Romney would be better on that item.

Being knowledgeable and experienced enough to handle the presidency

• Obama 59% {65%}
• Romney 26% {15%}

Being a good commander-in-chief

• Obama 55% {59%}
• Romney 24% {17%}

Being consistent and standing up for his beliefs

• Obama 55% {53%}
• Romney 23% {20%}

Having good ideas for how to improve the economy

• Obama 52% {48%}
• Romney 31% {25%}

Changing business as usual in Washington

• Obama 45% {43%}
• Romney 27% {18%}

Being easygoing and likable

• Obama 65%
• Romney 18%

Caring about average people

• Obama 64%
• Romney 21%

Dealing with issues of concern to women

• Obama 60%
• Romney 18%

Dealing with issues of concern to seniors

• Obama 58%
• Romney 23%

Being a calm and steady leader in a crisis

• Obama 58%
• Romney 21%

Sharing your positions on the issues

• Obama 55%
• Romney 22%

Being honest and straightforward

• Obama 57%
• Romney 24%

Being open and transparent

• Obama 60%
• Romney 19%

Being firm in his positions on the issues

• Obama 55%
• Romney 29%

Having executive and managerial skills

• Obama 51%
• Romney 30%

When it comes to his approaches to issues, would you say that ______________ is in the mainstream of most Americans' thinking, or is out of step with most Americans' thinking?

Barack Obama

• In the mainstream 70%
• Out of step 24%

Mitt Romney

• In the mainstream 31%
• Out of step 59%

Joe Biden

• In the mainstream 46%
• Out of step 35%

Paul Ryan

• In the mainstream 33%
• Out of step 44%

Compared to when Barack Obama became President—do you think that the country is better off, worse off or in about the same place?

• Better off 43%
• Worse off 26%
• Same place 29%

And how confident are you that Barack Obama has the right set of goals and policies to improve the economy?

• Extremely confident 28%
• Quite confident 27%
• Only somewhat confident 26%
• Not at all confident 18%

And how confident are you that Mitt Romney has the right set of goals and policies to improve the economy?

• Extremely confident 14%
• Quite confident 20%
• Only somewhat confident 29%
• Not at all confident 35%

In general, do you approve or disapprove of the job Barack Obama is doing as president?

• Approve 62% {62%} [65%] (61%)
• Disapprove 32% {31%} [27%] (32%)

Do you generally approve or disapprove of the job Barack Obama is doing in handling the economy?

• Approve 59% {58%} [62%] (54%)
• Disapprove 36% {36%} [32%] (38%)

Do you generally approve or disapprove of the job Barack Obama is doing in handling foreign policy?

• Approve 58% {61%}
• Disapprove 32% {28%}

What is your preference for the outcome of this year's congressional elections -- a Congress controlled by Republicans or a Congress controlled by Democrats?

• Democrat-controlled Congress 61% {64%} [66%] (58%)
• Republican-controlled Congress 29% {24%} [27%] (30%)

Survey of 300 Hispanic/Latino registered voters was conducted August 16-20, 2012. The margin of error is +/- 5.66 percentage points. Party ID: 48% {49%} Democrat; 13% {13%} Republican; 32% {27%} Independent.  Ideology: 26% {29%} Moderate; 24% {26%} Somewhat conservative; 17% {18%} Somewhat liberal; 17% {10%} Very liberal; 14% {13%} Very conservative.  Results from the poll conducted July 18-22, 2012 are in curly brackets.  Results from the poll conducted June 20-24, 2012 are in square brackets.  Results from the poll conducted May 16-21, 2012 are in parentheses.

Poll Watch: NBC News/Wall Street Journal 2012 Presidential Survey

NBC/WSJ 2012 Presidential Poll

• Barack Obama-Joe Biden 48% [49%] {47%} (47%) [49%] {50%} (49%) [47%] {49%} (46%) [46%] {48%} [49%] {49%} [47%]
• Mitt Romney-Paul Ryan 44% [43%] {44%} (43%) [43%] {44%} (43%) [45%] {43%} (44%) [45%] {41%} [43%] {40%} [40%]

(Among Obama Voters) Would you definitely vote for Barack Obama, probably vote for Barack Obama but are still thinking about it, or are you just leaning toward voting for Obama?

• Definitely vote for Obama 76% [78%] {78%} (73%) [74%]
• Probably vote for Obama, but still thinking about it 13% [13%] {10%} (13%) [13%]
• Just leaning toward voting for Obama 10% [9%] {12%} (13%) [12%]

(Among Romney Voters) Would you definitely vote for Mitt Romney, probably vote for Mitt Romney but are still thinking about it, or are you just leaning toward voting for Romney?

• Definitely vote for Romney 72% [72%] {68%} (72%) [65%]
• Probably vote for Romney, but still thinking about it 15% [12%] {20%} (14%) [16%]
• Just leaning toward voting for Romney 13% [15%] {12%} (14%) [19%]

Definitely Vote for Candidate

• Barack Obama 37% [38%] {37%} (34%) [37%]
• Mitt Romney 32% [31%] {30%} (31%) [28%]

I'd like you to compare Barack Obama and Mitt Romney on a few qualities that people might look for in a president. For each one, please tell me whether you think that Barack Obama would be better or Mitt Romney would be better on that item.

Who do you think would be better when it comes to:

Being knowledgeable and experienced enough to handle the presidency

• Obama 46% [48%]
• Romney 35% [32%]

Being a good commander-in-chief

• Obama 45% [45%]
• Romney 38% [35%]

Being consistent and standing up for his beliefs

• Obama 43% [37%]
• Romney 37% [35%]

Having good ideas for how to improve the economy

• Romney 44% [43%]
• Obama 38% [36%]

Changing business as usual in Washington

• Romney 37% [33%]
• Obama 31% [32%]

Being easygoing and likable

• Obama 58%
• Romney 23%

Caring about average people

• Obama 52%
• Romney 30%

Dealing with issues of concern to women

• Obama 52%
• Romney 24%

Dealing with issues of concern to seniors

• Obama 46%
• Romney 34%

Being a calm and steady leader in a crisis

• Obama 46%
• Romney 34%

Sharing your positions on the issues

• Obama 44%
• Romney 36%

Being honest and straightforward

• Obama 41%
• Romney 30%

Being open and transparent

• Obama 43%
• Romney 31%

Being firm in his positions on the issues

• Obama 38%
• Romney 37%

Having executive and managerial skills

• Romney 45%
• Obama 32%

When it comes to his approaches to issues, would you say that ______________ is in the mainstream of most Americans' thinking, or is out of step with most Americans' thinking?

Barack Obama

• In the mainstream 54%
• Out of step 44%

Mitt Romney

• In the mainstream 44%
• Out of step 51%

Joe Biden

• In the mainstream 40%
• Out of step 49%

Paul Ryan

• In the mainstream 38%
• Out of step 41%

Compared to when Barack Obama became President—do you think that the country is better off, worse off or in about the same place?

• Better off 31%
• Worse off 42%
• Same place 27%

And how confident are you that Barack Obama has the right set of goals and policies to improve the economy?

• Extremely confident 16%
• Quite confident 18%
• Only somewhat confident 22%
• Not at all confident 44%

And how confident are you that Mitt Romney has the right set of goals and policies to improve the economy?

• Extremely confident 11%
• Quite confident 16%
• Only somewhat confident 31%
• Not at all confident 42%

Rate your feelings toward each one as very positive, somewhat positive, neutral, somewhat negative, or very negative.

Barack Obama

• Very positive 31% [33%]
• Somewhat positive 17% [16%]
• Neutral 8% [8%]
• Somewhat negative 13% [11%]
• Very negative 30% [32%]

Mitt Romney

• Very positive 18% [13%]
• Somewhat positive 20% [22%]
• Neutral 17% [23%]
• Somewhat negative 15% [16%]
• Very negative 29% [24%]

Joe Biden

• Very positive 15% [15%]
• Somewhat positive 21% [20%]
• Neutral 20% [23%]
• Somewhat negative 14% [14%]
• Very negative 26% [23%]

Paul Ryan

• Very positive 19%
• Somewhat positive 14%
• Neutral 18%
• Somewhat negative 11%
• Very negative 21%

Bill Clinton

• Very positive 34%
• Somewhat positive 23%
• Neutral 18%
• Somewhat negative 13%
• Very negative 10%

Chris Christie

• Very positive 11%
• Somewhat positive 17%
• Neutral 21%
• Somewhat negative 10%
• Very negative 9%

In general, do you approve or disapprove of the job Barack Obama is doing as president?

• Approve 48% [49%]
• Disapprove 49% [48%]

Do you generally approve or disapprove of the job Barack Obama is doing in handling the economy?

• Approve 44% [44%]
• Disapprove 54% [53%]

Do you generally approve or disapprove of the job Barack Obama is doing in handling foreign policy?

• Approve 54% [53%]
• Disapprove 40% [41%]

Survey of 1,000 registered voters was conducted August 16-20, 2012. The margin of error is +/- 3.1 percentage points.  Party ID: 34% [35%] Democrat; 27% [23%] Republican; 36% [39%] Independent.  Ideology: 35% [34%] Moderate; 22% [20%] Somewhat conservative; 18% [19%] Very conservative; 14% [15%] Somewhat liberal; 9% [10%] Very liberal.  Results from the poll conducted July 18-22, 2012 are in square brackets. Results from the poll conducted June 20-24, 2012 are in curly brackets.  Results from the poll conducted May 16-20, 2012 are in parentheses.  Results from the poll conducted April 13-17, 2012 are in square brackets.   Results from the poll conducted February 29 - March 3, 2012 are in curly brackets.  Results from the poll conducted January 22-24, 2012 are in parentheses.  Results from the poll conducted December 7-11, 2011 are in square brackets.  Results from the poll conducted November 2-5, 2011 are in curly brackets.  Results from the poll conducted October 6-10, 2011 are in parentheses.  Results from the poll conducted August 27-31, 2011 are in square brackets.  Results from the poll conducted July 14-17, 2011 are in curly brackets.  Results from the poll conducted June 9-13, 2011 are in square brackets. Results from the poll conducted March 31 - April 4, 2011 are in square brackets.  Results from the poll conducted February 24-28, 2011 are in curly brackets.  Results from the poll conducted January 13-17, 2011 are in parentheses. Results from the poll conducted December 9-13, 2010 are in square brackets.  Results from the poll conducted September, 2010 are in curly brackets.