President Barack Obama's Victory Speech

Poll Watch: Washington Times/Zogby 2012 Presidential Survey

Washington Times/Zogby 2012 Presidential Poll

• Barack Obama (D) 49.7% (44.5%) [49.7%] {45.7%} (42.0%) [43.2%]
• Mitt Romney (R) 47.3% (45.1%) [41.1%] {45.7%} (42.8%) [43.6%]
• Not sure 3.0% (10.4%) [9.2%] {5%} [13.0%]

(Among Obama Voters) Which of the following best describes why you are voting for Barack Obama?

• Want to see him re-elected 56% (66.6%) [61.3%]
• Really dislike Romney 14% (14.7%) [14.5%]
• He is the lesser of two evils 13.8% (8.2%) [11.7%]
• Simply voting for Democrat 11.4% (8.5%) [9.1%]
• Not sure 4.8% (2.0%) [3.4%]

(Among Romney Voters) Which of the following best describes why you are voting for Mitt Romney?

• Think he is the best candidate 70.5% (69.4%) [58.2%]
• Really dislike Obama 15.5% (13.4%) [16.0%]
• He is the lesser of two evils 11.1% (12.8%) [16.1%]
• Simply voting for GOP 1.7% (2.4%) [5.8%]
• Not sure 1.3% (2.1%) [3.9%]

Based on what you saw or read about the second presidential debate, who do you think won?

• Barack Obama 41.5% (14.4%)
• Mitt Romney 27.9% (64.9%)
• It was a tie 26.8% (13.0%)
• Not sure 3.9% (7.7%)

Note: Results from the poll conducted after the first presidential debate are in parentheses.

In the debate, Mitt Romney said he can cut tax rates across the board to boost jobs while still finding a way to balance the deficit. Barack Obama said the math doesn't add up, and
Romney cannot do both. Which do you think is correct?

• Romney's math adds up - he can cut taxes and balance the budget 41.1% (43.7%)
• Romney's math doesn't add up, and he cannot do both 49.0% (43.7%)
• Not sure 9.8% (12.6%)
  

Note: Results from the poll conducted after the first presidential debate are in parentheses.

 

Regardless of whom you support, who do you think will win November's presidential election?

• Barack Obama 49.4% (54.1%) [57.4%] {48%} (44.9%)
• Mitt Romney 37.7% (32.4%) [29.9%] {37%} (32.8%)

Who do you think would make a better first lady?

• Michelle Obama 36.3%
• Ann Romney 25.9%
• Both equally suited 17.2%
• Don't prefer either 11.9%
• Not sure 8.8%

Who is to blame for mishandling the terrorist attack on the U.S. Consulate in Libya that left the ambassador and three other Americans dead?

• White House 29.2%
• State Dept. 16.1%
• Defense Dept. 5.2%
• Congress 3.1%
• No one -- the attack was not mishandled 30.3%
• Not sure 16.1%
  

Survey of 800 likely voters was conducted October 18-20, 2012.  The margin of error is +/- 3.5 percentage points. Results from the poll conducted October 5-7, 2012 are in parentheses.  Results from the poll conducted September 27-29, 2012 are in square brackets.  Results from the poll conducted August 23-25, 2012 are in curly brackets. Results from the poll conducted July 6-8, 2012 are in parentheses.  Results from the poll conducted May 11-12, 2012 are in square brackets. 

Inside the numbers:

Mr. Romney holds a slight lead among independents (49%-42%) and the two candidates are nearly tied among women, with Mr. Obama polling 50% to Mr. Romney’s 47%. On the other hand, the two are pretty much tied among men now (Obama 49% to Romney’s 47%). Thus, the real gap, as noted before in this column, is the marriage gap – especially married women vs. single women.

Mr. Romney now hits 58% among white voters, his best performance yet, but Mr. Obama is outperforming his 2008 showing by polling 40%. As I have written before, the former Massachusetts Governor must get an even larger share of whites to offset what will be a declining share of the total vote in 2012. Mr. Obama continues to consolidate his leads among Hispanics (74%-26%, larger than his 67%-31% victory in 2008) and African Americans (89%-6%, compared with 95%-5% in 2008).

Adding Libertarian Party nominee Gary Johnson and other third-party candidates into the mix doesn’t change the race much. Mr. Johnson collects 3 percent of the vote, and others get less — and Mr. Obama still leads Mr. Romney by 2 percentage points.

Mr. Obama was seen as the winner of last week’s second presidential debate, 42 percent to 28 percent, over Mr. Romney, according to the 80 percent of likely voters who watched at least part of it. But the debate didn’t move the needle much — about 6 percent said it swayed them toward Mr. Obama, and 7 percent said they moved toward Mr. Romney.

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: CNN/ORC 2012 Presidential Survey

CNN/ORC 2012 Presidential Poll

Among Likely Voters

• Barack Obama-Joe Biden 52% (48%) {49%}
  
• Mitt Romney-Paul Ryan 46% (48%) {47%}

Among Registered Voters 

• Barack Obama-Joe Biden 53% (52%) {52%} [52%] (49%) {49%} [52%] (54%) {51%} [47%] (52%) {47%} [49%] (49%) {54%}
• Mitt Romney-Paul Ryan 45% (45%) {43%} [45%] (46%) {46%} [43%] (43%) {46%} [48%] (45%) {51%} [48%] (48%) {43%}

Among Independents

• Mitt Romney-Paul Ryan 54% (52%) {48%} [42%] (49%) {51%} [43%]
• Barack Obama-Joe Biden 40% (42%) {45%} [53%] (42%) {39%} [48%] 
  

Among Moderates

• Barack Obama-Joe Biden 59% (59%) {57%} [61%] (55%) {55%} [67%]
• Mitt Romney-Paul Ryan 37% (38%) {37%} [35%] (40%) {42%} [25%]

Among Men

• Barack Obama-Joe Biden 48% (43%) {43%} [51%] (44%) {48%} [49%]  
• Mitt Romney-Paul Ryan 47% (55%) {53%} [45%] (49%) {47%} [46%]

Among Women

• Barack Obama-Joe Biden 55% (54%) {54%} [53%] (54%) {49%} [55%]
  
• Mitt Romney-Paul Ryan 44% (42%) {42%} [44%] (43%) {46%} [39%]

(Among Obama voters) Is that more a vote FOR Barack Obama or more a vote AGAINST Mitt Romney?

Among Likely Voters

• Vote for Obama 74%
• Vote against Romney 23%

Among Registered Voters

• Vote for Obama 69% [77%]
• Vote against Romney 28% [21%]

(Asked of Romney voters) Is that more a vote FOR Mitt Romney or more a vote AGAINST Barack Obama?

Among Likely Voters

• Vote for Romney 48%
• Vote against Obama 47%

Among Registered Voters

• Vote for Romney 48% [34%]
• Vote against Obama 47% [65%]

Now suppose that the presidential candidates on the ballot in your state included Barack Obama as the Democratic Party's candidate, Mitt Romney as the Republican candidate, Gary Johnson as the Libertarian party candidate, and Jill Stein as the Green party candidate, who would you be more likely to vote for?

Among Likely Voters

• Barack Obama 51%
• Mitt Romney 43%
• Gary Johnson 3%
• Jill Stein 1%

Among Registered Voters

• Barack Obama 50%
• Mitt Romney 41%
• Gary Johnson 4%
• Jill Stein 2%

Favorable / Unfavorable {Net}

Among Likely Voters

• Michelle Obama 68% / 28% {+40%}
• Ann Romney 55% / 26% {+29%}
• Barack Obama 57% (51%) {52%} / 42% (48%) {47%} {+15%}
• Mitt Romney 48% (53%) {50%} / 47% (43%) {46%} {+1%} 

Among Registered Voters

• Michelle Obama 69% / 27% {+42%}
• Ann Romney 51% / 27% {+24%}
• Barack Obama 57% (54%) {54%} [55%] (54%) {53%} [55%] (55%) {51%} [48%] / 41% (44%) {44%} [44%] (45%) {46%} [43%] (44%) {47%} [50%] {+16%}
• Mitt Romney 47% (49%) {48%} [48%] (49%) {51%} [46%] (39%) {36%} [44%] / 48% (43%) {46%} [47%] (42%) {41%} [44%] (49%) {54%} [43%] {-1%} 

I'm going to mention a few issues and for each one, please tell me if you think Barack Obama or Mitt Romney would better handle that issue if they were elected President.

THE ECONOMY

Likely Voters

• Barack Obama 50% (45%) {46%} 
  
• Mitt Romney 49% (51%) {50%}

Registered Voters

• Barack Obama 49% (46%) {46%} (47%)
• Mitt Romney 48% (48%) {49%} (48%)

FOREIGN POLICY

Likely Voters

• Barack Obama 54% (49%) {51%}
• Mitt Romney 42% (46%) {44%}

Registered Voters

• Barack Obama 54% (53%) {55%} (53%)
• Mitt Romney 41% (41%) {40%} (41%)

MEDICARE

Likely Voters

• Barack Obama 54% (49%) {49%}
• Mitt Romney 43% (46%) {48%}

Registered Voters

• Barack Obama 55% (50%) {50%}
• Mitt Romney 42% (43%) {45%}

THE FEDERAL BUDGET DEFICIT

Likely Voters

• Mitt Romney 50% {52%}
• Barack Obama 47% {42%}

Registered Voters

• Mitt Romney 51% {50%} (52%)
• Barack Obama 45% {42%} (42%)

TAXES

Likely Voters

• Barack Obama 51% {50%}
• Mitt Romney 46% {46%}

Registered Voters

• Barack Obama 50% {52%}
• Mitt Romney 46% {42%}

HEALTH CARE

Likely Voters

• Barack Obama 54% {49%}
• Mitt Romney 45% {48%}

Registered Voters

• Barack Obama 53% {50%} (51%)
• Mitt Romney 44% {46%} (44%)

ENERGY POLICY

Likely Voters

• Barack Obama 51% {51%}
• Mitt Romney 44% {45%}

Registered Voters

• Barack Obama 53% {51%}
• Mitt Romney 41% {44%}

EDUCATION

Likely Voters

• Barack Obama 59%
• Mitt Romney 38%

Registered Voters

• Barack Obama 63%
• Mitt Romney 34%

UNEMPLOYMENT

Likely Voters

• Barack Obama 51%
• Mitt Romney 47%

Registered Voters

• Barack Obama 52%
• Mitt Romney 46%

Thinking about the following characteristics and qualities, please say whether you think each one applies more to Barack Obama or more to Mitt Romney. Please feel free to name a candidate even if you may not support him.

SHARES YOUR VALUES

Likely Voters

• Barack Obama 51% {47%}
• Mitt Romney 44% {45%}

Registered Voters

• Barack Obama 52% {49%} [48%]
• Mitt Romney 41% {42%} [38%]

IS A STRONG AND DECISIVE LEADER

Likely Voters

• Barack Obama 50% (43%) {49%}
• Mitt Romney 44% (48%) {46%}

Registered Voters

• Barack Obama 54% (46%) {50%} (51%)
• Mitt Romney 40% (43%) {42%} (35%)

IS MORE HONEST AND TRUSTWORTHY  

Likely Voters

• Barack Obama 51% {49%}
• Mitt Romney 41% {42%}

Registered Voters

• Barack Obama 53% {50%} (44%)
• Mitt Romney 39% {39%} (34%)

HAS AN OPTIMISTIC VISION FOR THE COUNTRY'S FUTURE

Likely Voters

• Barack Obama 51% (43%) {48%}
• Mitt Romney 41% (47%) {45%}

Registered Voters

• Barack Obama 54% (47%) {51%}
• Mitt Romney 38% (42%) {41%}

HAS A CLEAR PLAN FOR SOLVING THE COUNTRY'S PROBLEMS  

Likely Voters

• Barack Obama 45% {39%}
• Mitt Romney 39% {45%}
  

Registered Voters

• Barack Obama 44% {39%} (37%)
• Mitt Romney 38% {41%} (36%)

IS IN TOUCH WITH THE PROBLEMS FACING MIDDLE CLASS AMERICANS TODAY

Likely Voters

• Barack Obama 57% (49%) {53%}
• Mitt Romney 37% (43%) {39%}

Registered Voters

• Barack Obama 58% (52%) {58%} (50%)
• Mitt Romney 35% (39%) {33%} (36%)

IS IN TOUCH WITH THE PROBLEMS FACING WOMEN TODAY

Likely Voters

• Barack Obama 59% (56%) {60%}
• Mitt Romney 34% (36%) {31%}

Registered Voters

• Barack Obama 61% (57%) {62%} (54%)
• Mitt Romney 30% (32%) {27%} (28%)

CAN MANAGE THE GOVERNMENT EFFECTIVELY  

Likely Voters

• Barack Obama 48% {44%}
• Mitt Romney 45% {48%}
  

Registered Voters

• Barack Obama 48% {43%} (45%)
• Mitt Romney 45% {46%} (41%)

Regardless of whom you support, and trying to be as objective as possible, who do you think will win the election in November –- Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

Among Likely Voters

• Barack Obama 59%
• Mitt Romney 37%

Among Registered Voters

• Barack Obama 61% [63%] [60%]
• Mitt Romney 36% [33%] [36%]

Does what you saw or read of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte make you more likely or less likely to vote for Barack Obama?

Registered Voters

• More likely 46%
• Less likely 36%

At their convention, do you think the Democrats maintained the right balance between criticizing the Republicans and saying positive things about themselves, or do you think they spent too much time criticizing the Republicans?

Registered Voters

• Maintained the right balance 43%
• Too much time criticizing 45%

As you may know, the presidential candidates will hold televised debates later this fall. Who do you think is likely to do a better job in the presidential debates -- Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?

Likely Voters

• Barack Obama 59%
• Mitt Romney 34%

Registered Voters

• Barack Obama 62%
• Mitt Romney 32%

Among Democrats

• Barack Obama 91%
• Mitt Romney 5%

Among Republicans

• Mitt Romney 75%
• Barack Obama 18%

Among Independents

• Barack Obama 55%
• Mitt Romney 34%

Survey of 875 registered voters, including 709 likely voters, was conducted September 7-9, 2012. The margin of error is +/- 3.5 percentage points. Results from the poll conducted August 31 - September 3, 2012 are in parentheses.  Results from the poll conducted August 22-23, 2012 are in curly brackets.  Results from the poll conducted August 7-8, 2012 are in square brackets.  Results from the poll conducted June 28 - July 1, 2012 are in parentheses.  Results from the poll conducted May 29-31, 2012 are in curly brackets.  Results from the poll conducted April 13-15, 2012 are in square brackets.  Results from the poll conducted March 24-25, 2012 are in parentheses. Results from the poll conducted February 10-13, 2012 are in curly brackets.  Results from the poll conducted January 11-12, 2012 are in square brackets.  Results from the poll conducted December 16-18, 2011 are in parentheses.  Results from the poll conducted November 11-13, 2011 are in curly brackets.  Results from the poll conducted September 23-25, 2011 are in square brackets.  Results from the poll conducted August 5-7, 2011 are in parentheses.  Results from the poll conducted April 29 - May 1, 2011 are in curly brackets.

Poll Watch: PPP (D) North Carolina 2012 Presidential Survey

PPP (D) North Carolina 2012 Presidential Poll

• Barack Obama 49% 
• Mitt Romney 48%  
  

Among Independents

• Barack Obama 48%
• Mitt Romney 48%   

Among Moderates

• Barack Obama 65% 
• Mitt Romney 32% 
  

Among Men

• Mitt Romney 56% 
  
• Barack Obama 42% 

Among Women

• Barack Obama 55% 
• Mitt Romney 42%

Favorable / Unfavorable {Net}

• Mitt Romney 48% / 49% {-1%}

Among Independents

• Mitt Romney 48% / 46% {+2%} 
  

Among Moderates

• Mitt Romney 32% / 62% {-30%}

Among Men

• Mitt Romney 55% / 42% {+13%}

Among Women

• Mitt Romney 45% / 49% {-4%}

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

• Approve 50%
• Disapprove 49%
  

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 37%
• Less likely 35%
• Didn't make a difference 28%

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

• Democrats 47%
• Republicans 39%
• Not sure 14%

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

• Favorable 47%
• Unfavorable 44%

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

• Favorable 59%
• Unfavorable 34%

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

• Favorable 55%
• Unfavorable 37%

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

• Favorable 53%
• Unfavorable 29%

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

• Michelle Obama 50%
• Ann Romney 43%

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

• Barack Obama 60%
• Mitt Romney 32%

Do you think the Democratic convention being in Charlotte was good, bad, or neutral for the state of North Carolina?

• Good 57%
• Bad 15%
• Neutral 26%
• Not sure 2%

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 1,087 likely North Carolina voters was conducted September 7-9, 2012. The margin of error is +/- 3.0 percentage points. Party ID: 47% Democrat; 34% Republican; 20% Independent/Other. Political ideology: 27% Moderate; 25% Somewhat conservative; 20% Very conservative; 15% Somewhat liberal; 13% Very liberal.

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.

First Lady Michelle Obama at the Democratic National Convention

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Poll Watch: Rasmussen (R) National Survey on American Pride

Rasmussen (R) National Poll on American Pride

Are you proud to be an American?

• Yes 84%
• No 7%
• Not sure 9%

Note: While 91% of whites are proud to be Americans, just 63% of blacks and 64% of adults of other races agree. Among those who are not proud of being American are 11% of adults under the age of 40 and 23% of blacks. Ninety-six percent (96%) of Republicans are proud to be Americans versus 78% of both Democrats and adults not affiliated with either party do. Women are a bit prouder than men about being Americans.

Generally speaking, should Americans be proud or ashamed of the history of the United States?

• Proud 79%
• Ashamed 9%
• Undecided 12%

Note: Eighty-eight percent (88%) of whites are proud of the nation's history, compared to just 43% of blacks and 60% of those of other races. Republicans are more likely than Democrats and unaffiliateds to believe Americans should be proud of the country’s history. Older adults are prouder about their country than those who are younger.

National survey of 1,000 adults was conducted June 30 - July 1, 2012. The margin of error is +/- 3 percentage points.

Poll Watch: PPP (D) 2012 Presidential Survey

PPP (D) 2012 Presidential Poll

• Barack Obama 49%
• Mitt Romney 46%

Among Independents

• Barack Obama 52%
• Mitt Romney 43%

Among Moderates

• Barack Obama 63%
• Mitt Romney 33%

Among Men

• Mitt Romney 51%
• Barack Obama 44%

Among Women

• Barack Obama 53%
• Mitt Romney 42%

If the candidates for President this year were Democrat Barack Obama, Republican Mitt Romney, and Libertarian Gary Johnson, who would you vote for?

• Barack Obama 47%
• Mitt Romney 42%
• Gary Johnson 6%

If the Democratic ticket for President was Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and the Republican ticket was Mitt Romney and Chris Christie, which would you vote for?

• Obama-Biden 47%
• Romney-Christie 47%

If the Democratic ticket for President was Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and the Republican ticket was Mitt Romney and Jeb Bush, which would you vote for?

• Obama-Biden 48%
• Romney-Bush 47%

If the Democratic ticket for President was Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and the Republican ticket was Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum, which would you vote for?

• Obama-Biden 48%
• Romney-Santorum 46% 

If the Democratic ticket for President was Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and the Republican ticket was Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee, which would you vote for?

• Obama-Biden 48%
• Romney-Huckabee 46%

If the Democratic ticket for President was Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and the Republican ticket was Mitt Romney and Ron Paul, which would you vote for?

• Obama-Biden 48%
• Romney-Paul 44%

If the Democratic ticket for President was Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and the Republican ticket was Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan, which would you vote for?

• Obama-Biden 48%
• Romney-Ryan 43% 

If the Democratic ticket for President was Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and the Republican ticket was Mitt Romney and Marco Rubio, which would you vote for?

• Obama-Biden 49%
• Romney-Rubio 43% 

If the Democratic ticket for President was Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and the Republican ticket was Mitt Romney and Sarah Palin, which would you vote for?

• Obama-Biden 50%
• Romney-Palin 43%

Favorable / Unfavorable {Net}

• Mike Huckabee 41% / 38% {+3%}
• Chris Christie 36% / 34% {+2%}
• Marco Rubio 29% / 31% {-2%}
• Joe Biden 42% / 48% {-6%}
• Jeb Bush 37% / 46% {-9%}
• Paul Ryan 25% / 34% {-9%}
• Mitt Romney 39% / 51% {-12%}
• Rick Santorum 36% / 48% {-12%}
• Gary Johnson 6% / 19% {-13%}
• Sarah Palin 35% / 56% {-21%}
• Ron Paul 32% / 54% {-22%} 
• Newt Gingrich 27% / 64% {-37%}

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

• Approve 47%
• Disapprove 49%

Who do you think would make a better President: Michelle Obama or Ann Romney?

• Michelle Obama 47%
• Ann Romney 36%

Survey of 900 American voters was conducted April 12-15, 2012. The margin of error is +/- 3.3 percentage points. Party ID: 40% Democrat; 37% Republican; 24% Independent/Other. Political views: 32% Moderate; 24% Somewhat conservative; 18% Very conservative; 15% Somewhat liberal; 12% Very liberal. 

Weekly Address: The President and First Lady Thank our Troops for their Service as we Celebrate the Holiday Season

Poll Watch: AP/GfK Political Survey

AP/GfK Political Survey

Overall, please tell me whether you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling his job as president.

• Approve 60%
• Disapprove 39%

What kind of president do you think Barack Obama has been so far? An outstanding president, above average, average, below average, or poor?

• Outstanding 16%
• Above average 26%
• Average 28%
• Below average 15%
• Poor 16%

Please tell me if you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling each of the following issues. How about…


The economy

• Approve 52%
• Disapprove 47%

Unemployment

• Approve 52%
• Disapprove 47%

Taxes

• Approve 48%
• Disapprove 50%

Federal budget deficit

• Approve 47%
• Disapprove 52%

Health care

• Approve 54%
• Disapprove 46%

Education

• Approve 63%
• Disapprove 34%

Immigration

• Approve 52%
• Disapprove 46%

Terrorism

• Approve 72%
• Disapprove 27%

The situation in Afghanistan

• Approve 65%
• Disapprove 34%

The situation in Iraq

• Approve 62%
• Disapprove 36%

The situation in Libya

• Approve 57%
• Disapprove 37%

Relationships with other countries

• Approve 69%
• Disapprove 30%

The environment

• Approve 65%
• Disapprove 32%

Energy

• Approve 59%
• Disapprove 38%

Gas prices

• Approve 35%
• Disapprove 61%

Who do you trust to do a better job of handling the economy?

• Democrats 49%
• Republicans 38%

Who do you trust to do a better job of protecting the country?

• Republicans 43%
• Democrats 42%

Who do you trust to do a better job of handling health care?

• Democrats 53%
• Republicans 35%

Who do you trust to do a better job of managing the federal budget deficit?

• Democrats 42%
• Republicans 40%

Who do you trust to do a better job of handling taxes?

• Democrats 48%
• Republicans 39%

Who do you trust to do a better job of creating jobs?

• Democrats 52%
• Republicans 36%

Who do you trust to do a better job of handling Social Security?

• Democrats 52%
• Republicans 34%

Who do you trust to do a better job of handling Medicare?

• Democrats 54%
• Republicans 33%

Do you approve or disapprove of Barack Obama’s decision to begin withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Afghanistan in July, 2011 and end U.S. combat operations there by 2014?

• Approve 80%
• Disapprove 15%

Do you think the pace of the planned withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan is too fast, too slow, or about right?

• Too fast 15%
• Too slow 26%
• About right 57%

How do you feel about the use of torture against suspected terrorists to obtain information about terrorism activities? Can that often be justified, sometimes be justified, rarely be justified, or never be justified?

• Often be justified 25%
• Sometimes be justified 35%
• Rarely be justified 14%
• Never be justified 25%

And when it comes to terrorism, how confident are you that President Barack Obama will be able to handle this issue effectively? Very confident, somewhat confident, not too confident, or not at all confident?

• Very confident 38%
• Somewhat confident 36%
• Not too confident 15%
• Not at all confident 12%

Has the killing of Osama bin Laden by U.S. forces increased the threat of terrorism against the United States, decreased the threat of terrorism against the United States, or had no effect on the threat of terrorism against the United States?

• Increased threat of terrorism 50%
• Decreased threat of terrorism 17%
• No effect 31%

Overall, do you approve or disapprove of the way the U.S. military and CIA handled the raid which resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden?

• Approve 86%
• Disapprove 6%

Do you think that U.S. forces were justified in killing bin Laden during this raid or were they not justified?

• Justified 87%
• Not justified 9%

All in all, do you think the U.S. search for Osama bin Laden took too long, or did not take too long?

• Took too long 75%
• Did not take too long 22%

Do you think the U.S. government has or has not released enough information about what happened during the raid?

• Has released enough information 64%
• Has not released enough information 33%

Do you think the United States should or should not release a photo or video of Osama bin Laden’s dead body?

• Should release a photo 34%
• Should not release a photo 64%

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of...

Barack Obama

• Very favorable 39%
• Somewhat favorable 25%
• Somewhat unfavorable 15%
• Very unfavorable 21%

Michelle Obama

• Very favorable 42%
• Somewhat favorable 29%
• Somewhat unfavorable 14%
• Very unfavorable 10%

Hillary Clinton

• Very favorable 39%
• Somewhat favorable 32%
• Somewhat unfavorable 12%
• Very unfavorable 14%

George W. Bush

• Very favorable 20%
• Somewhat favorable 30%
• Somewhat unfavorable 18%
• Very unfavorable 30%

Do you consider yourself a supporter of the Tea Party movement, or are you not a supporter of the Tea Party movement?

• Supporter 30%
• Not a supporter 63%

Survey of 1,001 adults was conducted May 5-9, 2010.  The margin of error is +/- 4.2 percentage points.  Party ID breakdown: 46% Democrat; 29% Republican.  Political ideology: 36% Moderate; 22% Somewhat conservative; 16% Strongly conservative; 14% Somewhat liberal; 9% Strongly liberal.

Poll Watch: AP/GfK Political Survey (2012 Edition)

AP/GfK Political Survey

Overall, please tell me whether you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling his job as president.

• Approve 47%
• Disapprove 51%

Please tell me if you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling each of the following issues. How about…
The economy

• Approve 41%
• Disapprove 58%

Unemployment

• Approve 43%
• Disapprove 56%

Taxes

• Approve 46%
• Disapprove 53%

Federal budget deficit

• Approve 36%
• Disapprove 62%

Health care

• Approve 48%
• Disapprove 51%

Education

• Approve 59%
• Disapprove 38%

Immigration

• Approve 43%
• Disapprove 55%

Terrorism

• Approve 57%
• Disapprove 41%

The situation in Afghanistan

• Approve 48%
• Disapprove 50%

The situation in Iraq

• Approve 54%
• Disapprove 45%

Relationships with other countries

• Approve 58%
• Disapprove 41%

The environment

• Approve 58%
• Disapprove 39%

Energy

• Approve 56%
• Disapprove 40%

Gas prices

• Approve 43%
• Disapprove 52%

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of...

Barack Obama

• Very favorable 33%
• Somewhat favorable 22%
• Somewhat unfavorable 14%
• Very unfavorable 30%

Sarah Palin

• Very favorable 18%
• Somewhat favorable 28%
• Somewhat unfavorable 15%
• Very unfavorable 34%

Mitt Romney

• Very favorable 12%
• Somewhat favorable 34%
• Somewhat unfavorable 20%
• Very unfavorable 11%

Newt Gingrich

• Very favorable 12%
• Somewhat favorable 29%
• Somewhat unfavorable 21%
• Very unfavorable 20%

Tim Pawlenty

• Very favorable 5%
• Somewhat favorable 20%
• Somewhat unfavorable 14%
• Very unfavorable 5%

Haley Barbour

• Very favorable 6%
• Somewhat favorable 16%
• Somewhat unfavorable 14%
• Very unfavorable 6%

Mike Huckabee

• Very favorable 16%
• Somewhat favorable 34%
• Somewhat unfavorable 16%
• Very unfavorable 11%

John Thune

• Very favorable 4%
• Somewhat favorable 16%
• Somewhat unfavorable 11%
• Very unfavorable 5%

Mitch Daniels

• Very favorable 3%
• Somewhat favorable 18%
• Somewhat unfavorable 13%
• Very unfavorable 4%

Michelle Obama

• Very favorable 35%
• Somewhat favorable 33%
• Somewhat unfavorable 15%
• Very unfavorable 12%

Hillary Clinton

• Very favorable 30%
• Somewhat favorable 35%
• Somewhat unfavorable 17%
• Very unfavorable 16%

Bill Clinton

• Very favorable 36%
• Somewhat favorable 30%
• Somewhat unfavorable 16%
• Very unfavorable 17%

Joe Biden

• Very favorable 18%
• Somewhat favorable 29%
• Somewhat unfavorable 21%
• Very unfavorable 21%

George W. Bush

• Very favorable 18%
• Somewhat favorable 28%
• Somewhat unfavorable 19%
• Very unfavorable 34%

Mitch McConnell

• Very favorable 7%
• Somewhat favorable 27%
• Somewhat unfavorable 15%
• Very unfavorable 10%

John Boehner

• Very favorable 9%
• Somewhat favorable 25%
• Somewhat unfavorable 15%
• Very unfavorable 11%

The Democratic Party

• Very favorable 20%
• Somewhat favorable 29%
• Somewhat unfavorable 23%
• Very unfavorable 25%

The Republican Party

• Very favorable 14%
• Somewhat favorable 38%
• Somewhat unfavorable 21%
• Very unfavorable 23%

In general, do you support or oppose the health care reforms that were passed by Congress in March?

• Strongly support 17%
• Somewhat support 20%
• Somewhat oppose 13%
• Strongly oppose 33%

The tax cuts that were passed in 2001 will expire this year if they are not continued. Which of the following best describes what you think Congress should do about the tax cuts?

• Allow the tax cuts to expire for everyone 12%
• Allow the tax cuts for people earning more than $250,000 to expire, but continue them for other people 32%
• Continue the tax cuts for everyone 53%

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of the Tea Party movement?

• Very favorable 14%
• Somewhat favorable 18%
• Somewhat unfavorable 14%
• Very unfavorable 22%

From what you know about the Tea Party movement, would you say you generally agree or disagree on the Tea Party movement’s positions on political issues?

• Strongly agree 16%
• Somewhat agree 19%
• Somewhat disagree 11%
• Strongly disagree 19%

Do you consider yourself a supporter of the Tea Party movement, or are you not a supporter of the Tea Party movement?

• Supporter 30%
• Not a supporter 66%

(Among Democrats/Democrat-leaning Independents) Thinking ahead to 2012, would you like to see Barack Obama face a serious challenge in the 2012 presidential primaries from another Democratic candidate, or not?

• Yes 38%
• No 58%

Survey of 1,000 adults was conducted November 3-8, 2010.  The margin of error is +/- 4.1 percentage points.  Party ID breakdown: 39% Democrat; 38% Republican.  Political ideology: 33% Moderate; 24% Somewhat conservative; 22% Strongly conservative; 11% Somewhat liberal; 8% Strongly liberal.

Inside the numbers:

In terms of winning the 2012 nomination, the question is how Republican-leaning Americans view the contenders. Palin comes out on top. Among adults who identify themselves as Republicans or GOP-leaning independents, 79 percent view her favorably, and 17 percent unfavorably.

These findings worry many Republican officials. The poll suggests Palin might be able to win the nomination. But among independents — they could be the deciding factor in the general election — just 43 percent hold a favorable view of Palin, compared with 61 percent with a positive view of Obama.

Elsewhere among the poll's Republican respondents, 74 percent viewed Huckabee favorably, 10 percent unfavorably. Sixty-four percent viewed Romney favorably, 18 percent unfavorably. For former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, it was 68 percent favorable, 21 percent unfavorable.

Other possible candidates are largely unknown, even among self-identified Republican or GOP-leaning adults. The breakdown:

—Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, 28 percent favorable, 13 percent unfavorable, 59 percent no opinion.

—Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, 27 percent favorable, 14 percent favorable, 58 percent no opinion.

—Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, 24 percent favorable, 13 percent unfavorable, 63 percent no opinion.

—South Dakota Sen. John Thune, 20 percent favorable, 10 percent unfavorable and 70 percent no opinion.

Poll Watch: AP/GfK Political Survey

AP/GfK Political Survey

Overall, please tell me whether you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling his job as president.

• Approve 45%
• Disapprove 54%

Please tell me if you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling each of the following issues. How about…
The economy

• Approve 42%
• Disapprove 58%

Unemployment

• Approve 41%
• Disapprove 58%

Taxes

• Approve 43%
• Disapprove 56%

Federal budget deficit

• Approve 38%
• Disapprove 61%

Health care

• Approve 46%
• Disapprove 54%

Education

• Approve 55%
• Disapprove 43%

Immigration

• Approve 43%
• Disapprove 55%

Terrorism

• Approve 54%
• Disapprove 46%

The situation in Afghanistan

• Approve 53%
• Disapprove 46%

The situation in Iraq

• Approve 53%
• Disapprove 46%

Relationships with other countries

• Approve 55%
• Disapprove 44%

The environment

• Approve 55%
• Disapprove 43%

Energy

• Approve 50%
• Disapprove 49%

Gas prices

• Approve 46%
• Disapprove 51%

If the election for U.S. House of Representatives were held today, would you vote for the Democratic or Republican candidate in your congressional district?

• Republican candidate 50% (53%)
• Democratic candidate 43% (43%)

No matter how you will vote in November, if the election for Congress were held today, would you want to see the Republicans or the Democrats win control of Congress?

• Republicans 51%
• Democrats 43%

No matter how you will vote in November, which party do you think will win more seats and have control of Congress after the election, the Republicans or the Democrats?

• Republicans 61%
• Democrats 33%

Would you like to see your own member of Congress get re-elected in November, or would you like to see someone else win the election?

• Own member 49%
• Someone else 43%

If they win control of one or both houses of Congress, how confident are you that Republicans in Congress will be successful in bringing about the changes needed to improve the economy?

• Very confident 10%
• Somewhat confident 44%
• Not very confident 20%
• Not at all confident 26%

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of...
Barack Obama

• Very favorable 31%
• Somewhat favorable 21%
• Somewhat unfavorable 11%
• Very unfavorable 37%

Sarah Palin

• Very favorable 20%
• Somewhat favorable 29%
• Somewhat unfavorable 12%
• Very unfavorable 38%

Michelle Obama

• Very favorable 37%
• Somewhat favorable 28%
• Somewhat unfavorable 15%
• Very unfavorable 16%

Hillary Clinton

• Very favorable 32%
• Somewhat favorable 33%
• Somewhat unfavorable 19%
• Very unfavorable 15%

George W. Bush

• Very favorable 18%
• Somewhat favorable 31%
• Somewhat unfavorable 15%
• Very unfavorable 36%

Nancy Pelosi

• Very favorable 13%
• Somewhat favorable 22%
• Somewhat unfavorable 13%
• Very unfavorable 50%

John Boehner

• Very favorable 7%
• Somewhat favorable 27%
• Somewhat unfavorable 18%
• Very unfavorable 14%

Mitch McConnell

• Very favorable 5%
• Somewhat favorable 28%
• Somewhat unfavorable 21%
• Very unfavorable 12%

Harry Reid

• Very favorable 5%
• Somewhat favorable 24%
• Somewhat unfavorable 15%
• Very unfavorable 38%

The Democratic Party

• Very favorable 19%
• Somewhat favorable 25%
• Somewhat unfavorable 19%
• Very unfavorable 37%

The Republican Party

• Very favorable 12%
• Somewhat favorable 40%
• Somewhat unfavorable 21%
• Very unfavorable 26%

Who do you trust to do a better job of...
Handling the economy

• Republicans 51%
• Democrats 41%

Protecting the country

• Republicans 56%
• Democrats 36%

Handling health care

• Republicans 47%
• Democrats 46%

Managing the federal budget deficit

• Republicans 52%
• Democrats 39%

Handling taxes

• Republicans 52%
• Democrats 41%

Creating jobs

• Republicans 52%
• Democrats 40%

Managing the federal government

• Republicans 49%
• Democrats 40%

Handling Social Security

• Republicans 49%
• Democrats 46%

Handling immigration

• Republicans 50%
• Democrats 39%

Thinking about the stimulus package that was approved by Congress in February to help improve the economy, do you think that the stimulus package …

• Has helped bring about improvements to the economy 33%
• Did even more damage to the economy than would have happened otherwise 29%
• Had no real effect on the condition of the economy 36%

In general, do you support or oppose the health care reforms that were passed by Congress in March?

• Strongly support 19%
• Somewhat support 22%
• Somewhat oppose 10%
• Strongly oppose 41%

What would you prefer Congress do with the new health care law:

• Leave it as is 15%
• Change it so that it does more to change the health care system 36%
• Change it so that it does less to change the health care system 10%
• Repeal it completely 37%

As you may know, it is estimated that the federal budget deficit now exceeds one trillion dollars. If you had to choose, what do you think should be the higher priority?

• Increasing government spending on education, health care reform, and the development of alternative energy sources, even if that means the federal budget deficit will increase even more. 38%
• Reducing the federal budget deficit by cutting spending, even if that means the government could not enact new programs on education, health care reform, and the development of alternative energy sources. 58%

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of the Tea Party movement?

• Very favorable 21%
• Somewhat favorable 21%
• Somewhat unfavorable 14%
• Very unfavorable 23%

From what you know about the Tea Party movement, would you say you generally agree or disagree on the Tea Party movement’s positions on political issues?

• Strongly agree 20%
• Somewhat agree 25%
• Somewhat disagree 12%
• Strongly disagree 21%

Do you consider yourself a supporter of the Tea Party movement, or are you not a supporter of the Tea Party movement?

• Supporter 36%
• Not a supporter 60%

Survey of 846 likely voters was conducted October 13-18, 2010.  The margin of error is +/- 4.4 percentage points.  Party ID breakdown: 48% Republican; 42% Democrat.  Political ideology: 31% Moderate; 18% Somewhat conservative; 29% Strongly conservative; 11% Somewhat liberal; 10% Strongly liberal.  Results from the poll conducted September 8-13, 2010 are in parentheses.