BREAKING: Brand new ABC News/WashPost poll: Obama 49, Romney 46. & in Battlegrounds Obama 51, Romney 46. Details on@EarlyStartCNN
Washington Post-ABC News Poll
This Washington Post-ABC News poll was conducted by telephone Oct. 10-13, 2012, among a random national sample of 1,252 adults, including landline and cell phone-only respondents. Results for the full sample have a margin of error of three percentage points. The error margin is 3.5 points for the samples of 1,063 registered voters and 923 likely voters. Sampling, data collection and tabulation by Abt-SRBI of New York.
RV = registered voters; LV=likely voters
*= less than 0.5 percent
1. (ASKED OF REGISTERED VOTERS) How closely are you following the 2012 presidential race: very closely, somewhat closely, not so closely, or not closely at all?
---- Closely ----- ---- Not closely ----- No
NET Very Smwt NET Not so At all opinion
10/13/12 LV 93 60 33 6 4 2 *
10/13/12 RV 88 54 34 11 6 5 1
9/29/12 RV 86 47 39 14 8 6 0
9/9/12 RV 80 44 36 19 11 9 *
5/20/12 RV 82 38 44 18 9 8 *
2/4/12* RV 79 37 43 20 12 8 *
1/15/12 RV 76 33 43 24 14 10 *
12/18/11 69 26 43 31 18 13 *
11/3/11 65 24 41 34 17 17 *
10/2/11 64 24 40 36 23 13 0
9/1/11 66 25 40 34 20 14 *
7/17/11 61 18 43 39 23 15 *
6/5/11 61 22 39 38 23 15 *
2. (ASKED OF REGISTERED VOTERS) I'd like you to rate the chances that you will vote in the presidential election in November: Are you absolutely certain to vote, will you probably vote, are the chances 50-50, or less than that?
Don't think Already
Certain Probably Chances Less than will vote voted No
to vote vote 50/50 that (vol.) (vol.) op.
10/13/12 RV 85 7 4 1 1 1 1
9/29/12 RV 84 7 7 2 * 0 *
9/9/12 RV 83 7 6 4 * NA 0
8/25/12 RV 81 8 6 3 1 NA *
7/8/12 RV 81 9 8 2 * NA *
10/11/08 RV 87 5 4 1 * 2 0
9/29/08 RV 87 6 5 1 1 NA *
9/22/08 RV 89 6 4 1 * NA *
9/7/08 RV 85 7 5 1 1 *
8/22/08 RV 84 10 4 2 * *
7/13/08 RV 79 10 7 3 2 0
6/15/08 71 9 8 7 4 *
3. (IF CERTAIN TO VOTE) Do you think you’ll (vote in person at your polling place on Election Day), or (vote before Election Day by early voting or mail-in ballot)?
RESULTS AMONG REGISTERED VOTERS WHO ARE CERTAIN TO VOTE OR ALREADY VOTED
Vote Early voting/ Already
in person mail-in ballot voted (vol.) No opinion
10/13/12 RV 67 30 2 1
11/2/08 RV 63 11 25 *
11/1/08 RV 63 13 23 *
10/31/08 RV 63 16 20 1
10/30/08 RV 64 17 18 1
10/29/08 RV 65 18 16 1
10/28/08 RV 65 19 15 1
10/27/08 RV 66 18 15 1
10/26/08 RV 67 18 14 1
10/25/08 RV 68 18 13 1
10/24/08 RV 69 19 11 1
10/23/08 RV 68 20 11 1
10/22/08 RV 66 20 13 1
4. (ASKED OF REGISTERED VOTERS) If the presidential election were being held today and the candidates were (Barack Obama and Joe Biden, the Democrats) and (Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan, the Republicans), for whom would you vote? Which candidates are you leaning toward, (Barack Obama and Joe Biden, the Democrats) or (Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan, the Republicans)? (ASKED IF ALREADY VOTED) For whom did you vote?
NET LEANED VOTE PREFERENCE – among likely voters
Other Neither No
Obama Romney (vol.) (vol.) opinion
10/13/12 LV 49 46 1 1 2
9/29/12 LV 49 47 * 2 1
9/9/12 LV 49 48 * 1 2
8/25/12 LV 47 49 1 1 1
7/8/12* LV 50 47 * 2 2
*7/18/12: "Barack Obama, the Democrat" and "Mitt Romney, the Republican".
NET LEANED VOTE PREFERENCE - among registered voters
Other Neither Would not No
Obama Romney (vol.) (vol.) vote (vol.) opinion
10/13/12 RV 50 43 1 3 * 3
9/29/12 RV 49 44 1 3 1 1
9/9/12 RV 50 44 1 2 1 2
8/25/12 RV 46 47 2 3 2 1
7/8/12* RV 47 47 * 2 * 4
5/20/12 RV 49 46 * 3 1 1
4/8/12 RV 51 44 * 2 3 1
3/10/12 RV 47 49 * 1 2 2
2/4/12 RV 51 45 * 1 1 1
1/15/12 RV 46 48 * 2 2 2
12/18/11 RV 47 47 * 2 2 1
11/3/11 RV 46 47 * 3 2 1
10/2/11 RV 46 48 * 2 1 2
9/1/11 RV 45 49 * 2 2 2
7/17/11 RV 49 47 * 2 1 1
6/5/11 RV 46 49 * 2 1 2
4/17/11 RV 49 45 * 3 1 1
*7/18/12 and prior: “Barack Obama, the Democrat” and “Mitt Romney, the Republican”.
5. (IF SUPPORT OBAMA OR ROMNEY) Will you definitely vote for (OBAMA/ROMNEY), or is there a chance you could change your mind and vote for (CANDIDATE NOT NAMED)? (IF CHANCE CHANGE MIND) Would you say (there’s a GOOD CHANCE) you'll change your mind, or would you say (it’s PRETTY UNLIKELY)?
Definitely - Chance change mind - No
vote for NET Good Unlikely opinion
10/13/12 LV 90 9 2 7 1
10/13/12 RV 89 10 2 8 1
9/29/12 RV 86 13 3 10 1
9/9/12 RV 85 13 4 8 2
8/25/12 RV 83 15 6 9 2
7/8/12* RV 79 19 6 13 2
*7/8/12 and prior: “Will you definitely vote for (NAMED CANDIDATE), or is there
a chance you could change your mind and vote for someone else?”
Barack Obama:
Definitely -Chance change mind - No
vote for NET Good Unlikely opinion
10/13/12 LV 89 10 1 9 1
10/13/12 RV 87 12 2 10 1
9/29/12 RV 84 15 5 10 1
9/9/12 RV 86 11 4 7 3
8/25/12 RV 84 14 6 8 2
7/8/12 RV 81 17 4 13 2
10/11/08 LV 90 9 3 6 1
9/29/08 RV 83 16 7 9 1
9/22/08 RV 85 14 8 7 1
9/7/08 RV 78 21 9 12 1
8/22/08 RV 74 23 7 15 4
7/13/08 RV 72 23 9 14 5
6/15/08 RV 71 26 7 19 3
5/11/08 RV 71 25 13 13 4
Mitt Romney:
Definitely -Chance change mind - No
vote for NET Good Unlikely opinion
10/13/12 LV 91 7 2 6 1
10/13/12 RV 90 8 2 6 1
9/29/12 RV 88 12 1 10 1
9/9/12 RV 85 14 5 9 *
8/25/12 RV 82 16 5 10 3
7/8/12 RV 77 21 8 13 2
Compare to: John McCain:
Definitely -Chance change mind - No
vote for NET Good Unlikely opinion
10/11/08 LV 86 14 4 9 *
9/29/08 RV 81 18 9 9 1
9/22/08 RV 81 18 9 9 2
9/7/08 RV 80 19 8 11 2
8/22/08 RV 72 25 14 11 2
7/13/08 RV 71 28 12 17 1
6/15/08 RV 72 27 14 12 1
5/11/08 RV 66 32 17 15 2
6. (IF SUPPORT OBAMA OR ROMNEY) Would you say you are very enthusiastic about supporting (Obama/Romney) somewhat enthusiastic, not so enthusiastic, or not enthusiastic at all?
--- Enthusiastic ---- --- Not enthusiastic ---- No
NET Very Somewhat NET Not so Not at all opinion
10/13/12 LV 94 61 33 5 4 1 1
10/13/12 RV 93 57 36 6 5 2 1
9/29/12 RV 89 49 40 11 6 4 *
9/9/12 RV 90 51 39 9 5 5 *
8/25/12 RV 85 45 40 14 10 4 1
7/8/12 RV 88 44 44 12 8 4 *
5/20/12 RV 84 39 45 16 9 6 *
Obama:
10/13/12 LV 95 60 35 4 4 1 *
10/13/12 RV 94 55 40 5 4 1 1
9/29/12 RV 91 51 40 9 7 2 0
9/9/12 RV 93 56 38 7 3 3 0
8/25/12 RV 88 48 39 11 7 4 1
7/8/12 RV 91 51 40 8 5 3 1
5/20/12 RV 93 51 41 7 4 4 0
10/11/08 LV 96 66 30 4 3 1 *
10/11/08 RV 93 63 30 6 3 3 *
9/29/08 RV 95 61 34 4 4 * 1
9/22/08 RV 94 62 32 6 4 1 *
9/7/08 RV 96 64 32 4 3 1 0
8/22/08 RV 95 52 43 5 2 3 *
6/15/08 RV 91 52 39 9 7 2 *
Romney:
10/13/12 LV 93 62 31 7 4 2 1
10/13/12 RV 92 59 33 8 5 2 1
9/29/12 RV 87 48 39 13 6 7 *
9/9/12 RV 87 46 40 13 7 6 1
8/25/12 RV 83 42 41 17 12 4 *
7/8/12 RV 85 38 47 15 11 4 *
5/20/12 RV 75 26 48 25 15 9 1
Compare to: John McCain:
10/11/08 LV 87 31 57 13 10 2 0
9/29/08 RV 90 38 52 10 7 2 *
9/22/08 RV 89 34 55 10 8 2 1
9/7/08 RV 92 46 46 8 6 2 0
8/22/08 RV 86 28 58 13 11 2 1
6/15/08 RV 74 19 55 25 19 6 1
7. (IF SUPPORT/VOTED FOR OBAMA OR ROMNEY) Regardless of your support, how do you feel about how (SUPPORTED CANDIDATE) would perform as president for the next four years - very anxious, somewhat anxious, not so anxious or not anxious at all?
------ Anxious ------ ---- Not anxious ---- No
NET Very Somewhat NET Not so At all opinion
10/13/12 LV 54 27 27 43 13 29 3
10/13/12 RV 56 26 30 41 13 27 3
9/9/12 RV 60 26 34 38 11 27 3
8/25/12 RV 57 20 37 39 12 26 4
Obama:
------ Anxious ------ ---- Not anxious ---- No
NET Very Somewhat NET Not so At all opinion
10/13/12 LV 56 26 30 41 15 27 3
10/13/12 RV 58 25 33 40 15 25 2
9/9/12 RV 59 29 30 39 12 27 2
8/25/12 RV 53 23 30 44 12 32 3
Romney:
------ Anxious ------ ---- Not anxious ---- No
NET Very Somewhat NET Not so At all opinion
10/13/12 LV 52 28 23 44 12 32 4
10/13/12 RV 53 28 25 42 12 30 5
9/9/12 RV 60 22 38 36 10 26 4
8/25/12 RV 62 17 44 33 12 21 5
8. (ASKED OF REGISTERED VOTERS) How much more information, if any, would you like to have about the candidates and issues before the election - would you like a lot more information, some, a little, or do you have enough information as it is?
------ More ------ --- Little/enough --- No
NET A lot Some NET Little Enough opinion
10/13/12 LV 26 13 13 73 8 65 1
10/13/12 RV 27 13 14 71 8 64 1
9/9/12 RV 32 19 13 67 6 61 1
8/25/12 RV 41 23 18 58 7 51 1
9. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Obama is handling his job as president? Do you approve/disapprove strongly or somewhat?
-------- Approve -------- ------- Disapprove ------ No
NET Strongly Somewhat NET Somewhat Strongly opinion
10/13/12 LV 50 32 18 48 9 40 2
10/13/12 RV 51 30 21 47 10 37 2
10/13/12 50 30 21 44 10 34 6
9/29/12 RV 49 25 24 49 12 37 2
9/29/12 50 26 24 46 12 34 4
9/9/12 RV 48 27 21 50 10 39 2
9/9/12 49 29 20 45 11 35 6
8/25/12 RV 47 26 21 50 13 37 3
8/25/12 50 27 23 46 13 33 4
7/8/12 47 24 24 49 15 34 4
5/20/12 47 26 21 49 13 36 3
4/8/12 50 30 20 45 10 35 6
3/10/12 46 28 18 50 11 39 4
2/4/12 50 29 22 46 11 36 3
1/15/12 48 25 23 48 11 37 4
12/18/11 49 25 24 47 13 34 4
11/3/11 44 22 22 53 15 37 3
10/2/11 42 21 21 54 14 40 4
9/1/11 43 21 22 53 16 38 3
8/9/11* 44 18 26 46 9 37 10
7/17/11 47 25 22 48 14 35 5
6/5/11 47 27 20 49 13 37 4
5/2/11** 56 29 27 38 14 24 6
4/17/11 47 27 21 50 12 37 3
3/13/11 51 27 24 45 12 33 4
1/16/11 54 30 23 43 15 28 3
12/12/10 49 24 25 47 15 32 4
10/28/10 50 27 23 45 11 34 5
10/3/10 50 26 24 47 13 34 3
9/2/10 46 24 22 52 14 38 3
7/11/10 50 28 22 47 12 35 3
6/6/10 52 30 22 45 12 33 4
4/25/10 54 31 23 44 11 33 3
3/26/10 53 34 20 43 8 35 3
2/8/10 51 29 22 46 12 33 3
1/15/10 53 30 24 44 13 32 2
12/13/09 50 31 18 46 13 33 4
11/15/09 56 32 23 42 13 29 2
10/18/09 57 33 23 40 11 29 3
9/12/09 54 35 19 43 12 31 3
8/17/09 57 35 21 40 11 29 3
7/18/09 59 38 22 37 9 28 4
6/21/09 65 36 29 31 10 22 4
4/24/09 69 42 27 26 8 18 4
3/29/09 66 40 26 29 9 20 5
2/22/09 68 43 25 25 8 17 7
*Washington Post
**Washington Post/Pew Research Center
10. (ASKED OF REGISTERED VOTERS) Do you approve or disapprove of the way Obama is handling the economy? Do you approve/disapprove strongly or somewhat?
-------- Approve -------- ------- Disapprove ------ No
NET Strongly Somewhat NET Somewhat Strongly opinion
10/13/12 LV 47 28 19 52 9 44 1
10/13/12 RV 47 26 21 51 10 41 2
9/29/12 RV 47 23 25 52 10 41 1
9/9/12 RV 45 24 21 53 8 45 2
8/25/12 RV 43 20 22 56 11 45 2
8/25/12 44 20 23 54 12 42 3
7/8/12 44 21 23 54 13 41 2
5/20/12 42 20 22 55 11 44 2
4/8/12 44 23 21 54 12 42 2
3/10/12 38 20 18 59 9 50 2
2/4/12 44 23 22 53 11 41 3
1/15/12 41 19 22 57 11 46 2
12/18/11 41 17 24 56 13 43 2
11/3/11 38 18 20 61 13 48 2
10/2/11 35 17 19 61 13 48 4
9/1/11 36 15 21 62 15 47 2
7/17/11 39 18 22 57 15 43 3
6/5/11 40 20 20 59 10 49 2
5/2/11* 40 18 22 55 16 39 4
4/17/11 42 23 19 57 11 46 2
3/13/11 43 22 21 55 13 41 2
1/16/11 46 22 24 51 13 38 2
12/12/10 43 21 22 54 15 39 3
10/28/10 RV 44 21 23 54 15 39 3
10/3/10 45 22 23 53 13 41 2
9/2/10 41 20 21 57 13 44 2
7/11/10 43 20 23 54 13 41 4
6/6/10 50 26 24 49 12 37 2
4/25/10 49 24 25 49 10 39 2
3/26/10 45 23 22 52 12 40 3
2/8/10 45 22 23 53 15 38 2
1/15/10 47 22 24 52 13 39 1
12/13/09 46 23 24 52 12 40 2
11/15/09 51 26 25 47 12 36 2
10/18/09 50 29 22 48 13 35 1
9/12/09 51 28 24 46 13 33 2
8/17/09 52 27 25 46 13 33 2
7/18/09 52 29 23 46 10 35 3
6/21/09 56 28 28 41 13 27 3
4/24/09 58 31 28 38 13 25 4
3/29/09 60 34 25 38 12 26 3
2/22/09 60 NA NA 34 NA NA 6
*Washington Post/Pew Research Center
11. (ASKED OF REGISTERED VOTERS) Do you think things in this country (are generally going in the right direction) or do you feel things (have gotten pretty seriously off on the wrong track)?
Right Wrong No
direction track opinion
10/13/12 LV 42 56 2
10/13/12 RV 42 56 3
9/29/12 RV 38 60 2
8/25/12 RV 29 69 2
8/25/12 31 67 3
7/8/12 33 63 4
4/8/12 33 64 3
1/15/12 30 68 2
11/3/11 22 74 3
9/1/11 20 77 3
6/5/11 32 66 2
1/16/11 38 60 3
12/12/10 31 67 2
10/28/10 RV 27 71 2
6/6/10 37 60 3
3/26/10 38 60 2
1/15/10 37 62 1
11/15/09 44 55 2
10/18/09 44 54 2
8/17/09 44 55 1
6/21/09 47 50 3
4/24/09 50 48 2
3/29/09 42 57 1
2/22/09 31 67 2
1/16/09 19 78 3
12/14/08 15 82 3
10/25/08 LV 13 85 2
10/11/08 RV 8 90 2
9/22/08 RV 14 83 3
8/22/08 19 78 2
6/15/08 14 84 2
5/11/08 16 82 2
1/12/08 21 77 2
11/1/07 24 74 2
6/1/07 25 73 2
1/19/07 26 71 3
11/4/06 RV 39 59 2
10/22/06 30 68 2
10/8/06 32 66 2
5/15/06 29 69 2
11/2/05 30 68 2
10/24/04 LV 41 55 4
4/18/04 42 57 1
4/30/03 52 46 2
9/26/02 43 53 4
2/21/02 54 42 4
2/14/99 55 41 4
11/1/98 55 43 2
8/21/98 57 40 4
7/12/98 50 45 6
4/4/98 55 41 4
1/31/98 61 34 5
1/30/98 61 34 5
1/19/98 44 50 6
8/27/97 39 57 4
6/8/97 37 60 3
3/9/97 34 62 4
10/17/96 RV 40 55 5
10/16/96 RV 42 53 5
10/15/96 RV 43 52 5
10/14/96 RV 44 51 5
10/13/96 RV 44 51 5
9/04/96 RV 40 54 6
8/21/96 28 67 5
6/30/96 26 70 5
3/17/96 27 70 3
1/21/96 27 66 6
1/3/96 21 77 3
4/5/95 23 73 3
1/4/95 27 68 6
10/31/94 27 69 4
7/20/94 26 70 4
3/27/94 28 69 3
1/23/94 31 60 10
11/14/93 25 69 6
8/8/93 26 71 3
6/20/93 26 71 3
4/26/93 27 71 2
3/11/93 36 57 7
2/28/93 37 59 4
1/17/93 31 63 6
12/14/92 35 60 5
10/27/92 RV 22 76 2
10/4/92 RV 18 78 4
6/7/92 14 83 3
4/9/92 16 81 3
3/11/92 18 79 4
1/15/92 19 78 3
11/10/91 24 72 4
10/29/91 26 71 3
8/27/91 31 60 9
7/28/91 30 67 3
6/2/91 39 57 4
4/9/91 42 51 7
2/26/91 58 39 3
1/27/91 49 48 4
10/14/90 19 79 2
9/9/90 36 60 4
8/20/90 35 60 5
7/24/90 37 60 2
5/21/90 39 60 2
3/26/90 44 53 2
2/4/90 49 48 3
1/16/90 48 49 3
5/23/89 42 55 3
3/16/89 46 52 2
1/16/89 LV 51 46 3
10/25/88 LV 49 46 6
9/27/88 48 44 8
7/11/88 40 56 4
5/25/88 35 59 6
3/21/88 40 56 4
1/23/88 39 59 2
12/13/87 49 47 4
12/2/87 35 61 4
9/23/87 43 54 4
6/29/87 35 62 3
4/13/87 37 60 3
3/9/87 38 58 4
1/18/87 39 56 5
9/8/86 50 48 2
1/26/86 45 47 8
7/29/85 52 43 6
1/16/85 59 36 4
5/22/84 47 48 5
12/13/83 43 51 6
11/7/83 51 44 5
4/12/83 41 54 4
3/2/83 43 53 3
10/11/82 35 57 8
1/30/82 39 56 5
2/80* 20 70 10
2/78 34 53 13
2/77 41 44 14
10/75 19 71 9
10/74 15 75 11
10/73 16 74 10
*2/80 and previous: Roper
12. (ASKED OF REGISTERED VOTERS) Regardless of who you support, which candidate do you trust to do a better job [ITEM] - (Obama) or (Romney)?
10/13/12 - Summary Table - among registered voters*
Both Neither No
Obama Romney (vol.) (vol.) opinion
a. Handling the economy 48 44 * 4 4
b. Handling international affairs 50 40 1 5 3
c. Handling taxes 49 44 * 5 3
d. Dealing with the federal
budget deficit 44 47 * 4 5
e. Handling health care policy 49 43 1 4 3
f. Handling Medicare, the government
health insurance program for seniors 53 38 1 5 3
g. Handling an unexpected major crisis 52 40 2 3 3
*Full sample asked items a and b; half sample asked items c-e; other half sample asked items f and g.
10/13/12 - Summary Table - among likely voters*
Both Neither No
Obama Romney (vol.) (vol.) opinion
a. Handling the economy 48 47 * 2 3
b. Handling international affairs 50 43 1 3 2
c. Handling taxes 48 46 * 3 3
d. Dealing with the federal
budget deficit 43 51 1 2 4
e. Handling health care policy 47 46 * 4 4
f. Handling Medicare, the government
health insurance program for seniors 54 41 1 3 2
g. Handling an unexpected major crisis 52 43 2 2 1
*Full sample asked items a and b; half sample asked items c-e; other half sample asked items f and g.
Trend:
a. Handling the economy
Both Neither No
Obama Romney (vol.) (vol.) opinion
10/13/12 RV 48 44 * 4 4
9/29/12 RV 47 47 * 4 2
9/9/12 RV 47 45 * 3 4
8/25/12 RV 43 50 * 4 3
7/8/12 RV 45 48 1 3 3
5/20/12 RV 47 47 * 3 3
4/8/12 RV 44 48 1 4 3
2/4/12 RV 44 50 1 3 2
b. Handling international affairs
Both Neither No
Obama Romney (vol.) (vol.) opinion
10/13/12 RV 50 40 1 5 3
9/29/12 RV 49 44 * 2 4
9/9/12 RV 51 38 * 2 9
8/25/12 RV 46 41 1 6 5
4/8/12 RV 56 37 * 3 4
2/4/12 RV 55 38 1 3 4
c. Handling taxes
Both Neither No
Obama Romney (vol.) (vol.) opinion
10/13/12 RV 49 44 * 5 3
9/29/12 RV 49 44 * 4 2
9/9/12 RV 50 43 1 2 4
8/25/12 RV 43 48 * 5 3
7/8/12 RV 46 46 * 5 3
4/8/12 RV 48 43 1 4 4
2/4/12 RV 49 45 * 2 4
d. Dealing with the federal budget deficit
Both Neither No
Obama Romney (vol.) (vol.) opinion
10/13/12 RV 44 47 * 4 5
9/29/12 RV 45 48 * 5 3
9/9/12 RV 44 47 0 7 3
8/25/12 RV 38 51 0 7 3
7/8/12 RV 43 51 1 3 2
4/8/12 RV 37 54 1 6 2
2/4/12 RV 39 52 * 4 4
e. Handling health care policy
Both Neither No
Obama Romney (vol.) (vol.) opinion
10/13/12 RV 49 43 1 4 3
9/29/12 RV 48 44 * 6 2
9/9/12 RV 47 44 1 4 4
8/25/12 RV 47 45 * 6 2
7/8/12 RV 48 44 1 5 3
4/8/12 RV 49 40 * 5 6
f. Handling Medicare, the government health insurance program for seniors
Both Neither No
Obama Romney (vol.) (vol.) opinion
10/13/12 RV 53 38 1 5 3
9/29/12 RV 47 43 * 6 3
9/9/12 RV 48 43 * 4 5
8/25/12 RV 42 45 1 7 5
g. Handling an unexpected major crisis
Both Neither No
Obama Romney (vol.) (vol.) opinion
10/13/12 RV 52 40 2 3 3
9/29/12 RV 52 42 1 2 3
Compare to:
Both Neither No
Obama McCain (vol.) (vol.) opinion
11/3/08 LV 49 45 2 2 2
11/2/08 LV 49 46 2 2 2
11/1/08 LV 51 45 1 1 1
10/31/08 LV 50 46 2 1 2
10/30/08 LV 49 46 1 1 2
10/29/08 LV 48 47 2 1 2
10/28/08 LV 47 48 1 2 3
10/27/08 LV 46 48 2 2 3
10/19/08 LV 49 45 1 2 2
10/11/08 LV 52 43 1 3 1
9/29/08 RV 44 50 1 2 3
9/22/08 RV 46 47 2 2 3
9/7/08 RV 37 54 2 3 3
8/22/08 RV 41 52 2 2 3
7/13/08 RV 42 51 3 2 3
13. (ASKED OF REGISTERED VOTERS) Regardless of who you may support, who do you think [ITEM] - (Obama) or (Romney)?
10/13/12 - Summary Table - among registered voters*
Both Neither No
Obama Romney (vol.) (vol.) opinion
a. Better understands the
economic problems people
in this country are having 51 40 2 5 2
b. Seems like the more friendly
and likable person 60 30 6 3 2
c. Has better ideas about the right
size and role of the federal
government 44 46 1 5 5
d. Is the stronger leader 49 45 1 2 3
* Full sample asked items a and b; half sample asked item c; half sample asked item d
10/13/12 - Summary Table - among likely voters*
Both Neither No
Obama Romney (vol.) (vol.) opinion
a. Better understands the
economic problems people
in this country are having 51 42 2 4 1
b. Seems like the more friendly
and likable person 58 32 6 2 2
c. Has better ideas about the right
size and role of the federal
government 44 48 1 4 4
d. Is the stronger leader 49 47 1 1 2
* Full sample asked items a and b; half sample asked item c; half sample asked item d
Trend:
a. Better understands the economic problems people in this country are having
Both Neither No
Obama Romney (vol.) (vol.) opinion
10/13/12 RV 51 40 2 5 2
9/29/12 RV 52 39 2 6 1
9/9/12 RV 50 40 3 4 3
8/25/12 RV 47 40 1 9 2
7/8/12 RV 51 40 2 5 2
5/20/12 RV 48 40 2 8 2
4/8/12 RV 49 38 2 8 2
2/4/12 RV 52 37 2 7 2
b. Seems like the more friendly and likable person
Both Neither No
Obama Romney (vol.) (vol.) opinion
10/13/12 RV 60 30 6 3 2
9/29/12 RV 62 29 5 3 2
9/9/12 RV 61 27 5 3 3
8/25/12 RV 61 27 6 4 2
7/8/12 RV 63 26 5 2 4
4/8/12 RV 64 28 3 2 3
c. Has better ideas about the right size and role of the federal government
Both Neither No
Obama Romney (vol.) (vol.) opinion
10/13/12 RV 44 46 1 5 5
Compare to: Regardless of your other political views, overall which party do you
think has better ideas about the right size and role of the federal government -
the (Democratic Party) or the (Republican Party)?
Both Neither
Democratic Republican (vol.) (vol.) No opinion
10/3/10 RV 41 45 3 8 4
6/6/10 RV 44 41 1 11 3
d. Is the stronger leader
Both Neither No
Obama Romney (vol.) (vol.) opinion
10/13/12 RV 49 45 1 2 3
9/9/12 RV 50 42 2 2 5
7/8/12 RV 46 44 3 2 6
4/8/12 RV 48 42 1 5 5
14. (ASKED OF REGISTERED VOTERS) Please tell me whether the following statement applies to [ITEM], or not: He is honest and trustworthy?
10/13/12 - Summary Table – among registered voters
Yes No No opinion
a. Obama 56 40 4
b. Romney 45 47 8
10/13/12 - Summary Table - among likely voters
Yes No No opinion
a. Obama 55 41 4
b. Romney 47 47 6
Trend:
a. Obama:
Yes No No opinion
10/13/12 RV 56 40 4
11/3/11 RV 56 41 4
4/24/09 74 22 4
1/16/09 75 19 6
12/14/08 67 22 11
b. No trend.
15. (ASKED OF REGISTERED VOTERS) If [ITEM], how confident are you, if at all, that the country will get back on track economically in the next year or two - very confident, somewhat confident, not so confident or not confident at all?
10/13/12 - Summary Table – among registered voters
--- Confident --- --- Not confident --- No
NET Very Smwt NET Not so At all opinion
a. Obama is re-elected 49 19 30 50 14 37 1
b. Romney is elected 49 18 31 51 21 29 1
10/13/12 - Summary Table – among likely voters
--- Confident --- --- Not confident --- No
NET Very Smwt NET Not so At all opinion
a. Obama is re-elected 48 19 29 51 13 38 1
b. Romney is elected 51 20 31 49 19 29 *
Trend:
a. Obama is re-elected
--- Confident --- --- Not confident --- No
NET Very Smwt NET Not so At all opinion
10/13/12 RV 49 19 30 50 14 37 1
9/29/12 RV 47 14 34 53 18 35 *
9/9/12 RV 46 19 27 53 17 36 1
8/25/12 RV 42 14 28 58 18 40 1
b. Romney is elected
--- Confident --- --- Not confident --- No
NET Very Smwt NET Not so At all opinion
10/13/12 RV 49 18 31 51 21 29 1
9/29/12 RV 51 12 39 47 21 27 1
9/9/12 RV 49 14 35 50 19 31 1
8/25/12 RV 46 11 35 52 21 32 1
16. (ASKED OF REGISTERED VOTERS) Thinking now about job opportunities where you live, would you say there are plenty of jobs available in your community, or are jobs difficult to find? (IF DIFFICULT TO FIND) Are jobs very or somewhat difficult to find in your community?
Plenty of jobs - Difficult to find - Lots of some jobs, No
available NET Somewhat Very few of others (vol.) opinion
10/13/12 LV 25 68 37 30 2 5
10/13/12 RV 25 69 36 32 2 5
4/8/12 RV 22 71 36 35 2 4
4/8/12 24 70 35 35 2 4
7/17/11 14 82 33 49 2 2
12/13/09 12 84 NA NA 2 2
10/4/09* 14 79 3 3
2/8/09 11 80 3 6
12/8/08 19 73 4 4
10/12/08 25 64 4 7
7/27/08 31 58 4 7
4/27/08 30 61 4 5
2/2/08 34 53 5 8
11/07 41 48 4 7
9/16/07 36 50 6 8
6/3/07 39 49 5 7
2/11/07 39 48 6 7
12/10/06 40 49 5 6
3/7/06 37 56 3 4
1/8/06 33 56 6 5
10/10/05 36 56 4 4
5/15/05 30 60 6 4
1/9/05 32 58 5 5
9/21/04 31 52 6 11
8/10/04 34 55 4 7
4/25/04 30 57 4 9
2/29/04 31 59 5 6
1/11/04 27 60 6 7
10/19/03 24 66 5 5
6/23/02 31 59 4 6
6/17/01 42 44 8 6
8/9/92 15 76 6 3
5/7/92 16 77 4 3
1/21/92 12 79 " " 6 3
*10/09 to 6/01 Pew; 1992 U.S. News & World Reports
17. (ASKED OF REGISTERED VOTERS) As you may know, the unemployment rate has moved below 8 percent for the first time in nearly four years. How much credit, if any, do you think Obama deserves for this – a lot of credit, some, a little or none at all?
Unemployment
--- A lot/Some --- --- Little/None --- not down much No
NET A lot Some NET Little None (vol.) opinion
10/13/12 LV 52 23 29 46 15 31 1 1
10/13/12 RV 52 22 30 46 17 29 1 1
18. (ASKED OF REGISTERED VOTERS) Do you think Obama does more to favor the (middle class) or more to favor the (wealthy)?
Favor Favor Treat No
middle class wealthy equally (vol.) opinion
10/13/12 LV 68 16 4 11
10/13/12 RV 68 17 4 11
9/29/12 RV 66 17 5 12
8/25/12 RV 62 23 6 9
19. (ASKED OF REGISTERED VOTERS) As president do you think Romney would do more to favor the (middle class) or more to favor the (wealthy)?
Favor Favor Treat No
middle class wealthy equally (vol.) opinion
10/13/12 LV 33 57 6 4
10/13/12 RV 31 58 5 6
9/29/12 RV 35 57 3 4
8/25/12 RV 32 58 5 5
20. (ASKED OF REGISTERED VOTERS) Do you think Romney has or has not done enough to provide details about the policies he would pursue as president?
Has done Has not No
enough done enough opinion
10/13/12 LV 34 63 3
10/13/12 RV 32 63 5
9/9/12 RV 31 63 7
21. (ASKED OF REGISTERED VOTERS) Do you think Obama has or has not done enough to provide details about the policies he would pursue in a second term as president?
Has done Has not No
enough done enough opinion
10/13/12 LV 44 54 2
10/13/12 RV 43 53 3
9/9/12 RV 46 49 5
22. (ASKED OF REGISTERED VOTERS) So far during this campaign, do you think [NAME] has been mainly (attacking his opponent) or mainly (addressing the issues)?
10/13/12 - Summary Table – among registered voters
Attacking Addressing No
his opponent the issues opinion
a. Obama 49 44 7
b. Romney 53 41 6
10/13/12 - Summary Table – among likely voters
Attacking Addressing No
his opponent the issues opinion
a. Obama 50 44 6
b. Romney 52 43 5
Trend:
a. Obama
Attacking Addressing No
his opponent the issues opinion
10/13/12 RV 49 44 7
8/25/12 RV 56 36 8
10/11/08 RV 26 68 6
8/22/08 RV 29 64 8
b. Romney
Attacking Addressing No
his opponent the issues opinion
10/13/12 RV 53 41 6
8/25/12 RV 54 37 8
Compare to: McCain
10/11/08 RV 59 35 6
8/22/08 RV 48 45 7
23. (ASKED OF REGISTERED VOTERS) I have a question about the first presidential debate between (Obama) and (Romney). From what you've seen, heard or read about it - who, in your opinion, won the debate?
Neither/a draw No
Obama Romney a tie (vol.) opinion
10/13/12 LV 17 71 7 4
10/13/12 RV 18 69 7 6
Compare to:
Neither/a draw No
Obama McCain a tie (vol.) opinion
9/29/08 RV 38 24 22 16
24. (ASKED OF REGISTERED VOTERS) As a result of the debate do you have a better opinion of (Obama/Romney), a worse opinion of him, or didn't your opinion of (Obama/Romney) change one way or the other?
10/13/12 - Summary Table – among registered voters
Has not
Better Worse changed No opinion
a. Obama 9 19 70 2
b. Romney 35 14 48 3
10/13/12 - Summary Table – among likely voters
Has not
Better Worse changed No opinion
a. Obama 8 19 72 1
b. Romney 37 14 47 2
Compare to:
9/29/08 - Summary Table – among registered voters
Has not
Better Worse changed No opinion
a. Obama 19 7 68 7
b. McCain 14 11 68 7
25. (ASKED OF REGISTERED VOTERS) Have you personally been contacted by a representative of the [CANDIDATE] campaign, either by phone, in-person, or online asking you for your support, or not?
10/13/12 - Summary Table – among registered voters
Yes No No opinion
a. Obama 25 72 2
b. Romney 21 76 3
10/13/12 - Summary Table – among likely voters
Yes No No opinion
a. Obama 27 71 2
b. Romney 22 75 3
Trend:
a. Obama
Yes No No opinion
10/13/12 RV 25 72 2
9/29/12 RV 23 76 1
8/25/12 RV 20 79 1
b. Romney
Yes No No opinion
10/13/12 RV 21 76 3
9/29/12 RV 20 79 1
8/25/12 RV 13 86 *
Compare to:
Have you personally been contacted by a representative of the [CANDIDATE] campaign,
either by phone or in-person, asking you for your support, or not?
Yes No No opinion
10/22/08 Obama LV 21 78 1
10/22/08 McCain LV 14 85 1
9/26/04 Bush LV 18 82 *
9/26/04 Kerry LV 17 82 1
26a. (IF CONTACTED BY OBAMA CAMPAIGN) When was the last time you were contacted, within the last week, within the last month or longer ago than that?
Within last Within last Longer No
week month ago opinion
10/13/12 LV 54 37 9 *
10/13/12 RV 53 36 11 *
9/29/12 RV 53 34 10 3
25/26a NET:
---------------------- Yes ----------------------- Not No
NET Last week Last month Longer Don’t know contacted op.
10/13/12 LV 27 15 10 2 * 71 2
10/13/12 RV 25 13 9 3 * 72 2
9/29/12 RV 23 12 8 2 NA 76 1
26b. (IF CONTACTED BY ROMNEY CAMPAIGN) When was the last time you were contacted, within the last week, within the last month or longer ago than that?
Within last Within last Longer No
week month ago opinion
10/13/12 LV 57 35 7 1
10/13/12 RV 56 36 6 2
9/29/12 RV 55 34 9 1
25/26b NET:
---------------------- Yes ----------------------- Not No
NET Last week Last month Longer Don’t know contacted op.
10/13/12 LV 22 13 8 2 * 75 3
10/13/12 RV 21 12 8 1 * 76 3
9/29/12 RV 20 11 7 2 NA 79 1
27. (ASKED OF REGISTERED VOTERS) Just your best guess, who do you think will win the presidential election this year - (Obama) or (Romney)?
Other No
Obama Romney (vol.) opinion
10/13/12 LV 56 35 * 8
10/13/12 RV 57 33 * 10
9/29/12 RV 63 31 * 6
8/25/12 RV 56 37 * 8
7/8/12 RV 58 33 1 8
Compare to: Just your best guess, who do you think will win the presidential election
this year - (Obama) or (the Republican candidate)?
Obama Rep. candidate No opinion
3/10/12 54 40 6
1/15/12 46 49 5
12/18/11 46 49 5
10/2/11 37 55 8
28. (ASKED OF REGISTERED VOTERS) On a ship in a storm, who would you rather have as the captain, (Obama) or (Romney)? (HALF SAMPLE)
Both Neither No
Obama Romney (vol.) (vol.) opinion
10/13/12 RV 48 44 1 4 3
9/29/12 RV 52 40 1 6 1
9/9/12 RV 46 43 * 7 4
29. (ASKED OF REGISTERED VOTERS) Who would you rather have babysit your children, (Obama) or (Romney)? (HALF SAMPLE)
Both Neither No
Obama Romney (vol.) (vol.) opinion
10/13/12 RV 49 36 3 9 4
9/29/12 RV 41 41 3 13 2
30. (ASKED OF REGISTERED VOTERS) If you ran a company, who would you rather have as an employee, (Obama) or (Romney)? (HALF SAMPLE)
Both Neither No
Obama Romney (vol.) (vol.) opinion
10/13/12 RV 46 46 3 3 3
31. (ASKED OF REGISTERED VOTERS) Who do you think is more likely to go bungee-jumping, (Obama) or (Romney)? (HALF SAMPLE)
Both Neither No
Obama Romney (vol.) (vol.) opinion
10/13/12 RV 60 21 2 7 10
901. Generally speaking, do you usually think of yourself as (a Democrat), (a Republican), an independent or what?
Democrat Republican Independent Other (vol.) No opinion 10/13/12 LV 35 26 33 3 2 10/13/12 RV 34 25 36 3 2 9/29/12 LV 33 30 33 3 1 9/29/12 RV 33 28 34 4 1 9/9/12 RV 32 26 37 4 1 8/25/12 RV 32 25 36 6 2 7/8/12 RV 36 27 33 3 1 5/20/12 RV 34 25 34 6 1 4/8/12 RV 37 24 33 4 1 3/10/12 RV 31 29 36 3 2 2/12/12 RV 36 25 34 5 1 1/15/12 RV 32 27 35 5 1
