Reuters/Ipsos: Gingrich The Top GOP Choice, But Down 13 Against Obama

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A new national poll from Reuters/Ipsos shows a similar story to an AP/GfK survey from Wednesday morning — Newt Gingrich is up big in the national Republican primary, but he faces major problems in a possible matchup with President Obama.

Gingrich is up ten points on former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney in the GOP horserace, 28 – 18. But Newt would lose to President Obama 51 to 38 in the national sample, while Obama bests Romney 48 to 40. From Reuters:)

Gingrich has a long record of making provocative statements that could alienate independent voters, such as when he recently referred to Palestinians as an “invented” people.

Even so, some conservative Republicans see him as preferable to Romney, a former Massachusetts governor who has built a more extensive campaign and fundraising operation.

“This is the Republican dilemma,” said Calvin Jillson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University. ” ‘Do I want to enjoy myself by voting for Gingrich … or do I want to look toward the general election and see a winnable contest?'”

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