CNN released a new national poll on Monday showing former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney up by a single point on President Barack Obama, 48 – 47, in 2012 matchup among registered voters. Obama is also challenged strong by Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), who comes within two points of besting the President 48 – 46. The TPM Poll Average of an Obama-Romney matchup shows the President with a 2.1 percent advantage at the moment.
According to the survey, both men are seen as strong leaders, and both are viewed as having the personal qualities that a president should have. Forty-eight percent of Americans say that Obama agrees with them on the issues they care about – not great, but better than the 43% who feel that way about Romney.
“But on the economy – issue number one to most Americans – Romney has a clear advantage. 53% say the former Massachusetts governor can get the economy moving; only 40% say that about President Barack Obama,” says Holland. “But the numbers are reversed when voters are asked whether the candidates are in touch with ordinary Americans. Fifty-three percent say that Obama is in touch; only four in ten feel that way about Romney.”
