Quinnipiac poll of registered voters: Obama holds an overall 46–42% lead over Romney.
Powered by a big lead with women.
Conducted April 11-17, error margin 1.9 points.
BIG LEAD WITH WOMEN GIVES OBAMA AN EDGE ON ROMNEY, QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY NATIONAL POLL FINDS
President Barack Obama holds a thin 46 – 42 percent lead over former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, according to a Quinnipiac University national poll released today. New Jersey Gov. Christopher Christie, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Wisconsin U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan lead the guess list for possible Romney running mates.
Looking at personal characteristics, 81 percent of American voters think the president is likable, compared to 63 percent for Romney. Obama cares about their needs and problems, 57 percent say, compared to 44 percent for Romney. The Republican has strong leadership qualities, 61 percent say, compared to 60 percent for the president, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University poll of 2,577 American voters finds.
Romney is seen as better on the economy 47 – 43 percent, better on creating jobs 45 – 42 percent, better on gas prices 44 – 31 percent and better on immigration 43 – 39 percent. The president is viewed 52 – 32 percent as better on women’s issues and 46 – 40 percent on foreign policy. The two men are seen equally on taxes and health care.
“The presidential race remains tight. With Gov. Mitt Romney now the de facto Republican nominee, a look at how the two men are perceived by the electorate reflects much of the historic differences between the two parties in close elections, which this seems likely to be,” said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.
“President Barack Obama has a big lead among women and is seen as the candidate most in tune with their needs. He is seen as more in touch with average Americans. Republican Romney seems to hold an edge on the economy – the top issue of the campaign – and holds his own against the incumbent on being a strong leader. His opening is that by 56 – 38 percent voters disapprove of the president’s handling of the economy.”
“The gender gap remains, with Obama leading among women 49 – 39 percent and trailing slightly among men 46 – 43 percent,” said Brown. “The racial gap is even wider: Romney leads 52 – 36 percent among whites, while the president is ahead among blacks 94 – 3 percent and among Hispanics 64 – 24 percent.”
From April 11 – 17, Quinnipiac University surveyed 2,577 registered voters with a margin of error of +/- 1.9 percentage points. Live interviewers call land lines and cell phones.
The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts public opinion surveys in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio, Virginia and the nation as a public service and for research.
