NBC/Wall Street Journal Poll

The poll conducted by Bill McInturff and Peter Hart shows President Obama topping Mitt Romney 49-43 compared to last month's 50 to 44.  President Obama's approval rating is at 49, approximating the same as George W. Bush and Bill Clinton at a similar stage in their first term. 


President Obama's 2008 base seems to be unifying now. African-Americans support him at 90-4. Latinos are 69-22, the Young at 60 to 34. Women at 53 to 41. President Obama leads among independents at 44 to 34; among Midwesterners at 47-44 and suburban women at 48-45. 


President Obama surpasses Romney in almost every category of character:
1. Likeable  54 to 18
2. Caring    54 to 22
3. Women's issues  49 to 21.
4. Middle Class 48 to 27.
5. Experience 45 to 30.
6. Commander-in-chief 43 to 33
7. Standing up for one's own belief 41-30.
8. Honest and straight 37 to 30.


Romney however is ahead on ideas for improving the economy 40 to 34.


75% would vote for someone who will fight for balance, fairness and strengthening the Middle Class.
7 in 10 would vote for someone who believes that America is better off when everyone gets a fair shot.


For the first time, the poll shows that a plurality believe that President Obama's policies have improved the economy.


Peter Hart says the election will resemble 2000 and 2004 and be very close.