Obama bests or ties Romney in three key states, poll shows

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(CBS News) While the general election is just beginning, a new poll shows a very close contest shaping up in two critical states.

President Obama and his presumed Republican challenger Mitt Romney are essentially tied in Florida and Ohio, according to a new Quinnipiac poll. In Florida, Romney takes 44 percent to Mr. Obama's 43 percent, while in Ohio, Mr. Obama wins 44 percent and Romney wins 42 percent.

In Pennsylvania, meanwhile -- another swing state -- Mr. Obama has a distinct lead with 47 percent support to Romney's 39 percent.

No presidential candidate since 1960 has won the White House without carrying two of these three states, polled by Quinnipiac from April 25 - May 1.

While Mr. Obama is doing slightly better overall in those three states, Romney appears to have gained some ground -- a month ago, the president had bigger leads in Florida and Ohio. And on the critical issue of the economy, Romney may have an edge.

Voters in Florida say Romney would do a better job fixing the economy, 49 percent to 40 percent. Similarly, 47 percent of Ohio voters say Romney would do a better job, compared to 43 percent who say Mr. Obama would. In Pennsylvania, voters are split: 44 percent say Mr. Obama would do a better job handling the economy while 43 percent pick Romney.

While at least two thirds of voters in all three states say the economy is still in a recession, at least 51 percent in each state say the recovery has begun. In some good news for the president, a new Associated Press survey of 32 leading economists suggests the unemployment rate could fall below 8 percent by Election Day.

In Ohio and Pennsylvania, Romney could gain more ground if he widened his appeal among women. In Ohio, 50 percent of women back the president while 37 percent support Romney. Among men in that state, Romney has a 10-point advantage. Similarly in Pennsylvania, women choose Mr. Obama over Romney, 52 percent to 35 percent while men prefer Romney by three points.

[D-Waarheid]

Obama a good president?

Only if one considers running the country into the ground as being something good !

Argue what you will but the raw fact is that the USA is in much worse condition than before Obama.

That's not good anyway you slice it !

[vielmann]

I'll say this again, Romney is only leading Obama in one demographic and that is white men over 50 demographic. In all others, Obama leads by leaps and bounds. Tie that to the low enthusiasm this time around in the GOP, and one can see that Romney will not be the next president.

[bbglow]

I'm fair skinned, male and over 50 and would like to see a change in Washington, however, so far, the only change I see the republicans proposing is a change back to the previous adminstration.

[r9119111]

Obama in 2912.

[Zann-Zel]

I'm not sure he'll be alive by then! ; )

OBAMA 2012 : )

[rightbehind]

Why would anybody in their right mind vote to put republican economic terrorist back in charge.

[Zann-Zel]

I have NO idea!!!

[mountainstates1]

Obama is unquestioningly the best president we've had since John Kennedy. Obama prevented the Great Recession from becoming the Great Depression. He restored out ties with international allies Bush had destroyed. Obama got us out of Bush's war in Iraq. He has fought for tax cuts for the middle class while forcing billionaires to finally man up and pay their fair share. Obama has my vote in 2012.

[Filmguy870]

Right On!!!

[unclebernies]

People have to understand you can't afford 4 fours of a President Romeny rubber stamping Eric Cantor and John Bohners right wing facist agendas.

[Zann-Zel]

Romney could gain more ground if he widened his appeal among women.
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The Republicans have done way too much damage there - I don't think there is ANYTHING they could do to widen their appeal among women!

Women WILL remember in November and vote ALL their ***** OUT!

OBAMA 2012 : )

[bbglow]

As much as I would like to vote for another change, the republicans refuse to acknowledge that they are responsible for electing Obama in the first place. Until they come to that realization, they will continue to be unable to demonstrate why they deserve the change requested.

[andrewjsacks]

Obama is our man and will win again.

[nottblu]

shallowcretin, no president prior to Obama has increased the defecit more in such a short period of time. Here are some FACTS for you. 80 million entitlement checks go out every single month. Obama eased requirements for food stamps, they have gone up 40% since Obama has taken office. Over 50% of the budget goes to entitlements. 47% pay no income tax, unemployment has reamined above 8%, billions spent on stimulus and pie in the sky project failure, the list goes on and on. Get a clue ok?

[bbglow]

This seems to suggest that the republicans are the answer, did not contribute to the situation and somehow will correct it all without revenue increases. I have yet to hear exactly what will be cut and who will profit? Good paying employment would help increase revenue, however, the emphasis seems to have gone abroad. Stop the rhetoric and platitudes, if you want my vote start providing detailed information.

[andrewjsacks]

There are books written about lying with stats, pal. OBAMA 2012!