Poll: Obama Maintains Double-Digit Lead

CBS News/NY Times Survey Shows Voters Feel More Comfortable With Democratic Nominee, Uneasy About Rival McCain

(CBS)  With just twelve days left until Election Day, Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama holds a 13-point lead over Republican rival John McCain, a new CBS News/New York Times poll shows.

Obama now leads McCain 52 percent to 39 percent among likely voters nationwide, roughly the same lead he held last week. Just five percent are undecided, and more than 9 in 10 of each candidate’s supporters say their mind is made up.

Obama’s lead among independent voters, who have swung back and forth between the candidates, has fallen 12 points since last week - though the Democratic nominee still holds a 45 percent to 39 percent edge among the group.

Obama has been more successful in evoking a positive response from voters: Sixty-two percent say they feel personally comfortable with the Illinois senator. Far fewer - 47 percent - feel comfortable with McCain. In fact, a slightly higher percentage - 49 percent - report feeling "uneasy" about the Republican nominee. Thirty-four percent feel uneasy about Obama.

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Read The Complete Poll

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An increasing number of voters see McCain as running a negative campaign. Sixty-four percent say the Republican is spending more time attacking the other candidate than explaining what he would do as president, up 11 points from last month. Just 22 percent say the same of Obama.

The Democratic nominee is much more likely to be seen as having the temperament and personality to be president, and he holds a big advantage on handling the economy.

He is widely expected to win the presidency, with likely voters predicting an Obama victory by more than three to one.

Views Of The Candidates

Seventy-five percent of registered voters say Obama has the temperament and personality to be president, up 6 points from last week. Nineteen percent say he does not. Only 50 percent say McCain has the proper temperament and personality, while nearly as many - 45 percent - say that he does not.

When it comes to confidence in handling a crisis, Obama has a slight edge. Forty-nine percent say they are confident that Obama can deal with a crisis, while 47 percent are uneasy about the prospect. Forty-six percent are confident in McCain to handle a crisis, while 51 percent are uneasy.

In early September, McCain held a large lead on preparedness to be president, with 71 percent saying he is prepared versus 48 percent for Obama. While McCain still holds an advantage on this question, his lead has shrunk. Now 64 percent say McCain is prepared for the job, while 56 percent say the same of Obama.

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"Only On The Web:" A look at the way CBS polls are conducted.

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Sixty-five percent of voters are either very or somewhat confident in Obama to make the right decisions on the economy. A majority - 52 percent - are not confident in McCain on the economy. While 60 percent say Obama’s policies will favor the middle class or poor, nearly the same percentage say McCain’s policies would favor the rich.

When it comes to handling the war in Iraq, the candidates are now about even. Though voters are more likely to be "very confident" in McCain (32 percent) than Obama (28 percent) to make the right decisions on Iraq, they are also more likely to be at least somewhat confident in Obama (56 percent) than McCain (53 percent).

Obama holds a dramatic lead on confidence in handling health care, with 69 percent expressing confidence in him and 41 percent expressing confidence in McCain.

Obama continues to hold the lead on understanding the needs and problems of Americans, with 68 percent saying he understands their needs and 42 percent saying McCain understands. The Democratic nominee holds a wide edge on inspiring voters, with 53 percent saying Obama inspires them about their future and 27 percent saying the same of McCain.

Both candidates are seen as relatively honest, though Obama holds a slight edge. Fifty-three percent say Obama is more honest than most public officials, while 46 percent say McCain is more honest. Twelve percent say Obama is less honest, and 13 percent say McCain is less honest.

Obama is also seen as more clear about what he would do: 81 percent say he is clear about his plans. Sixty-five percent say McCain is clear about what he would do as president.

Obama holds a wide edge on favorability. More than half of registered voters - 52 percent - have a favorable opinion of Obama, while 31 percent have an unfavorable opinion of him. For McCain, the percentage that views him unfavorably - 46 percent - exceeds the percentage that views him favorably - 39 percent.

The Vice Presidential Candidates, The Candidates’ Spouses And The Powell Endorsement

Voters continue to hold a net negative view of Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, with 31 percent viewing her favorably and 40 percent viewing her unfavorably. They hold a far more positive view of Democratic counterpart Joe Biden, with 43 percent viewing him favorably and 20 percent unfavorably.

[javamutt2]

Many say this Osama Obama, guy is our best choice for President? Well if this is all we got then we are in for four or more years of Anti-American Hatred from the Middle East. Loss of our American Heritage, the Constitution, Bill of Rights basically all American, fundamentals and beliefs to include FREEDOM OF CHOICE. For a mna who has been no where. Done nothing significant. Is totally Anti-American. And won''t last six months and that is giving him a lot. Why would someone from no where want to be someone from somewhere? Why not Collin Powell? At least he has the brains and experiences to go with the job. Obama the Hope of Americans? God we are really in a SAD SAD SAD STATE. If this is the best we can do!

[javamutt2]

Many say this Osama Obama, guy is our best choice for President? Well if this is all we got then we are in for four or more years of Anti-American Hatred from the Middle East. Loss of our American Heritage, the Constitution, Bill of Rights basically all American, fundamentals and beliefs to include FREEDOM OF CHOICE. For a mna who has been no where. Done nothing significant. Is totally Anti-American. And won''t last six months and that is giving him a lot. Why would someone from no where want to be someone from somewhere? Why not Collin Powell? At least he has the brains and experiences to go with the job. Obama the Hope of Americans? God we are really in a SAD SAD SAD STATE. If this is the best we can do!

[willik45]

Obama''s confidence and arrogance is now showing his true colors. Today Obama actually called those of us who feel that we pay enough taxes and don''t want to give HIM more to redistribute, "SELFISH". "Selfish" are those who will vote for Obama with the notion that they "have a right" to the income of their fellow Countrymen. He also stated that after Tuesday he will "Fundamentally transform the United States of America, forever." These two statements clearly indicate his intention to move America to Socialism. Democrats and Republicans should be VERY scared!! We, and our forefathers, ALL fought for the Liberty and Freedom that Obama intends to take away, sorry...."Transform".

[Confidential416]

ERoosevelt - Nicely said - I completely agree

[Confidential416]

I can''t even watch McSame or Failin. As soon as I see them I shut them off because I am so tired of hearing the negativity.. it feels like they are screaming all the time...
As for the experience factor - if McSame is so experienced why can''t he even run a decent campaign. The in-fighting, chaos, and erractic, reckless decisions is what the experienced one brings to the table.... No thanks!

[eroosevelt08]

When McCain speaks, it is a speech. When Obama speaks, he speaks to me.

[caldwellptr]

It should not matter that it would take me almost 3 years to earn what Sarah Palin purchased to wear on the Campaign Trail in 1 month.

[kopana]

I never thought I would say this but I really feel sorry for the Republicans as they have lost alot of respect from everyday Americans--

MCCain- just looks so mean spirited and always in the attack doggie mode, no maverick here!

Palin- is so mentally pathetic and knowledgeable on the National politics and basic governmental operations and terms that she is a danger to any National high office

Republican Base- Supporters either are mentally ill or really uneducated, lower income, religious right fanatics, (you know the type do not think for themselves just ask or Jesus types) and quite unsophisticated what they call "white trailer trash" either some of them have former KKK like mentality- at rallies yell, "Kill him" no wonder MCCAIN cannot raise money as these people do not have money to give, but cannnot think that the Republicans are a party that is for the RICH and SUPER RICH..Do they ever think why the Rich and Super Rich aren''t contributing to the MCCAIN campaign when they benefit the most from his policies?
President Bush- Is a complete joke and worst President ever in teh history of American that people just ignore and wish he did not exist. He is the nightmare of Pennsylvania Ave.

All the respectable and really knowledgeable Republicans are now endorsing OBAMA. I cannot blame them.

They saw it is far wiser for the country and putting the "country first" by voting smarter:
Vote OBAMA/BIDEN 08

[fbla1805]

Is Sarah just innovating again? Does want to end the recession we''re heading into with "trickle down" economics, by spending lavishly on herself?

--$4,716.49 on hair and makeup just through September,
--$22,800.00 for makeup Oct. 1-15,
--$5,102.71 at Bloomingdale%u2019s New York,
--$9,447.71 at Macy%u2019s in Minneapolis,
--$49,425.74 at Saks Fifth Avenue in St. Louis and New York
-- $75,062.63 in a whopping spending spree at Neiman Marcus in Minneapolis (hey, doggone - this "hockey mom" is goin'' upscale on us real fast!).

Then there''s the $21,012 for her three daughters'' 64 one-way and 12 round-trip commercial flights since she took office as Gov. in December 2006 (thankfully, that bill was paid by the state of Alaska, admirably proving Palin''s credentials as an equal-opportunity biller!).

Republicans used to belittle former Sen. John Edwards'' $400 haircut, but compared to Palin, that looks like chump change!

Even "Joe" (actually Sam) the Plumber must be turning all green with envy - Palin''s fashion budget for just these past few weeks is already more than four times the median salary of an American plumber ($37,514).

If elected, maybe she''ll single-handedly spend us out of this big recession Bush has us heading into! Wouldn''t she make a swell Pres.?

John McCain thinks so! Making her the V.P. candidate was his single most important decision going into this election campaign!

Does that make you confident of his judgment if elected President? Or not so much?

[mpiercearrow]

Let me figure you Republicans out. Sarah Palin misappropriated state funds for her family''s travel and expenses and then had documentation modified and backdated to make it seem the government should have been paying for the entitlements. Then, she takes the RNCs money and racks up 150K worth of clothing and cosmetics for her and her daughters since she became a VP candidate. She was found to have abused her authority in personnel affairs in the state of Alaska. This is who you want to put second-in-command to the White House. Seems to be a yearning for the resurrection of Nixonian impropiety and largesse, once again for the GOP. Sarah Palin is an albatross for the Republican ticket--and makes Democrats more secure in their own candidates. If McCain/Palin is embroiled with all this baggage now, what person would want to give them more power and opportunity to act so irresponsibly?

[whatithink10]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm8z3XFWzTU&feature=related

I found TEXASS on the internet. LOL!

That''s for you, TEXASS!

[snowake57]

check it out he''s done

http://xeniagazette.1upmonitor.com/main.asp?SectionID=17&SubSectionID=452&ArticleID=161386&TM=85035.18

[gotravel1]

Everyone needs to read the article on this website "Barack Obama:the New Jimmy carter".It is the first jounalist to write the truth in months!

[achangenow]

Obama''s the better candidate of the two. He understands the economic concerns many Americans are facing and has a more focused plan to deal with our concerns. McCain, on the other hand, admits economics are not his strong suit and wants to make tax cuts for the wealthy permament. Hasn''t the country suffered enough already? Or do you want the next 4 years to be much like the last 8?
Remember the number 1 issue is the ECONOMY! McCain continues to smear and inject fear but does not offer a real plan because he simply can''t!

[mairin27]

Yawn.


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Posted by WitchesRDumb at 10:49 PM : Oct 24, 2008

Witches- Rowdy is on the other blog about the McCain worker who faked being attacked.

[wntrpls]

WE WILL DEFEND DEMOCRACY IN THIS COUNTRY ... WE WILL DEFEND REWARDS FOR HARD WORK ... WE WILL DEFEND FREEDOM TO WORK HARD AND KEEP WHAT WE WORKED HARD FOR ... WE WILL SPREAD OPPORTUNITIES BUT NEVER STEAL THE MONEY OF HARDWORKING AMERICANS AND GIVE TO THOSE WHO ARE TOO LAZY TO WORK FOR THEMSELVES.

VOTE MCCAIN - AND SEND A MESSAGE TO ACORN THAT VOTER FRAUD IS NOT OK

VOTE MCCAIN - AND SEND A MESSAGE TO OBAMA THAT ALIGNING WITH RADICALS THE PAST 20 YEARS IS NOT OK ...

VOTE MCCAIN - AND SEND A MESSAGE TO OBAMA THAT SPREADING WEALTH TO ACORN IS NOT OK ...

VOTE MCCAIN - AND SEND A MESSAGE TO CNN/MSNBC/NEW YORK TIMES THAT MEDIA LYING AND BIASENESS IS AN INSULT TO HONEST JOURNALISTS WORLD OVER ...

VOTE MCCAIN - AND SEND A MESSAGE TO OBAMAMANIACS THAT SOCIALISTM IS NOT ACCEPTABLE IN AMERICA. WE ARE A DEMOCRACY AND WILL REMAIN SO

VOTE MCCAIN - AND SEND A MESSAGE TO DNC THAT STEALING THE 401K OF HARD WORKING AMERICANS AND GIVING IT TO ACORN AND THE LIKE IS NOT OK .

[targaray-2009]

John "The Make-Believe Maverick" meet Sarah "The Shopaholic Reformer" meet Joe "The Fake Plumber" meet Ashley "The Fake Hate Crimes Victim"

- STOP THE MADNESS - VOTE FOR CHANGE - 2008

[mairin27]

John McCain''''s Pennsylvania communications director told reporters in the state an incendiary version of the hoax story about the attack on a McCain volunteer well before the facts of the case were known or established -- and even told reporters outright that the "B" carved into the victim''''s cheek stood for "Barack," according to multiple sources familiar with the discussions.

John Verrilli, the news director for KDKA in Pittsburgh, told TPM Election Central that McCain''''s Pennsylvania campaign communications director gave one of his reporters a detailed version of the attack that included a claim that the alleged attacker said, "You''''re with the McCain campaign? I''''m going to teach you a lesson." Verrilli also told TPM that the McCain spokesperson had claimed that the "B" stood for Barack. According to Verrilli, the spokesperson also told KDKA that Sarah Palin had called the victim of the alleged attack, who has since admitted the story was a hoax.


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Posted by IOWEIGN at 09:07 PM : Oct 24, 2008


Even Faux News Chief Mr. Moody said if the story ends up not being true Mr. McCains campaign is over..forever linked to race baiting.

[ioweign]

John McCain''s Pennsylvania communications director told reporters in the state an incendiary version of the hoax story about the attack on a McCain volunteer well before the facts of the case were known or established -- and even told reporters outright that the "B" carved into the victim''s cheek stood for "Barack," according to multiple sources familiar with the discussions.

John Verrilli, the news director for KDKA in Pittsburgh, told TPM Election Central that McCain''s Pennsylvania campaign communications director gave one of his reporters a detailed version of the attack that included a claim that the alleged attacker said, "You''re with the McCain campaign? I''m going to teach you a lesson." Verrilli also told TPM that the McCain spokesperson had claimed that the "B" stood for Barack. According to Verrilli, the spokesperson also told KDKA that Sarah Palin had called the victim of the alleged attack, who has since admitted the story was a hoax.

[sickofpalin]

the one way mccain wins

dumps palin and His Holiness Benedict 16 joins the ticket