Obama's Big Lead: This National Poll is Different

Sen. Barack Obama just dashed past his Republican opponent in today's Washington Post/ABC poll, grabbing what the Post calls his "first clear lead" of the entire general election.

The national poll, which does not reflect the Electoral College or prioritize the swing states that actually decide the election, shows Obama besting Sen. John McCain by 52 percent to 43 percent among likely voters. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus three points. (Full data.)

Economic concerns are not only boosting Obama -- voters' views of his economic leadership have improved during the past few weeks:

Independents, key swing voters, now break for Obama, 53 percent to 39 percent, reversing a small lead for McCain after the Republican convention... In the new poll, voters once again gave Obama higher marks than McCain when it comes to dealing with the economy, 53 percent to 39 percent. Two weeks ago, Obama's edge on the question was a narrow five points, his lowest of the campaign. Among independents, Obama's advantage on the economy -- now 21 points -- is greater than at any point in the campaign.

National polls still offer only a rough snapshot of the electorate. Yet this one is striking because it suggests a sharp and unusual turn in the national mood -- a kind that never occurred during the last presidential election.

Then, both candidates were locked in such a tight race that neither broke 50 percent in any Post/ABC poll prior to Election Day. Now, as the country faces a major economic crisis and voters look toward the first presidential debate, Obama appears to have consolidated majority support heading into the most crucial phase of the campaign.

--
Ari Melber writes for The Nation and The Washington Independent, where this piece first appeared.

Follow Ari Melber on Twitter: www.twitter.com/AriMelber

Comments

[o-kaye]

So they are going to give all this money to be financial companies that are foreclosing on thousands of homes. Why don't they forgive the debt of those going into foreclosure, which would assure middle-class Americans benefit. By the way, my house is free of debt, therefore, I have no personal gain by that comment. Payment to the financial company will not free up the debt of this country.

[ImmanuelKant]

What a great idea for a great moment Ari. You go.

[Marcantm]

Ari, you NEED to get on television more often. That was amazing. You were clear, concisice, levelheaded, and, unlike the republican strategist you were talking to, you didn't act like a fifteen year old petulant, sarcastic child. Bravo, my friend.

[wallygator]

Take it to 'em Ari ! You are doing a fine job! I bet you and Cambell could make Tucker cry.

[ratcity]

I see that McCain has canceled the debates this friday because he said he wants to fix the economy.
This little trick will not work with me or my wife. But there are a lot of people that are weak minded and will believe this little trick. Good luck Obama. I will give you another $100.00 next month.

[ramblingjohnny]

This is why he is nicknamed No Drama Obama. A steady hand in the storm always inspire more respect than the fear monger and the panic starter!

[research]

It's nice to hear the polls are favoring Obama, but

They are no more reliable than you Hora scope.

Go to the "DATA" link. scan it.

Note: They do not list how many numbers they called unsuccessfully. The larger the number of no-answers, the less reliable to the poll.

retired old people with time on their hands.

Glad even they are starting to go for Obama.

[CalexenderJ]

Fantastic job on MSNBC Ari, it's not often that democratic surrogates get the best of the exchanges. Way to not get walked over. I hope to see you on tv more often.

Also your point on Palin stonewalling the investigation and showing contempt for her state legislative body is absolutely correct. Apparently she favors transparency unless it involves her actions.

[rkimball]

it's the economy,stupid.

mc cain's strength may be in national security.
security or iraq are not the #1 & #2 issues anymore.

people want to know if they will be able to eat or not freeze this winter or if they will still have a job & a retiremet plan.

wake up mc cain,this is the real issue.

[CaptainStormfield]

http://www.truthout.org/article/rfk-jr-and-mike-papantonio-is-your-vote-safe

Make sure and spread this link around.

[qwr]

Good job, Ari. Your debate on MSNBC wasn't even close.

[MarkfromCT]

The poll's edge to Obama may be higher than most, but directionally is right in line with recent polling that has been occurring. (see www.fivethirtyeight.com) to look at this phenomena. Obama getting the White women voters back is also significant...

Obama's lead is back to pre-convention, pre-Palin..

[coryco]

Do Republican spokeswomen train to have that voice or are they born with it? It seem to be a prerequisite.

[Yermammy]

Arianna said a long time ago not to depend on polling. Remember that. Pretend we're losing and fight harder. Just as in martial arts, you don't strike to the opponent, you strike THROUGH the opponent. I want a landslide. That's the only way Barack will win, when you factor the voting machine "quirks", voter suppression, misleading voter information, new obscure laws banning displaced homeowners from voting, the Bradley effect and so on. Even with a landslide it will be CLOSE!

[Shasta]

I totally agree. Do not let your guard down people!

[ProudLiberalDan]

Everyone can help with this by voting early and absentee NOW if you can.

[larry278]

I think the poll & those who responded to the poll are trying to say, "Say good bye & go back to bed in your rooms, John, Sarah.".