FL POLL: McCreepy 47, Obama 45

[jefferson_dem]

John McCain is nursing a narrow lead over Barack Obama in Florida even as voters say the Democrat is more trusted to handle their most important issue: the economy, according to a new Miami Herald poll.

The poll, taken Sept. 14-17 -- when Wall Street turmoil dominated world and national news -- gives McCain a 47 to 45 percentage point lead over Obama, with 7 percent undecided. The poll's margin of error was 3.5 percentage points.

But if the economic crisis deepens, ''Obama is in a position to improve his poll numbers, given the confidence in his handling of the economy,'' said Democratic pollster Tom Eldon of Schroth, Eldon & Associates, who conducted the poll with Republican pollster Kellyanne Conway. The poll was also underwritten by the St. Petersburg Times and Bay News 9.

McCain's razor-thin lead virtually guarantees, however, that ''once again, Florida is going to be the pivotal battleground state in this election,'' he said.

The survey of 800 likely voters echoed the economic jitters of the nation, as 43 percent of voters said the economy should be the next president's top concern. That's a three-to-one margin over the next two top issues: managing the war in Iraq, at 14 percent, and protecting us from terrorism, at 12 percent.

When voters were asked who will be the most effective commander in chief, McCain was favored 55 to 38 percent. For those who said terrorism was their top issue, McCain got a whopping 92 percent of the vote. When it came to managing the war in Iraq or Afghanistan, McCain was favored 54-40 percent.

But when asked which of the candidates will best ''improve the economy,'' Obama was chosen over McCain 49 to 40 percent for all voters and 53 to 30 percent among independent voters. For voters who also answered that the economy is the most important issue, Obama led 56 to 34 percent.

<SNIP>

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/story/694979.html

[elleng]

1. Sept 18

Presidential Ballots
State McCain Obama Other Undecided

FL 46% 46% 3% 5%
NH* 48% 45% 1% 6%
SC 59% 37% - 4%
NE 60% 34% - 5%

Click on each state for survey details. Totals may not add up to 100% because of rounding.

http://americanresearchgroup.com/

[rockymountaindem]

7. That situation in New Hampshire really worries me

We need to make sure we hold on to them. If we don't we're looking at a potential 269-269 tie.

[datopbanana]

2. I think that translates to about 150,000 votes in FL. That can easily be made up with new registers.

[elleng]

9. They STILL have problems with ballots

in Palm Beach County, tho.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-0919-pbc-recount,0,6908077.story

[Thrill]

3. That is not good news for McCain. Especially when you hear Plouffe talking about the new voters

in Florida. That aren't likely being accounted for.

All these Polls continue to show, if Obama has a good showing in the debates. He'll win this election by a substantial margin. I think voters want to see his grasp on international issues.

[Unsane]

4. Obama's internals are trending in his favor; that's why he's there.

[GOPNotForMe]

5. GObama! Must turn Florida blue!

My anecdotal evidence has given me major hope for Florida. I already know two Florida residents who are lifelong Republicans, never voted for a Democrat in their life, who are going for Obama. These are people that I had long written off as impossible Republican zombies. This doesn't even count the people I know who are Republican-leaning who are now going for Obama. And Obama is actually campaigning in North Florida (and getting a huge crowd from which I was turned away today!). Kerry made such a huge mistake in ignoring the northern half of the state. Obama seems to know that you have to extract every vote from every county, even the red ones. There are dems there, you just have to find them and get them energized! They are so used to being ignored.

[still_one]

6. Maybe if the retirees who lived in Florida realize that bush/mccain want to destroy Social Security

things would change

[elleng]

8. Yes, that would change things,

and with the recent mess, the opportunity has presented itself for Dems to mention it, early and often. Hope they do.