FOR RELEASE: OCTOBER 2, 2012

WOMEN GIVE OBAMA AN EDGE OVER ROMNEY,

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY POLL FINDS
LIKELY VOTERS PICK PRESIDENT TO WIN DEBATE 2-1
An 18-point lead among women puts President Barack Obama ahead of Gov. Mitt Romney

49

45 percent among likely voters nationwide, and voters expect 54 28 percent that the president
will win the debates, according to a Quinnipiac University national poll released today.
The president leads 56 38 percent among women and 94 2 percent among black
voters, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University poll finds. Men back Romney
52 42 percent while white voters back the Republican 53 42 percent.
Independent voters are divided with 47 percent for Romney and 45 percent for Obama.
American likely voters say 60 25 percent that the federal government would make
progress addressing the nations problems if one party controls the White House, the Senate and
the House of Representatives.
Voters dislike the Democratic Party less than they dislike the Republican Party, giving the
Democrats a negative 45 49 percent favorability rating, compared to a negative 41 52 percent
for the Republicans.
President Barack Obama won only about 43 percent of the white vote in 2008, so his
current standing among whites tracks his earlier winning performance, said Peter A. Brown,
assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. If the president can match or
exceed his 2008 showing among whites it will be difficult to impossible for Romney to win.
It is also very difficult to win an election when you are getting shellacked among
women, the group that makes up about half the electorate.
(For a downloadable video of Quinnipiac Polling Institute Assistant Director Tim Malloy
discussing the survey, click on HYPERLINK "http://www.quinnipiac.edu/institutes-andcenters/polling-institute/national/release-detail?ReleaseID=1801"
http://www.quinnipiac.edu/institutes-and-centers/polling-institute/national/release-detail?
ReleaseID=1801)
-moreEMBED Unknown

Quinnipiac University Poll/October 2, 2012 page 2

Historically, voters have preferred divided government in the belief that one side can
keep the other in line, but these numbers may indicate that the public is fed up with gridlock in
Washington, said Brown.
The economy is the most important issue in this election, 50 percent of American likely
voters say, while 17 percent list health care, followed by 13 percent who cite the budget deficit
and 7 percent who point to national security.
The candidates are even on who would do a better job on the economy, with 48 percent of
voters betting on Obama and 47 percent picking Romney.
Romney would do a better job on the budget deficit, voters say 52 42 percent.
Obama leads on every other issue: 50 45 percent on health care, 50 44 percent on
national security, 52 43 percent on handling an international crisis.
If they or a family member were at risk of violence in a foreign country, American likely
voters say 50 45 percent they would want Obama in the White House.
Some critical keys to the president's lead are that Romney has not convinced voters that
he would do a better job on the economy, Brown said. Romney is more trusted to address the
budget deficit, but Obama is the choice to handle other major problems and the go-to guy if you
or a family member is in danger overseas.
Obama cares about their needs and problems, voters say 60 38 percent. Romney doesnt
care, voters say 51 46 percent.
Among likely voters, 93 percent say they plan to watch the presidential debates, but 86
percent say they do not expect the candidates to say anything that would change their mind.
Voters clearly are interested in the debates but skeptical that the events will make them
reconsider their voting preference, said Brown.
The best news for Romney going into the debates is that voters have very low
expectations for him and therefore the bar for him to change some minds is set lower than it is for
the president.
From September 25 30, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,912 likely voters nationwide,
with margin of error of +/- 2.2 percent. Live interviewers call land lines and cell phones.
The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts public
opinion surveys in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio, Virginia
and the nation as a public service and for research.
For individual statewide crosstabs and trends visit HYPERLINK
"http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x2881.xml" http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x2881.xml

call (203) 582-5201.

or

1. If the election for President were being held today, and the candidates were
Barack Obama the Democrat and Mitt Romney the Republican, for whom would you vote?
(If undecided) As of today, do you lean more toward Obama or Romney?
LIKELY VOTERS.............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Obama
Romney
SMONE ELSE(VOL)
DK/NA

49%
45
2
4

7%
91
2

94%
5
2

45%
47
4
5

42%
52
3
3

56%
38
1
5

42%
53
2
3

94%
2
1
3

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Obama
Romney
SMONE ELSE(VOL)
DK/NA

Obama
Romney
SMONE ELSE(VOL)
DK/NA

50%
45
1
3

36%
57
3
4

32%
63
2
4

36%
60
1
4

35%
59
3
3

49%
46
1
4

18%
77
2
4

43%
53
1
3

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

54%
41
1
3

56%
37
3
4

62%
30
6
3

46%
48
3
4

49%
44
3
3

48%
48
2
3

48%
49
2
1

49%
46
2
3

46%
51
1
3

1a. (If candidate chosen q1) Is your mind made up, or do you think you might change
your mind before the election?
LIKELY VOTERS.......
CANDIDATE CHOSEN Q1
Tot
Obama Romney
Mind made up
Might change
DK/NA

95%
5
1

94%
5
-

95%
4
1

2. Is your opinion of Mitt Romney favorable, unfavorable or haven't you heard

enough about him?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Favorable
Unfavorable
Hvn't hrd enough
REFUSED

45%
48
5
2

88%
7
3
2

6%
88
5
1

46%
45
7
2

51%
42
5
2

38%
55
5
2

52%
42
4
2

5%
83
10
2

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Favorable
Unfavorable
Hvn't hrd enough
REFUSED

Favorable
Unfavorable
Hvn't hrd enough
REFUSED

48%
47
3
2

55%
38
5
2

62%
32
4
1

57%
36
6
2

58%
36
5
2

46%
49
4
2

74%
20
4
2

53%
40
5
2

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

43%
51
4
2

35%
57
7
1

32%
61
6
1

46%
46
6
2

45%
47
7
2

48%
46
5
1

48%
48
2
2

44%
48
6
2

50%
44
5
2

3. Is your opinion of Barack Obama favorable, unfavorable or haven't you heard

enough about him?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Favorable
Unfavorable
Hvn't hrd enough
REFUSED

50%
47
1
2

7%
90
1
2

94%
5
1

46%
49
2
2

43%
54
1
2

57%
40
1
2

42%
55
1
2

96%
4
-

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Favorable
Unfavorable
Hvn't hrd enough
REFUSED

Favorable
Unfavorable
Hvn't hrd enough
REFUSED

51%
47
1
2

37%
59
1
2

33%
63
1
2

37%
60
1
2

36%
61
1
2

50%
47
1
2

18%
78
2
2

44%
54
1
1

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

54%
43
1
2

57%
39
2
3

63%
34
2
-

47%
49
2
2

49%
47
3
1

48%
50
1
1

48%
50
3

49%
47
1
3

46%
51
1
2

4. (If Obama q1) Would you describe your support for Barack Obama as strongly
favoring him, or do you like him but with reservations, or do you support him
because you dislike Mitt Romney?
LIKELY VOTERS....
OBAMA Q1.........
Tot
Men
Wom
Strongly favor
Like/Reservations
Dislike Romney
DK/NA

74%
21
5
-

68%
25
6
-

79%
17
4
-

5. (If Romney q1) Would you describe your support for Mitt Romney as strongly
favoring him, or do you like him but with reservations, or do you support him
because you dislike Barack Obama?
LIKELY VOTERS....
ROMNEY Q1........
Tot
Men
Wom
Strongly favor
Like/Reservations
Dislike Obama
DK/NA

60%
21
17
2

57%
22
20
1

65%
20
12
2

6. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling his job as
President?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Approve
Disapprove
DK/NA

48%
49
3

7%
92
1

93%
5
2

44%
52
5

42%
56
3

55%
41
4

41%
56
3

94%
4
2

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Approve
Disapprove
DK/NA

Approve
Disapprove
DK/NA

48%
48
4

36%
61
3

33%
64
3

36%
61
3

34%
63
3

48%
48
4

19%
78
3

43%
55
2

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

52%
44
4

55%
41
4

60%
36
4

47%
51
3

48%
47
4

46%
52
1

47%
51
2

48%
50
2

45%
52
3

7. In general, how satisfied are you with the way things are going in the nation
today; are you very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very
dissatisfied?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Very satisfied
Smwht satisfied
Smwht dissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
DK/NA

9%
28
18
43
1

4%
4
14
77
1

19%
53
18
9
2

6%
26
23
45
1

8%
24
18
48
1

10%
33
18
38
1

6%
25
19
49
1

30%
48
18
4
-

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Very satisfied
Smwht satisfied
Smwht dissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
DK/NA

Very satisfied
Smwht satisfied
Smwht dissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
DK/NA

5%
32
21
41
1

6%
21
18
53
1

4%
20
18
57
2

7%
23
17
52
-

4%
21
19
54
2

7%
29
20
43
1

4%
9
15
71
1

7%
26
20
46
1

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

5%
34
20
40
1

11%
32
18
38
2

11%
38
26
24
1

11%
25
17
45
1

10%
27
20
42
2

8%
28
19
45
-

6%
30
19
44
1

9%
27
19
44
1

9%
26
15
49
1

8. Is your opinion of the Republican Party favorable, unfavorable or haven't you

heard enough about it?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Favorable
Unfavorable
Hvn't hrd enough
REFUSED

41%
52
4
3

89%
9
1
1

5%
90
4
1

38%
53
4
4

45%
49
3
3

37%
55
5
3

47%
47
3
3

8%
85
5
2

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No

Favorable
Unfavorable
Hvn't hrd enough
REFUSED

Favorable
Unfavorable
Hvn't hrd enough
REFUSED

41%
55
1
2

52%
42
4
3

55%
37
3
4

56%
39
3
2

52%
43
2
3

43%
51
3
2

68%
24
4
3

49%
46
3
3

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

38%
56
4
2

34%
59
6
2

31%
63
5
2

44%
49
4
3

41%
51
4
3

45%
51
3
2

43%
52
2
3

41%
53
3
3

45%
49
3
3

9. Is your opinion of the Democratic Party favorable, unfavorable or haven't you

heard enough about it?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Favorable
Unfavorable
Hvn't hrd enough
REFUSED

45%
49
3
3

7%
89
3
1

91%
7
1
1

37%
53
4
5

38%
56
3
3

52%
42
3
3

38%
56
2
3

88%
9
2
1

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Favorable
Unfavorable
Hvn't hrd enough
REFUSED

Favorable
Unfavorable
Hvn't hrd enough
REFUSED

45%
50
2
3

34%
61
3
3

31%
64
1
4

34%
62
2
2

31%
63
2
3

46%
49
2
3

18%
79
2
2

40%
56
2
3

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

48%
46
3
3

52%
41
3
4

50%
44
5
2

43%
51
3
3

45%
51
2
2

43%
53
3
1

43%
50
2
4

43%
50
3
4

45%
50
2
3

10. Thinking about the major problems facing this country today do you think
Washington is more likely to make progress on them after the 2012 election if one
party controls the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives, or if
control of the White House, the Senate, and the House and Representatives is
divided between the parties?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
One party controls
Control divided
DK/NA

60%
25
15

68%
20
12

61%
26
13

57%
25
17

64%
23
13

56%
27
17

63%
23
14

50%
31
20

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv

One party controls

Control divided
DK/NA

One party controls

Control divided
DK/NA

Yes

No

Prot

Cath

Men

Wom

Yes

No

68%
20
12

59%
25
16

62%
24
14

62%
25
12

66%
21
13

58%
26
16

61%
24
15

61%
27
12

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

67%
22
11

50%
32
19

57%
30
12

56%
27
17

63%
24
14

64%
23
12

68%
24
8

62%
25
13

61%
22
16

11. In deciding who you would like to see elected President this year, which one of
the following issues will be most important to you, national security, the economy,
health care, the budget deficit, taxes, immigration, or something else?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
National security
The economy
Health care
The budget deficit
Taxes
Immigration
Something else
DK/NA

7%
50
17
13
3
1
7
2

8%
55
7
17
2
2
6
3

3%
47
30
5
6
7
2

7%
49
14
17
1
1
7
2

6%
53
14
15
2
1
7
1

7%
47
20
10
4
2
7
3

7%
51
15
14
3
1
7
2

3%
45
33
5
7
2
4

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
National security
The economy
Health care
The budget deficit
Taxes
Immigration
Something else
DK/NA

National security
The economy
Health care
The budget deficit
Taxes
Immigration
Something else
DK/NA

5%
52
15
16
3
1
8
1

8%
51
16
12
3
1
7
2

8%
48
14
18
3
1
6
2

7%
57
14
10
2
2
7
2

6%
55
11
16
2
8
1

7%
48
20
11
3
2
6
3

8%
49
12
19
2
1
8
2

7%
54
14
12
4
1
5
2

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

5%
52
15
15
3
1
8
2

7%
42
27
10
4
1
8
2

7%
45
19
13
3
1
13
-

8%
49
19
12
3
1
6
2

7%
53
17
11
4
2
4
2

6%
54
13
13
3
2
7
1

4%
55
12
16
3
8
1

6%
53
14
13
3
1
8
2

7%
50
20
13
3
1
5
3

12. Compared to past presidential elections, how would you describe your level of
enthusiasm about voting in this year's presidential election; are you more
enthusiastic than usual, less enthusiastic, or about the same as usual?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
More
Less
About the same
DK/NA

44%
14
41
1

55%
12
33
1

41%
10
49
-

39%
20
40
1

47%
13
39
1

41%
16
43
-

42%
15
43
1

58%
11
31
-

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
More
Less
About the same
DK/NA

More
Less
About the same
DK/NA

38%
15
46
-

44%
14
41
1

42%
16
41
-

45%
13
42
-

46%
14
40
1

38%
16
46
-

48%
17
35
-

41%
13
45
-

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

38%
16
45
-

45%
15
39
1

41%
16
41
1

47%
14
39
1

48%
14
38
-

42%
15
43
-

39%
15
45
1

45%
15
40
1

44%
14
42
-

13. Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job on
- the economy, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Obama
Romney
DK/NA

48%
47
5

6%
91
2

92%
4
3

43%
51
7

42%
54
4

54%
40
7

40%
55
5

93%
2
5

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Obama
Romney
DK/NA

Obama
Romney
DK/NA

48%
48
4

35%
59
6

31%
64
5

35%
61
4

35%
61
4

46%
48
6

17%
79
4

40%
55
5

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

52%
44
4

56%
37
8

60%
34
5

45%
49
6

47%
50
3

46%
49
5

47%
51
2

47%
48
5

44%
51
5

14. Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job on
- health care, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Obama
Romney
DK/NA

50%
45
5

8%
88
4

93%
4
2

48%
46
6

45%
50
5

56%
39
5

44%
51
5

93%
6
1

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Obama
Romney
DK/NA

Obama
Romney
DK/NA

52%
44
4

39%
55
6

34%
60
6

38%
58
4

38%
56
6

50%
45
5

19%
75
6

44%
52
4

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

55%
41
4

59%
35
7

67%
30
3

48%
47
5

51%
44
5

48%
50
3

49%
48
3

50%
47
3

46%
48
5

15. Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job on
- national security, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Obama
Romney
DK/NA

50%
44
6

7%
87
6

92%
4
4

48%
46
6

43%
51
6

57%
37
6

43%
51
6

91%
3
5

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Obama
Romney
DK/NA

Obama
Romney
DK/NA

51%
44
5

38%
56
6

33%
61
7

39%
58
4

37%
58
6

50%
44
6

21%
72
7

43%
53
4

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

54%
40
5

60%
33
7

63%
32
5

48%
47
6

50%
46
4

47%
48
5

49%
48
3

51%
44
5

46%
48
5

16. Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job
- handling an international crisis, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Obama
Romney
DK/NA

52%
43
5

11%
84
5

94%
4
2

49%
45
6

46%
50
5

59%
35
5

46%
50
5

93%
3
4

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Obama
Romney
DK/NA

Obama
Romney
DK/NA

54%
43
4

41%
54
5

35%
59
6

41%
56
3

39%
56
4

53%
42
5

21%
74
5

47%
49
4

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

57%
39
4

60%
34
6

71%
25
4

50%
45
5

52%
43
5

52%
46
2

51%
46
3

50%
45
5

48%
47
4

17. Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job on
- the budget deficit, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk

Obama
Romney
DK/NA

42%
52
6

5%
92
3

83%
11
6

38%
56
6

37%
58
5

48%
45
7

35%
59
6

87%
10
3

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Obama
Romney
DK/NA

Obama
Romney
DK/NA

42%
54
4

31%
62
7

25%
68
7

32%
63
4

30%
65
5

41%
53
7

15%
80
5

35%
60
6

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

44%
51
5

50%
40
9

54%
42
4

41%
53
6

41%
53
5

41%
56
3

40%
56
4

41%
54
5

40%
54
6

18. If you or a family member were at risk of violence in a foreign country, who
would you want in the White House Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Obama
Romney
DK/NA

50%
45
6

7%
90
3

93%
3
3

46%
46
8

44%
51
6

56%
38
6

43%
52
6

90%
4
6

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Obama
Romney
DK/NA

Obama
Romney
DK/NA

49%
45
6

39%
56
6

34%
60
7

36%
60
4

37%
58
6

49%
45
6

20%
75
6

43%
53
4

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

53%
41
6

59%
33
8

64%
32
4

48%
47
5

50%
46
4

47%
49
3

47%
49
4

49%
46
5

47%
48
5

19. Would you say that - Barack Obama cares about the needs and problems of people
like you or not?

LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Yes
No
DK/NA

60%
38
2

23%
73
3

94%
4
1

58%
40
2

55%
43
2

64%
34
2

54%
44
2

94%
5
1

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Yes
No
DK/NA

Yes
No
DK/NA

64%
34
2

47%
51
2

47%
51
2

49%
49
2

49%
48
2

58%
40
2

35%
62
2

55%
44
2

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

65%
32
3

64%
33
2

68%
30
1

56%
42
2

59%
39
1

59%
39
2

62%
37
1

62%
36
2

55%
43
2

20. Would you say that - Mitt Romney cares about the needs and problems of people
like you or not?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Yes
No
DK/NA

46%
51
3

85%
9
5

11%
86
3

47%
51
2

50%
46
3

41%
56
3

53%
44
3

5%
90
5

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Yes
No
DK/NA

Yes
No
DK/NA

49%
48
2

54%
42
4

62%
35
4

60%
38
2

57%
40
3

48%
50
3

77%
20
3

53%
45
2

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

46%
52
3

34%
63
4

33%
65
2

46%
50
4

44%
53
3

50%
48
3

53%
46
2

46%
51
3

50%
46
4

21. Would you describe the state of the nation's economy these days as excellent,
good, not so good, or poor?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Excellent
Good
Not so good
Poor
DK/NA

17
38
43
-

5
22
73
-

1%
31
56
12
1

1%
17
36
46
-

17
35
47
-

1%
18
42
40
-

13
37
49
-

2%
39
49
9
1

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Excellent
Good
Not so good
Poor
DK/NA

Excellent
Good
Not so good
Poor
DK/NA

16
44
40
-

12
33
55
-

10
36
54
-

11
37
51
-

13
34
53
-

14
40
45
-

7
27
66
-

13
40
47
-

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

18
43
39
-

21
35
44
-

1%
20
51
27
-

1%
17
36
46
-

16
41
43
1

18
38
44
-

17
42
41
-

17
37
46
-

16
36
47
1

22. Do you think the nation's economy is getting better, getting worse, or staying
about the same?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Better
Worse
The same
DK/NA

39%
34
26
1

7%
62
30
-

75%
7
18
-

36%
35
29
-

37%
35
27
-

42%
33
24
1

33%
39
28
-

79%
6
15
-

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Better
Worse
The same
DK/NA

41%
29
30
1

28%
45
26
-

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

25%
47
28
-

29%
39
30
1

31%
40
29
-

36%
38
26
1

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

14%
60
26
-

35%
36
28
-

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

Better
Worse
The same
DK/NA

44%
28
28
-

37%
38
25
-

40%
34
25
1

41%
35
24
-

39%
33
28
-

41%
32
26
-

48%
22
30
-

39%
36
25
-

37%
37
25
1

23. Compared with four years ago, is the United States better off today, worse off
today, or about the same?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Better off
Worse off
About the same
DK/NA

40%
45
15
1

7%
85
8
-

75%
7
17
-

36%
47
16
1

35%
49
15
1

44%
40
15
-

34%
51
15
-

76%
5
17
2

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Better off
Worse off
About the same
DK/NA

Better off
Worse off
About the same
DK/NA

43%
44
12
1

28%
55
17
-

24%
59
17
-

28%
59
13
-

30%
55
15
-

38%
46
15
1

14%
73
13
1

32%
51
16
-

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

46%
41
12
1

42%
38
21
-

53%
27
20
-

36%
47
17
-

39%
45
15
-

38%
47
15
-

44%
47
8
-

38%
48
13
1

36%
49
15
-

24. Compared with four years ago, are you and your family better off today, worse
off today, or about the same?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Better off
Worse off
About the same
DK/NA

25%
34
41
-

6%
55
39
-

40%
11
47
1

26%
37
37
-

23%
36
41
-

27%
32
40
1

20%
38
41
1

50%
6
43
1

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Better off
Worse off
About the same
DK/NA

25%
28
46
-

17%
45
37
1

15%
43
41
-

16%
41
42
-

19%
40
41
-

22%
36
40
1

11%
51
38
-

19%
38
42
-

Better off
Worse off
About the same
DK/NA

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

28%
27
44
-

19%
39
40
1

43%
24
32
1

23%
38
39
1

23%
35
41
-

26%
33
41
-

33%
26
41
-

26%
34
39
-

18%
37
45
-

25. If Barack Obama is reelected, do you think his economic policies would help
your personal financial situation, hurt your personal financial situation, or won't
make a difference?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Help
Hurt
No difference
DK/NA

28%
41
30
2

4%
77
17
2

58%
6
34
2

23%
42
33
2

24%
46
29
2

32%
35
31
2

21%
47
30
2

72%
3
25
-

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Help
Hurt
No difference
DK/NA

Help
Hurt
No difference
DK/NA

23%
42
34
1

20%
50
28
3

18%
55
25
3

19%
52
27
2

16%
53
29
2

26%
40
31
3

10%
66
20
4

23%
47
29
1

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

25%
38
35
1

38%
32
29
1

34%
29
37
1

29%
42
26
2

28%
40
29
2

28%
43
28
2

19%
46
34
1

30%
44
25
1

24%
43
31
3

26. If Mitt Romney is elected, do you think his economic policies would help your
personal financial situation, hurt your personal financial situation, or won't make
a difference?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Help
Hurt
No difference
DK/NA

35%
33
29
3

70%
4
23
3

6%
66
25
3

36%
28
34
3

40%
30
28
3

30%
37
29
4

39%
28
29
3

2%
64
32
3

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No

Help
Hurt
No difference
DK/NA

Help
Hurt
No difference
DK/NA

35%
33
30
2

42%
25
28
4

45%
22
29
4

46%
25
27
2

44%
25
28
3

34%
32
30
4

51%
13
32
4

42%
29
26
2

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

33%
35
30
2

26%
40
30
4

21%
36
41
1

36%
32
28
4

36%
34
27
3

34%
35
28
3

46%
26
28
1

37%
32
27
4

38%
34
25
3

27. If Barack Obama is re-elected President, do you think the policies of his
administration will favor the rich, favor the middle class, favor the poor, or will
they treat all groups the same?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Favor
Favor
Favor
Treat
DK/NA

the rich
middle class
the poor
all the same

9%
27
31
26
7

12%
8
59
11
11

3%
48
7
39
2

10%
26
33
23
7

10%
25
35
22
7

8%
30
26
29
7

11%
24
34
23
8

4%
42
10
41
4

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Favor
Favor
Favor
Treat
DK/NA

Favor
Favor
Favor
Treat
DK/NA

the rich
middle class
the poor
all the same

the rich
middle class
the poor
all the same

5%
31
35
23
6

14%
20
34
24
8

11%
21
37
20
11

8%
22
42
21
7

11%
21
39
20
8

10%
28
29
26
7

14%
13
42
18
13

10%
24
37
22
7

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

6%
33
32
23
6

12%
28
19
35
6

9%
35
29
27
1

11%
24
30
27
8

13%
26
30
23
8

7%
28
35
24
6

6%
29
37
21
7

9%
29
31
25
7

10%
24
32
26
8

28. If Mitt Romney is elected President, do you think the policies of his
administration will favor the rich, favor the middle class, favor the poor, or will
they treat all groups the same?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Favor
Favor
Favor
Treat
DK/NA

the rich
middle class
the poor
all the same

55%
9
1
33
3

14%
20
62
3

93%
1
4
1

54%
7
1
36
3

51%
9
1
36
3

60%
8
29
2

50%
10
1
37
3

91%
2
5
2

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Favor
Favor
Favor
Treat
DK/NA

Favor
Favor
Favor
Treat
DK/NA

the rich
middle class
the poor
all the same

the rich
middle class
the poor
all the same

55%
10
32
2

46%
9
1
41
3

38%
10
47
4

44%
13
1
40
2

46%
9
1
41
3

54%
10
34
2

25%
14
3
53
5

50%
9
39
2

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

59%
10
29
2

64%
7
3
23
3

71%
11
3
14
1

53%
8
1
35
3

55%
8
34
3

53%
10
1
34
2

54%
10
35
2

56%
8
1
33
3

50%
9
38
3

29. Who do you blame more for the current condition of the U.S. economy, former
President George W. Bush or President Barack Obama?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Bush
Obama
DK/NA

50%
42
8

10%
80
10

91%
6
4

47%
44
9

44%
47
9

57%
36
8

45%
47
8

88%
7
6

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Bush
Obama
DK/NA

Bush
Obama
DK/NA

51%
40
9

41%
51
8

34%
56
10

40%
50
10

38%
53
9

52%
41
7

22%
66
11

45%
48
8

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

54%
37
8

58%
35
7

55%
32
13

48%
44
8

53%
41
6

47%
43
9

49%
44
8

49%
42
9

49%
45
6

30. Which comes closer to your view, Government should do more to solve national
problems or government is doing too many things better left to businesses and
individuals.
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Should do more
Doing too much

40%
52

14%
83

70%
22

38%
56

37%
58

44%
47

37%
57

65%
23

DK/NA

11

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Should do more
Doing too much
DK/NA

Should do more
Doing too much
DK/NA

43%
51
6

33%
61
6

29%
65
6

27%
69
4

33%
61
5

41%
53
7

21%
74
5

34%
61
5

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

46%
47
7

45%
45
10

58%
40
2

38%
56
7

40%
54
5

41%
54
5

40%
56
4

38%
56
6

37%
54
9

31. Do you plan on watching any of the upcoming presidential debates between Barack
Obama and Mitt Romney?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Yes
No
DK/NA

93%
6
1

92%
5
2

95%
4
1

94%
6
1

93%
6
1

93%
5
1

92%
6
1

99%
1
-

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Yes
No
DK/NA

Yes
No
DK/NA

94%
5
1

92%
7
1

92%
6
2

95%
5
1

92%
7
1

93%
5
2

92%
7
1

94%
5
1

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

94%
5
1

94%
5
1

97%
3
-

93%
6
1

91%
8
2

93%
6
1

95%
3
1

93%
7
-

91%
6
2

32. Do you think the candidates are likely to do or say anything during the debates
that would make you change your mind about who to vote for?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................

Yes
No
DK/NA

Tot

Rep

Dem

Ind

Men

Wom

Wht

Blk

11%
86
3

6%
92
2

9%
89
2

16%
81
3

10%
87
3

12%
85
3

9%
88
3

14%
83
3

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Yes
No
DK/NA

Yes
No
DK/NA

11%
87
2

9%
88
3

9%
88
3

10%
87
3

9%
89
3

10%
87
3

8%
90
2

10%
87
3

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

13%
85
2

9%
85
5

14%
84
2

10%
86
3

12%
86
2

11%
86
3

11%
88
1

13%
84
3

8%
89
3

33. Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think will win the debates,
Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?
LIKELY VOTERS..............................................
Tot
Rep
Dem
Ind
Men
Wom
Wht
Blk
Obama
Romney
DK/NA

54%
28
18

20%
59
21

87%
2
11

52%
28
20

49%
32
19

59%
23
18

49%
33
19

88%
3
10

WHITE..............................................
COLLEGE DEG
BornAgnEv
Yes
No
Prot
Cath
Men
Wom
Yes
No
Obama
Romney
DK/NA

Obama
Romney
DK/NA

53%
29
19

46%
35
19

42%
36
22

43%
39
18

44%
37
19

54%
28
18

31%
46
24

49%
34
17

COLLEGE DEG
Yes
No

ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME...

<30K
30-50 50-100 >100K

AGE IN YRS.......
18-34 35-54 55+

56%
26
18

64%
18
19

74%
21
5

53%
29
18

53%
27
20

52%
31
17

53%
34
13

54%
32
14

48%
27
25

PAGE \* MERGEFORMAT 3

Peter A. Brown, Assistant Director,

Quinnipiac University Polling Institute
(203) 535-6203
Rubenstein Associates, Inc.,
Public Relations
Pat Smith (212) 843-8026