On eve of second debate, Romney on the rise
By: By Leigh Ann Caldwell
Updated: October 15, 2012
In a series of new polls out this morning, Mitt Romney's ratings have risen since his performance in the first presidential debate.
In a Washington Post/ABC News poll, 62 percent of Romney supporters now say they are "very enthusiastic" about Romney compared to 52 percent before the debate. The president's supporters have an unchanged view of him with 60 percent saying they are "very enthusiastic" compared to 59 percent before the debate.
Among 923 likely voters polled, 49 percent back Mr. Obama and 46 support the Romney. The outcome is similar to the last Washington Post/ABC poll from two weeks ago and is also within the 3.5 percent margin or error.
The poll noted "barely one in eight" respondents say they are undecided or say there is a chance they could switch their opinion.
The survey shows some positive aspects for the Obama campaign as an increase number of respondents say the country is headed in the right direction, with 42 percent saying so compared to 13 percent before the party conventions in August. On the other hand, 56 percent still say the country is on the wrong track.
Another survey, by Politico/George Washington University, shows Romney with an increase in his favorability rating. Fifty-one percent of likely voters say he has a favorable rating, which is two points higher than before the debate, while 44 percent have an unfavorable view. (Watch pollster Frank Luntz discuss the next presidential debate.)
The president, however, still has a higher favorability rating of 53 percent.
Obama enjoys the support of 49 percent of the 1,000 respondents polled compared to 48 percent who are backing Romney, which is the same as last week's Politico poll. Among battleground states, Romney posts 50 percent to Obama's 48 percent, which is within the 3.1 percent margin of error.
The survey reveals Romney has an eight-point advantage among independents and an 11-point lead among men. Women, however, back the president by 11 points: 54-43 percent.
In a third poll, Gallup's Daily Tracking poll, Romney has the support of 49 percent of likely voters and Mr. Obama garners the support of 47 percent. The results are also within the margin 2 point margin of error, as are the results of every Gallup Daily Tracking Poll since October 1.
