Behind the Numbers - Public opinion in this country is everything.

Posted at 11:47 AM ET, 04/27/2012

Rubio’s Hispanic appeal uncertain

By Scott Clement

Sen. Marco Rubio is weaker among non-Cuban Hispanics in Florida.

By Scott Clement | 11:47 AM ET, 04/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, 2012 polls, Exit polls, Immigration, Republican Party | Tags: Marco Rubio, polls

Posted at 02:22 PM ET, 04/10/2012

Poll: Which voters thought Santorum should drop out — and which didn’t

By Peyton M. Craighill

Republicans and independents who lean to the GOP were ambivalent toward this move, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll with interviews concluding on Sunday.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 02:22 PM ET, 04/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, Republican Party | Tags: Polls, presidential election

Posted at 06:30 AM ET, 04/04/2012

Wisconsin exit polls highlights

By Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement

Democrats back Santorum and Romney gets invited to tea party.

By Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement | 06:30 AM ET, 04/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination, Republican Party, Exit polls, Voting

Posted at 11:06 AM ET, 04/03/2012

Wisconsin, Maryland exit polls: What to watch for

By Scott Clement

Blue state Republicans, fewer evangelicals and around 6,000 Republican voters in D.C. are what’s in store for Tuesday’s primaries.

By Scott Clement | 11:06 AM ET, 04/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, Exit polls, GOP nomination, Republican Party

Posted at 12:50 PM ET, 03/29/2012

Romney’s slog to the nomination: Not what you might think

By Peyton M. Craighill

Exit poll data show Romney’s problem is less about “very conservative” voters than it is with the GOP’s delegate rules this year.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 12:50 PM ET, 03/29/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, Republican Party

Posted at 01:07 PM ET, 03/23/2012

Friday feedback: Twitterverse offers one-word reactions to GOP candidates

By Scott Clement

We asked Twitter followers to sum up Romney, Santorum, Gingrich and Paul in a word, just as as we did in a national poll released Friday.

By Scott Clement | 01:07 PM ET, 03/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, Barack Obama, GOP nomination

Posted at 02:48 PM ET, 03/22/2012

Poll watcher: More Americans spurn faith talk by politicians

By Scott Clement

Nearly four in 10 Americans now say politicians talk too much about religious faith, a sentiment that has spiked in recent years among Democrats and independents, according to a new survey by the Pew Research Center.

By Scott Clement | 02:48 PM ET, 03/22/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Barack Obama, 2012 polls, GOP nomination, Presidential Approval

Posted at 08:37 AM ET, 03/21/2012

Romney nets double-digit Illinois win

By Jon Cohen, Scott Clement and Peyton M. Craighill

Republican voters clashed along familiar dividing lines Tuesday, with Mitt Romney scoring a convincing win amid Illinois’ more welcoming Republican electorate.

By Jon Cohen, Scott Clement and Peyton M. Craighill | 08:37 AM ET, 03/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, Exit polls, 2012 polls, Republican Party, Voting

Posted at 12:26 PM ET, 03/20/2012

Romney appears poised to win Illinois: A look at why

By Scott Clement

The state’s swing in his favor has less to do with changes among the state’s voters and more with his emergence as this year’s mainstream and moderate Republican choice.

By Scott Clement | 12:26 PM ET, 03/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, Exit polls, GOP nomination, Republican Party, Voting

Posted at 10:47 AM ET, 03/14/2012

Exit polls: Santorum wins Alabama and Mississippi

By Scott Clement, Peyton M. Craighill and Jon Cohen

Rick Santorum’s southern sweep in Alabama and Mississippi was propelled by voters eager for a candidate with “strong moral character” or “a true conservative.” About four in 10 voters in both Alabama and Mississippi picked one of these two as the most important attribute they were looking for in a candidate, and Santorum won close to six in 10 of them.

By Scott Clement, Peyton M. Craighill and Jon Cohen | 10:47 AM ET, 03/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Exit polls, GOP nomination

Posted at 12:11 AM ET, 03/14/2012

Is Romney losing his edge among "economy voters?"

By Jon Cohen

Beyond a pair of loses Tuesday, one potentially troubling sign for Mitt Romney is his slippage among "economy voters." The chart below compiles data from the Republican contests with exit polls. It shows Romney's once big advantages among these voters has dissipated significantly as the primaries have unfolded.

By Jon Cohen | 12:11 AM ET, 03/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Crosstabs, Economy, Exit polls, Republican Party, GOP nomination, Voting

Posted at 05:48 PM ET, 03/13/2012

Preliminary exit polls: Who is voting in Mississippi and Alabama?

By Jon Cohen, Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement

Here are some of the highlights on what the electorate looks like and what voters were focused on as they left polling places.

By Jon Cohen, Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement | 05:48 PM ET, 03/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Exit polls, GOP nomination, Republican Party, Voting | Tags: Alabama, Mississippi, Republican Party, presidential election, Polls

Posted at 01:39 PM ET, 03/13/2012

Mississippi, Alabama exit polls: What to watch for

By Scott Clement

With no clear favorite in the Mississippi and Alabama GOP primaries, here are three key factors to watch in tonight’s exit polls.

By Scott Clement | 01:39 PM ET, 03/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, Exit polls, GOP nomination, Republican Party, Voting | Tags: Alabama, Mississippi, polls

Posted at 01:03 PM ET, 03/12/2012

Poll: Are Republicans happy with their choices?

By Peyton M. Craighill

Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum are each picked by about three in 10 Republicans and GOP-leaning independents in the latest Washington Post-ABC News poll, but few say they would be very satisfied with either one atop the party’s ticket.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 01:03 PM ET, 03/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, Republican Party

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/08/2012

Is Gingrich primed for a Southern sweep?

By Scott Clement

Newt Gingrich had a convincing win in Georgia on Tuesday. Can he run the table in the South’s remaining March contests?

By Scott Clement | 06:00 AM ET, 03/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, Exit polls, GOP nomination, Voting, Republican Party

Posted at 11:54 PM ET, 03/06/2012

Romney wards off Paul in Virginia despite independent surge

By Jon Cohen, Peyton M. Craighill, Scott Clement and Kristina Meacham

Independents in Virginia picked Ron Paul by a 2 to 1 margin, but Mitt Romney dominated among Republicans.

By Jon Cohen, Peyton M. Craighill, Scott Clement and Kristina Meacham | 11:54 PM ET, 03/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Exit polls, GOP nomination, Republican Party, Voting, Virginia

Posted at 10:36 PM ET, 03/06/2012

Evangelical voters raise Santorum to victory in Tennessee

By Jon Cohen, Peyton M. Craighill, Scott Clement and Kristina Meacham

The Tennessee electorate turned out to be the most evangelical so far in the Republican nomination fight, helping secure a victory for former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum.

By Jon Cohen, Peyton M. Craighill, Scott Clement and Kristina Meacham | 10:36 PM ET, 03/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Exit polls, GOP nomination, Voting, Republican Party | Tags: Super Tuesday, Rick Santorum, Tennessee, Tennessee primary

Posted at 09:00 PM ET, 03/06/2012

Ohio primary amplifies party divide

By Jon Cohen, Peyton M. Craighill, Scott Clement and Kristina Meacham

Mitt Romney narrowly edged Rick Santorum in Ohio, the biggest prize of Super Tuesday, splitting the Republican electorate along now familiar ideological and religious lines.

By Jon Cohen, Peyton M. Craighill, Scott Clement and Kristina Meacham | 09:00 PM ET, 03/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Exit polls, GOP nomination, Republican Party, Voting

Posted at 06:12 PM ET, 03/06/2012

Super Tuesday exit polls: an early look

By Jon Cohen, Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement

In Ohio, Tennessee and Georgia, GOP electorates are shaping up to look a lot like those of four years ago, with some important differences.

By Jon Cohen, Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement | 06:12 PM ET, 03/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination, Exit polls, Voting, Republican Party

Posted at 09:29 AM ET, 03/06/2012

Super Tuesday exit poll cheat sheet

By Scott Clement

Here’s a cheat sheet for following all Super Tuesday's voting and what to look for in the exit poll numbers as they start to trickle out this evening.

By Scott Clement | 09:29 AM ET, 03/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination, Exit polls, Republican Party, Voting

Posted at 11:38 AM ET, 03/05/2012

Romney up in Super Tuesday polls

By Scott Clement

Mitt Romney is a favorite to win Virginia, Massachusetts, Vermont, Idaho and possibly Ohio.

By Scott Clement | 11:38 AM ET, 03/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination, Republican Party, Voting

Posted at 09:51 PM ET, 02/28/2012

‘Electability’ fuels Romney’s victory, Religion and Democrats for Rick Santorum in Michigan

By Jon Cohen, Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement

Mitt Romney eked out a victory in Michigan Tuesday, beating back a stiff challenge from Rick Santorum by scoring big wins among voters looking for “experience” and those prioritizing electability.

By Jon Cohen, Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement | 09:51 PM ET, 02/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination, Republican Party, Voting, Exit polls

Posted at 01:26 PM ET, 02/28/2012

Michigan and Arizona exit polls: Five things to watch

By Scott Clement

Today’s contests in Arizona and Michigan are the biggest test of Rick Santorum’s staying power since beating Mitt Romney in Colorado, Missouri and Minnesota earlier this month.

By Scott Clement | 01:26 PM ET, 02/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, Exit polls, GOP nomination, Republican Party, Voting

Posted at 02:48 PM ET, 02/27/2012

Poll watcher: Michigan polls predict tight race

By Scott Clement

Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum are running very closely in Michigan, according to the latest state polling, with Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich far behind.

By Scott Clement | 02:48 PM ET, 02/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination, Republican Party, Voting

Posted at 07:29 PM ET, 02/22/2012

Are polls on foreign policy accurate?

By Scott Clement

“Lies, damn lies and statistics” is a jab sometimes aimed at political polls, and in the complicated business of foreign policy polling there’s plenty for people to argue over. If most Americans aren’t foreign policy wonks, are these results even meaningful?

By Scott Clement | 07:29 PM ET, 02/22/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: International polls, Barack Obama, GOP nomination, methodology

Posted at 12:34 PM ET, 02/21/2012

Obama’s rising gas prices problem

By Scott Clement

President Obama’s improved polling numbers (and his reelection chances) are threatened by a perennial bugaboo: spiking gas prices.

By Scott Clement | 12:34 PM ET, 02/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, Barack Obama, Economy, GOP nomination, Republican Party

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 02/17/2012

Poll watcher: Independents a key for Romney in Michigan?

By Scott Clement

A potentially decisive question mark lingers ahead of the Wolverine State’s Feb. 28 primary: How many political independents will show up?

By Scott Clement | 06:00 AM ET, 02/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination, Voting, Republican Party

Posted at 06:23 PM ET, 02/15/2012

America: Religious and political outlier

By Scott Clement

Religion and politics collided once again this month as religious groups objected to requirements to provide contraceptive-covering insurance. America’s widely varying levels of religious commitment make the outcome of such firestorms hard to predict.

By Scott Clement | 06:23 PM ET, 02/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination, International polls, Presidential Approval

Posted at 02:37 PM ET, 02/13/2012

Republicans more doubtful of Romney’s conservative bona fides

By Scott Clement

Core Republican groups are increasingly skeptical of Romney’s conservative credentials, especially those who agree with the tea party movement.

By Scott Clement | 02:37 PM ET, 02/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, 2012 polls, Republican Party

Posted at 10:11 AM ET, 02/06/2012

Obama and Romney on the economy — empathy or competence?

By Peyton M. Craighill

On trust to handle the No. 1 issue — the economy — public perceptions of Barack Obama and Mitt Romney diverge in important ways.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 10:11 AM ET, 02/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Barack Obama, Economy, GOP nomination

Posted at 12:01 AM ET, 02/06/2012

Romney leads big in poll as GOP base splinters

By Scott Clement

Mitt Romney holds a wide lead over other GOP contenders in a new Washington Post-ABC News national poll, but his support continues to lag among core Republican constituencies.

By Scott Clement | 12:01 AM ET, 02/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination, Republican Party, Voting

Posted at 08:19 PM ET, 01/31/2012

What’s behind Romney’s romp?

By Jon Cohen, Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement

Mitt Romney scored a decisive win in Florida’s primary Tuesday by regaining momentum on electability and neutralizing major weaknesses.

By Jon Cohen, Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement | 08:19 PM ET, 01/31/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, Exit polls, GOP nomination, Voting, Republican Party

Posted at 01:14 PM ET, 01/31/2012

Florida exit polls: Five things to watch

By Scott Clement

It’s in the 70s and sunny in Tampa Bay as Florida voters head to the polls. Here are our top five factors to watch as exit poll results start rolling in.

By Scott Clement | 01:14 PM ET, 01/31/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination, Exit polls, Republican Party, Voting

Posted at 12:17 PM ET, 01/30/2012

Poll watcher: Are capital gains tax rates popular?

By Scott Clement

A New York Times/CBS News poll shows a stark partisan divide on whether investment income should be taxed at a lower rate than ordinary earnings.

By Scott Clement | 12:17 PM ET, 01/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Barack Obama, Economy, Federal Budget Deficit, GOP nomination, Presidential Approval, Republican Party, Voting, methodology | Tags: budget deficit, gop nomination, Republican Party

Posted at 09:25 AM ET, 01/27/2012

Poll watcher: Romney leads Gingrich in Florida

By Scott Clement

Romney leads Gingrich by 38 to 29 percent in the Florida Republican primary contest, according to a Quinnipiac University poll.

By Scott Clement | 09:25 AM ET, 01/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination, Voting, Republican Party | Tags: 2012 polls, GOP nomination, Republican Party, Voting

Posted at 03:05 PM ET, 01/25/2012

Poll watcher: Domestic policy prime in 2012

By Scott Clement

A slender 9 percent of Americans say President Obama should focus on foreign policy, while 81 percent prefer a domestic focus.

By Scott Clement | 03:05 PM ET, 01/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Barack Obama, Congress, Economy, GOP nomination, Republican Party, International polls | Tags: Barack Obama, Congress, Economy, GOP Nomination, International Polls

Posted at 01:25 PM ET, 01/23/2012

Poll watcher: Newt Gingrich surges in national polls

By Scott Clement

One week ago, Mitt Romney amassed a record 23-point lead in Gallup tracking polls. But in the latest poll, Romney holds a tenuous five-point edge over Newt Gingrich.

By Scott Clement | 01:25 PM ET, 01/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, Race, Republican Party, 2012 polls

Posted at 09:52 PM ET, 01/21/2012

Debates, late deciders propel Gingrich to win in South Carolina

By Jon Cohen, Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement

Newt Gingrich posted a double-digit victory in Saturday’s South Carolina primary, with late deciders delivering a clear rebuke to Mitt Romney, the one-time-front-runner.

By Jon Cohen, Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement | 09:52 PM ET, 01/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination, Republican Party, Voting, Exit polls

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 01/21/2012

South Carolina primary exit polls: Five key factors

By Scott Clement

Here are five factors that seem key going into South Carolina primary day.

By Scott Clement | 07:00 AM ET, 01/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination, Republican Party, Voting

Posted at 11:57 AM ET, 01/20/2012

Newt Gingrich surging against Mitt Romney in South Carolina

By Scott Clement

The latest horserace polls out of South Carolina show Newt Gingrich surging in advance of Saturday’s Republican primary.

By Scott Clement | 11:57 AM ET, 01/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination, Republican Party, Voting

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 01/20/2012

Is a third political party a viable option?

By Peyton M. Craighill

Americans split about evenly on the question of whether the country needs a third major political party, but most are open to supporting a qualified independent candidate, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 07:00 AM ET, 01/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 02:06 PM ET, 01/18/2012

Newt Gingrich’s tea party stalwarts hold strong

By Peyton M. Craighill

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich’s support has been nearly cut in half since December and the falloff has been broad based, with relatively even declines among all stripes of Republicans — save one group: strong tea party supporters.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 02:06 PM ET, 01/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination, Republican Party

Posted at 01:51 PM ET, 01/18/2012

Poll shows Ron Paul’s strengths and weaknesses in GOP primary

By Scott Clement

Texas Rep. Ron Paul earns 16 percent support for the Republican nomination in the latest Washington Post-ABC News poll, statistically unchanged from 15 percent in December and in the same range as Newt Gingrich (17 percent) and Rick Santorum (13 percent). Frontrunner Mitt Romney leads with 35 percent.

By Scott Clement | 01:51 PM ET, 01/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, 2012 polls, Republican Party

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 01/17/2012

Romney and Bain: Attacks chip away, but do limited damage

By Peyton M. Craighill

Increasingly pointed attacks on Mitt Romney’s work at Bain Capital may be resonating, but his private sector experience continues to be a key advantage to the Republican front-runner, according to the new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 01:00 PM ET, 01/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 12:24 PM ET, 01/17/2012

Tea party opposed by half of Americans

By Scott Clement

Fully half of Americans oppose the tea party political movement in a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

By Scott Clement | 12:24 PM ET, 01/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination, Presidential Approval, The Independents, Republican Party

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 01/13/2012

George W. Bush, tonic or toxic for Republicans in 2012?

By Jon Cohen and Peyton M. Craighill

GOP candidates looking for any advantage in their party’s nominating contest may welcome an endorsement from the former president, but may be better off avoiding a nod from former rivals.

By Jon Cohen and Peyton M. Craighill | 07:00 AM ET, 01/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Behind the Numbers, GOP nomination, Sarah Palin

Posted at 03:27 PM ET, 01/12/2012

Poll watcher: Mormons in America, rich vs. poor and S.C. polls

By Scott Clement

A survey of Mormons in America finds the group is highly religious and happy in their lives but also concerned with perceptions of their faith.

By Scott Clement | 03:27 PM ET, 01/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, 2012 polls, methodology

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/11/2012

New Hampshire primary: 10 key exit poll results

By Jon Cohen, Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement

Beneath Romney’s double-digit victory in New Hampshire, exit polls show a very different Republican electorate from last week’s Iowa caucuses. Here are the top 10 findings from an exit poll of voters conducted at 40 polling places across the state.

By Jon Cohen, Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement | 06:00 AM ET, 01/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, Exit polls, GOP nomination, Voting

Posted at 08:11 PM ET, 01/10/2012

How Romney won the New Hampshire primary

By Jon Cohen, Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement

Romney swept to a big win in New Hampshire, with significant strength among the Republican base, and a big advantage as the most electable GOP candidate.

By Jon Cohen, Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement | 08:11 PM ET, 01/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, Exit polls, GOP nomination, Voting

Posted at 05:03 PM ET, 01/10/2012

New Hampshire exit polls: where to follow them

By Scott Clement

Follow Post Polling analysis of exit poll data from tonight’s New Hampshire Primary on the Post’s Election 2012 blog and @postpolls on Twitter.

By Scott Clement | 05:03 PM ET, 01/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination, Exit polls, Voting

Posted at 02:46 PM ET, 01/10/2012

New Hampshire primary exit polls: What to watch for

By Scott Clement

Exit polls in New Hampshire will offer a look at how primary voters made their decision. Here are five key factors to watch in tonight’s results.

By Scott Clement | 02:46 PM ET, 01/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, Exit polls, GOP nomination, Voting

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 01/10/2012

Romney’s favorable ratings top Paul, Santorum among GOP

By Peyton M. Craighill

Mitt Romney’s stubborn hold on the title of front-runner for the GOP nomination is due in part to his solid favorable ratings among Republicans, according to the latest Washington Post-ABC News national poll.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 07:00 AM ET, 01/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, Republican Party

Posted at 03:20 PM ET, 01/09/2012

Poll watcher: Romney slips in N.H.; Paul and Huntsman battle for second place

By Scott Clement

Mitt Romney’s wide lead in New Hampshire has shrunk in the past week, according to the Suffolk/7News tracking poll.

By Scott Clement | 03:20 PM ET, 01/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, Voting, 2012 polls, 2012 polls

Posted at 02:59 PM ET, 01/06/2012

Poll watcher: Romney, Santorum surge in S.C.; Gingrich drops

By Scott Clement

Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum have gained support in South Carolina while Newt Gingrich has taken a nose dive, according to a new poll by CNN and Time magazine.

By Scott Clement | 02:59 PM ET, 01/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, methodology, Economy, 2012 polls, 2012 polls

Posted at 12:43 PM ET, 01/05/2012

Poll watcher: Romney in position for N.H. landslide

By Scott Clement

Polls show Mitt Romney headed for a blowout victory in the New Hampshire Republican primary.

By Scott Clement | 12:43 PM ET, 01/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, GOP nomination

Posted at 06:35 PM ET, 01/04/2012

Poll watcher: Huntsman’s time in China of no help in race

By Scott Clement

Jon Huntsman’s two years as ambassador to China have earned him almost no support in the race for the GOP presidential nod. Huntsman came in dead last in Tuesday’s Iowa caucuses. Do Republicans value Huntsman’s foreign policy credentials?

By Scott Clement | 06:35 PM ET, 01/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Exit polls, International polls, Voting, GOP nomination, GOP nomination

Posted at 01:28 AM ET, 01/04/2012

Iowa caucus exposes party fissures

By Jon Cohen, Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement

The three candidates at the top of the Iowa Republican caucus results have distinct constituencies, ones that echo broader divisions within the GOP.

By Jon Cohen, Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement | 01:28 AM ET, 01/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination, Exit polls, Voting

Posted at 10:25 PM ET, 01/03/2012

Ron Paul and Mitt Romney: 2012 vs. 2008 in Iowa

By Peyton M. Craighill

Results for the Iowa caucuses were razor thin with Mitt Romney, Ron Paul and Rick Santorum battling for the top spot. The repeat contenders, Paul and Romney have seen some big shifts, but also eerie consistency.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 10:25 PM ET, 01/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination, Voting, Exit polls

Posted at 09:47 PM ET, 01/03/2012

Evangelicals less united in 2012 caucuses

By Scott Clement

Early entrance polls show evangelical Christians making up a majority of Republican caucus-goers in Iowa, similar to 2008 when 60 percent of caucus-goers were evangelicals and helped turn the tide in favor of Mike Huckabee. This year, though, evangelicals are less united behind any of the GOP contenders.

By Scott Clement | 09:47 PM ET, 01/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination, Voting, Exit polls

Posted at 08:31 PM ET, 01/03/2012

Early Iowa entrance poll findings

By Jon Cohen

Early entrance poll numbers -- which may or may not be representative of the electorate -- show a higher share of independents and moderates than in 2008, as well as a little older electorate.

By Jon Cohen | 08:31 PM ET, 01/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, 2012 polls, Voting, Exit polls

Posted at 02:44 PM ET, 12/30/2011

Poll watcher: Republican problems with Hispanic voters larger than ever

By Scott Clement

Fresh numbers from the Pew Hispanic Center show that Republicans have made little progress since 2008 in courting a fast-growing Hispanic voting bloc.

By Scott Clement | 02:44 PM ET, 12/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination, Immigration

Posted at 11:39 AM ET, 12/29/2011

Poll watcher: Obama seen as liberal; Hispanics in 2012, Iowa roundup

By Scott Clement

57 percent majority of Americans see president’s political views as liberal, versus 23 percent who see him as a moderate and 15 percent as conservative, according to a USA Today/Gallup poll released Thursday.

By Scott Clement | 11:39 AM ET, 12/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, Barack Obama, GOP nomination, methodology, Immigration

Posted at 12:30 PM ET, 12/23/2011

Poll watcher: public views of the tax showdown

By Peyton M. Craighill

Public views of the tax debate, Ron Paul’s Iowa move and Obama’s approval bump mark a busy week before Christmas in public opinion polling.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 12:30 PM ET, 12/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Behind the Numbers, Barack Obama, GOP nomination

Posted at 03:34 PM ET, 12/21/2011

GOP contenders split on Iran, what about voters?

By Scott Clement

Republican presidential hopefuls clashed fiercely over Iran’s nuclear ambitions in the final debate before the Iowa caucuses, with Ron Paul staking out a position of non-intervention at odds with the others. But both sides may be out of step with GOP voters on the issue.

By Scott Clement | 03:34 PM ET, 12/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: International polls, GOP nomination

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 12/21/2011

Third way appeal in 2012?

By Peyton M. Craighill

In theory, the idea of an independent candidate running for president has broad appeal, but a few frequently mentioned contenders appear less alluring.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 07:00 AM ET, 12/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Behind the Numbers, GOP nomination

Posted at 06:02 PM ET, 12/20/2011

Paul stronger in new poll, but challenges await

By Scott Clement

A new Washington Post-ABC News poll finds Texas Rep. Ron Paul’s support has spiked among some key Republican groups.

By Scott Clement | 06:02 PM ET, 12/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, 2012 polls

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 12/20/2011

Poll: Paul as third party candidate could doom GOP in 2012

By Scott Clement

Should Ron Paul fall short of winning the GOP nod and opt to run as a third-party candidate, a Post-ABC news poll finds he could seriously shake up the 2012 political calculus, largely to Obama’s benefit.

By Scott Clement | 07:00 AM ET, 12/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination

Posted at 12:13 PM ET, 12/16/2011

Poll watcher: Gingrich slides in national, Iowa polls

By Scott Clement

Newt Gingrich's support in the race for the Republican presidential nomination has fallen quickly since early December.

By Scott Clement | 12:13 PM ET, 12/16/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, 2012 polls, Barack Obama

Posted at 04:00 PM ET, 12/14/2011

Poll watcher: Will attacks on Obama’s foreign policy hold water?

By Scott Clement

How thick is Obama’s Teflon on foreign affairs? Beyond terrorism, polls show, he may be vulnerable.

By Scott Clement | 04:00 PM ET, 12/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Barack Obama, International polls, GOP nomination

Posted at 11:29 AM ET, 12/14/2011

Poll watcher: GOP voters still unsure of candidates

By Scott Clement

Three weeks before the first contest in the GOP primary race, most Republican voters have yet to fully commit to any one candidate.

By Scott Clement | 11:29 AM ET, 12/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, 2012 polls

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 12/14/2011

Poll: Gingrich’s negative ratings tick upward

By Peyton M. Craighill and Jon Cohen

Newt Gingrich may be rising in the pitched battle for the Republican presidential nomination, but negative views of the former House speaker have crept higher among all Americans, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll. Still, the movement isn’t likely to bring an early end to his candidacy as his ratings among Republicans hold steady.

By Peyton M. Craighill and Jon Cohen | 07:00 AM ET, 12/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Behind the Numbers, GOP nomination

Posted at 12:45 PM ET, 12/12/2011

Poll watcher: Unemployment drop no salve for Obama

By Scott Clement

Fewer Americans are hearing negative news about the economy, but there’s no apparent benefit for broader views of the U.S. economy, or for President Obama.

By Scott Clement | 12:45 PM ET, 12/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Barack Obama, Presidential Approval, Economy, GOP nomination

Posted at 12:40 PM ET, 12/08/2011

Poll watcher: Republican enthusiasm gap shrinks

By Scott Clement

The wide gap in voter enthusiasm that favored Republicans in September has been more than halved, according to a new Gallup poll.

By Scott Clement | 12:40 PM ET, 12/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination

Posted at 05:06 PM ET, 12/07/2011

Poll watcher: Does Israel matter in U.S. elections?

By Scott Clement

Obama and Republicans have repeatedly clashed over policy towards Israel. The entire hubbub raises a critical question: How important is Israel as a voting issue?

By Scott Clement | 05:06 PM ET, 12/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: International polls, 2012 polls, GOP nomination

Posted at 12:05 PM ET, 12/07/2011

Five things we know about Iowa voters

By Scott Clement

Pollsters rained an impressive 10,000-plus phone calls on Iowa to try and understand how Hawkeye state Republicans will decide the first electoral event in the 2012 cycle.

By Scott Clement | 12:05 PM ET, 12/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 04:09 PM ET, 12/06/2011

Where Iowa holdouts stand on candidates

By Scott Clement

A new Washington Post-ABC News poll finds the Iowa Republican race taking shape, but the outcome of the race may ultimately be decided by undecided caucus goers.

By Scott Clement | 04:09 PM ET, 12/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 02:08 PM ET, 12/06/2011

Immigration and the Iowa Republican caucus

By Peyton M. Craighill

The candidates who’ve stepped away from blanket opposition to illegal immigrants are not being punished, says a new poll of likely Iowa Republican caucus-goers.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 02:08 PM ET, 12/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 12/06/2011

GOP Iowa race — by the numbers

By Scott Clement

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich leads the Republican race in Iowa with 33 percent support in a new Washington Post-ABC News poll, with Mitt Romney and Ron Paul trailing at 18 percent apiece. Digging into the poll data among all potential caucus participants reveals distinct constituencies for each of the three top Hawkeye state contenders.

By Scott Clement | 07:00 AM ET, 12/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 03:25 PM ET, 12/01/2011

Poll watcher: Republicans split on global warming; health-care reform and GOP intensity

By Scott Clement

A new poll reveals a growing internal divide within the GOP between conservatives and moderates, as well as between tea party and non-tea party Republicans.

By Scott Clement | 03:25 PM ET, 12/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Republican Party, Health care, GOP nomination

Posted at 02:00 PM ET, 11/30/2011

Foreign policy poll watcher: Is Gingrich trusted with the ‘3 a.m. phone call?’

By Scott Clement

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has become a frontrunner in the race for the Republican presidential nomination by consolidating support among key GOP groups, and while some have dismissed him as another GOP “flavor of the month,” his longtime Washington ties may give him an edge over other contenders.

By Scott Clement | 02:00 PM ET, 11/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, Federal Budget Deficit, International polls

Posted at 07:10 AM ET, 11/30/2011

Gingrich and Romney equally well liked among conservatives

By Peyton M. Craighill and Jon Cohen

On the basic question of personal popularity, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney and former House speaker Newt Gingrich get roughly equally positive ratings from conservatives, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

By Peyton M. Craighill and Jon Cohen | 07:10 AM ET, 11/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 11/30/2011

Favorability: Ron Paul lags in the competition

By Peyton M. Craighill

He’s bumped up firmly into double digits in recent Iowa polls, but in his second run for the Republican nomination, Texas Rep. Ron Paul hasn’t generated much enthusiasm nationally, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 07:00 AM ET, 11/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 02:56 PM ET, 11/29/2011

Poll watcher: Who is Newt Gingrich’s base? Tea party districts sour on tea party and doggy health care

By Scott Clement

In surging to the top in the race for the Republican nomination, recent polls find Newt Gingrich has built a coalition of three high-turnout groups: older Republicans, tea party supporters and conservatives.

By Scott Clement | 02:56 PM ET, 11/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, Republican Party, Barack Obama

Posted at 01:17 PM ET, 11/28/2011

Poll watcher: Romney strong in N.H. before Gingrich endorsement

By Scott Clement

Mitt Romney held a commanding lead in a poll by WMUR and the University of New Hampshire, prior to the New Hampshire Union Leader’s endorsement of Newt Gingrich.

By Scott Clement | 01:17 PM ET, 11/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 11/23/2011

Rally around Thanksgiving

By Jon Cohen

Almost all Americans, regardless of political affiliation, have favorable views of Thanksgiving dinner, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

By Jon Cohen | 07:00 AM ET, 11/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, Congress, Federal Budget Deficit

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 11/23/2011

Americans unfriend Congress

By Jon Cohen

Beyond its dismal approval ratings, Congress now has its lowest favorable rating in more than 25 years, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

By Jon Cohen | 07:00 AM ET, 11/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, Congress, Federal Budget Deficit

Posted at 03:33 PM ET, 11/22/2011

Poll watcher: Gingrich leads in GOP race, Americans predicted supercommittee failure

By Scott Clement

Three new national polls show former House Speaker Newt Gingrich either tied or holding a slight lead over Mitt Romney, and when pitted against each other, Gingrich holds a 10 percentage point edge.

By Scott Clement | 03:33 PM ET, 11/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, Congress, Federal Budget Deficit

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 11/22/2011

Déjà vu for New Hampshire polling?

By Scott Clement

New Hampshire has long earned a reputation as the Bermuda Triangle for pollsters. Within a window of days two polls conclude both that “Mitt Romney holds a commanding lead” and “Romney and Gingrich in a statistical tie.” Why the difference?

By Scott Clement | 07:00 AM ET, 11/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, methodology

Posted at 02:49 PM ET, 11/18/2011

Poll watcher: Is Gingrich competitive with Obama? Most want compromise on supercommittee

By Scott Clement

Newt Gingrich’s rise in the GOP nomination race begs a key question: How would he fare against the president?

By Scott Clement | 02:49 PM ET, 11/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination, Federal Budget Deficit, Congress

Posted at 12:11 PM ET, 11/17/2011

Poll watcher: Gingrich rides tea party surge; Obama trails Romney in N. H.

By Scott Clement

Gingrich’s support peaks at 35 percent among tea party supporters in a Fox News poll, twice as many who supported him in October (17 percent).

By Scott Clement | 12:11 PM ET, 11/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, 2012 polls

Posted at 05:07 PM ET, 11/16/2011

Poll watcher: Is Paul the strongest candidate in Iowa?

By Scott Clement

A new Bloomberg News survey shows Ron Paul with comparatively few flaws in the eyes of likely Iowa Caucus participants.

By Scott Clement | 05:07 PM ET, 11/16/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, Health care, Federal Budget Deficit

Posted at 12:01 AM ET, 11/15/2011

More Republicans say Cain allegations are “serious matter”

By Jon Cohen

Most Republicans now see the allegations of sexual harassment against Cain as a serious matter according to a new Post-ABC poll, a switch from a poll taken just after the charges were first reported.

By Jon Cohen | 12:01 AM ET, 11/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 06:30 PM ET, 11/14/2011

Republicans sour on Herman Cain

By Jon Cohen

A new Washington Post-ABC News poll shows sharply higher negatives for Cain, with Republicans also souring on the surprise front-runner.

By Jon Cohen | 06:30 PM ET, 11/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 01:24 PM ET, 11/14/2011

Poll watcher: How popular is health care mandate? Gingrich up, Cain down and the supercommittee

By Scott Clement

A CNN poll released Monday finds a 52 percent majority of Americans support the law’s provision that “all Americans who do not have health insurance get it,” up from 44 percent in June. But polls show much lower support when surveys explicitly mention a “fine” for those who remain uninsured.

By Scott Clement | 01:24 PM ET, 11/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Health care, GOP nomination, Federal Budget Deficit

Posted at 04:19 PM ET, 11/08/2011

Poll watcher: Americans react to Cain controversy

By Scott Clement

New polls offer a fresh look on the nation’s - and Republicans’ - reactions to the Herman Cain sexual harassment scandal.

By Scott Clement | 04:19 PM ET, 11/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 10:23 AM ET, 11/07/2011

Poll watcher: Millennials dispirited; Obama in swing states and 2012 religious divide

By Scott Clement

The millennial generation - adults currently under age 30 - supported Barack Obama at record levels in 2008, but a comprehensive new report provides the clearest picture yet that young Americans are dispirited about politics and next year’s presidential election.

By Scott Clement | 10:23 AM ET, 11/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Barack Obama, GOP nomination

Posted at 10:30 AM ET, 11/04/2011

Poll: What happens if Herman Cain drops out?

By Peyton M. Craighill

Where would Cain’s supporters go were he to bow out?

By Peyton M. Craighill | 10:30 AM ET, 11/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 01:34 PM ET, 11/01/2011

Poll watcher: Sexual harassment and discrimination; Americans miss crime drop and Catholic public opinion

By Scott Clement

Fewer than three in 10 Republicans in a 2009 Pew poll said women face a lot of discrimination (28 percent), while 45 percent of Democrats see such a bias.

By Scott Clement | 01:34 PM ET, 11/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 06:05 PM ET, 10/31/2011

Poll watcher: Iowa GOP race; do millionaires want a tax hike?

By Scott Clement

Herman Cain and Mitt Romney are close in Iowa, but Cain holds a 17-point edge among voters who “definitely” plan to vote in the January caucuses.

By Scott Clement | 06:05 PM ET, 10/31/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Barack Obama, GOP nomination, Presidential Approval

Posted at 12:38 PM ET, 10/27/2011

Poll watcher: Cain and Romney dominate, but GOP race is fluid; unemployed woes and handgun bans

By Scott Clement

A bevy of national and early primary state polls show businessman Herman Cain and Mitt Romney well ahead of other major candidates, but also a Republican electorate that has not fully made up its mind. We picked five key findings from these new polls.

By Scott Clement | 12:38 PM ET, 10/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, Economy

Posted at 03:00 PM ET, 10/25/2011

Poll: Conservatives prefer flat tax over ‘9-9-9’

By Jon Cohen and Peyton M. Craighill

As far as tax politics go, a new Washington Post -ABC News poll shows a straight ahead “flat tax” a clear winner over “9-9-9,” particularly among the conservative Republicans Texas Gov. Rick Perry hopes will reinvigorate his flagging campaign for the party’s presidential nomination.

By Jon Cohen and Peyton M. Craighill | 03:00 PM ET, 10/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 12:39 PM ET, 10/25/2011

Polls: Tablet users; Obama’s ratings back home; ‘cool’ smoking

By Scott Clement

The latest computer revolution is ushering in a renaissance of news for tablet computer users, according to a new report.

By Scott Clement | 12:39 PM ET, 10/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Barack Obama, GOP nomination

Posted at 04:49 PM ET, 10/20/2011

Will Romney’s Mormonism hurt him in Republican primaries?

By Scott Clement

“Mormon” was the top one-word description given of Mitt Romney in a Washington Post-Pew Research Center poll released Tuesday.

By Scott Clement | 04:49 PM ET, 10/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 12:58 PM ET, 10/20/2011

Poll watcher: Most say Obama is a liberal; courting the religious vote in 2012; GOP ‘horserace’; bike sharing

By Scott Clement

Fully 62 percent of Americans say President Obama is liberal, while 16 percent see him as a moderate and 18 percent as conservative.

By Scott Clement | 12:58 PM ET, 10/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, 2012 polls, Barack Obama, D.C.

Posted at 12:20 PM ET, 10/19/2011

New high supports legalizing marijuana, Cain and Romney close in S.C., and other top polls

By Scott Clement

Fully 50 percent of Americans say the use of marijuana should be legal according to a Gallup poll released Tuesday, the highest in polls since 1969, when just 12 percent favored legalization.

By Scott Clement | 12:20 PM ET, 10/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Economy, GOP nomination

Posted at 05:00 PM ET, 10/18/2011

Rick Perry better known, more disliked by GOP conservatives

By Scott Clement and Jon Cohen

As the Texas governor has become better known, he has become more unpopular, with the number of conservative Republicans holding “unfavorable” views of Perry more than tripling, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

By Scott Clement and Jon Cohen | 05:00 PM ET, 10/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 04:00 PM ET, 10/18/2011

Top GOP candidates, in a word

By Peyton M. Craighill and Jon Cohen

For Herman Cain, it’s “9-9-9.” Rick Perry gets “Texas.” Mitt Romney, “Mormon.” Those are the words most commonly mentioned for the three leading Republican candidates.

By Peyton M. Craighill and Jon Cohen | 04:00 PM ET, 10/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 12:17 PM ET, 10/17/2011

Poll watcher: Bloggers rave about Ron Paul; turnout in Va. elections; Romney’s winning history in Nev.

By Scott Clement

Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul receives overwhelmingly positive support in the blogosphere, a recent analysis shows.

By Scott Clement | 12:17 PM ET, 10/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 11:46 AM ET, 10/14/2011

Poll watcher: Almost half say Iran is “enemy,” and more of today’s top polls

By Scott Clement

The American public has an extraordinarily low opinion of the Persian nation; top GOP candidates trail a “generic Republican” against Obama.

By Scott Clement | 11:46 AM ET, 10/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, 2012 polls

Posted at 01:54 PM ET, 10/13/2011

#pollwatch: Cain ahead in GOP race? Obama’s jobs bill potentially popular; OWS, death penalty and ‘Jersey Shore’

By Scott Clement

A new poll shows Cain outpacing Romney; Obama’s jobs bill is potentially popular; Occupy Wall Street; “Jersey Shore”

By Scott Clement | 01:54 PM ET, 10/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, Barack Obama, Economy

Posted at 02:49 PM ET, 10/11/2011

Poll trends to notice in tonight’s debate

By Scott Clement

Five key trends in Washington Post polling will be tested in tonight’s debate, spanning Cain’s momentum and the tea party to immigration and jobs.

By Scott Clement | 02:49 PM ET, 10/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 12:45 PM ET, 10/11/2011

GOP candidates out of step on immigration?

By Peyton M. Craighill

The GOP debate Tuesday night in Hanover, N.H., will focus on the economy, but immigration could play spoiler for two of the top candidates.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 12:45 PM ET, 10/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, Immigration

Posted at 03:44 PM ET, 10/10/2011

Romney maintains wide lead in New Hampshire; Cain surges

By Scott Clement

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney holds a big lead over all other Republican primary contenders in New Hampshire, but businessman Herman Cain has surged into second place according to two newly released polls.

By Scott Clement | 03:44 PM ET, 10/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 04:41 PM ET, 10/07/2011

Do Republicans care about values in 2012? No, and yes.

By Scott Clement

Few Republicans name “moral values” as a top issue in the latest Washington Post-ABC News poll, but social issues linger as an important litmus test for candidates in the eyes of GOP voters.

By Scott Clement | 04:41 PM ET, 10/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 12:40 PM ET, 10/07/2011

GOP nomination: Follow the tea party

By Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement

Thanks in large part to the shifting preferences among tea party aligned Republicans, there has been little consistency in the top tier of candidates in Washington Post-ABC News polls since July.

By Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement | 12:40 PM ET, 10/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 11:19 AM ET, 10/05/2011

Herman Cain supporters most fervent in current GOP field

By Scott Clement

Twice as many Cain supporters say they support him ”strongly” as say the same about Mitt Romney and more than any other announced candidate.

By Scott Clement | 11:19 AM ET, 10/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 11:00 AM ET, 10/04/2011

Poll: Mitt Romney’s electability

By Peyton M. Craighill

Former Mass. governor Mitt Romney no longer faces a basic question that undercut his candidacy four years ago -- the threshold issue of electability. In the fall of 2007, more people said they definitely would not vote for him in a general election than would consider him, but those numbers have now flipped in the latest Washington Post-ABC News poll.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 11:00 AM ET, 10/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination

Posted at 03:53 PM ET, 09/29/2011

#pollwatch: Perry down; GOP excited for 2012, but not for Christie; economic confidence on the brink

By Scott Clement

A host of new polls provide new perspective on the 2012 election and how America sees the nation’s economic woes.

By Scott Clement | 03:53 PM ET, 09/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, Economy

Posted at 05:59 PM ET, 09/28/2011

#Pollwatch: Chris Christie unknown to many Americans; 2012 race tight in Pa. and Ohio; tea party less popular

By Scott Clement

Polls this year show many people have no opinion at all about the New Jersey governor.

By Scott Clement | 05:59 PM ET, 09/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, 2012 polls

Posted at 01:45 PM ET, 09/26/2011

#Pollwatch: Romney and Perry, Florida straw poll, government satisfaction and following local news

By Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement

A daily summary of polling.

By Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement | 01:45 PM ET, 09/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination

Posted at 03:37 PM ET, 09/23/2011

#Pollwatch: How rich is “rich”? Who trusts the media? And what about pre-existing conditions?

By Scott Clement

How do Americans define “rich”? Two Fox News polls show wildly different answers to this question.

By Scott Clement | 03:37 PM ET, 09/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, Health care

Posted at 05:51 PM ET, 09/22/2011

Republican debate #pollwatch: State of the GOP race

By Scott Clement

Ahead of tonight’s debate, Texas Gov. Rick Perry continues to hold a modest lead over Mitt Romney in the race for the Republican nomination.

By Scott Clement | 05:51 PM ET, 09/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 01:22 PM ET, 09/21/2011

#Pollwatch: Perry vs. Romney in S.C., and what parts of Obama’s Jobs act are popular?

By Scott Clement

Two new polls offer clear looks at the critical South Carolina GOP primary and one of Obama’s key reelection pitches: the American Jobs Act.

By Scott Clement | 01:22 PM ET, 09/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Barack Obama, GOP nomination

Posted at 12:08 PM ET, 09/20/2011

#Pollwatch: Perry holds strong; taxing rich is popular; text messaging flourishes

By Scott Clement

Rick Perry maintains his frontrunner status in the first major national poll since the Texas governor was bombarded with criticism by his primary opponents.

By Scott Clement | 12:08 PM ET, 09/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Polls, GOP nomination, methodology

Posted at 11:58 AM ET, 09/16/2011

New polls: “Ponzi” claim is palatable to GOP, Hillary shines and origins of homosexuality

By Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement

Rick Perry’s comments about Social Security — describing it as a Ponzi scheme doomed for failure — don’t appear to damage his chances.

By Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement | 11:58 AM ET, 09/16/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 12:05 PM ET, 09/12/2011

Pollwatcher: Republican nomination, Obama approval, Anthony Weiner seat, interracial marriage

By Peyton M. Craighill

Summary of daily polling.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 12:05 PM ET, 09/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, Barack Obama, Presidential Approval, Race

Posted at 01:23 PM ET, 09/08/2011

Republican debate, the public opinion angle

By Peyton M. Craighill

The feisty Republican debate Wednesday night allowed the candidates to lay out their visions on a variety of hot-button issues. Here’s a roundup of public opinion on some of last night’s topics.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 01:23 PM ET, 09/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, Health care

Posted at 11:51 AM ET, 08/31/2011

Pollwatchers: Perry’s rise, Libya after Gadhafi, job fears and Muslim assimilation

By Peyton M. Craighill

A review of daily polling.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 11:51 AM ET, 08/31/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, Economy

Posted at 01:18 PM ET, 08/25/2011

Poll watchers: Rick Perry’s GOP shuffle, economic gloom and Steve Jobs

By Peyton M. Craighill

A review of daily polling.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 01:18 PM ET, 08/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, Barack Obama, Economy

Posted at 12:29 PM ET, 08/24/2011

2012 looks like Groundhog Day for Ron Paul

By Scott Clement

Are Rep. Ron Paul’s chances of winning the GOP nomination any better than in 2008?

By Scott Clement | 12:29 PM ET, 08/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 03:31 PM ET, 08/16/2011

Poll watchers: Bernanke who? Congress hits new lows (again) and love vs. science for women

By Scott Clement and Peyton Craighill

Few Americans hold strong feelings on the chairman or the Federal Reserve, and many are entirely unsure.

By Scott Clement and Peyton Craighill | 03:31 PM ET, 08/16/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Congress, GOP nomination

Posted at 09:57 AM ET, 08/15/2011

Poll watchers: GOP nomination update, Obama sub-40, economic gloom

By Scott Clement

A review of daily polling: GOP nomination update, Obama sub-40, economic gloom.

By Scott Clement | 09:57 AM ET, 08/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, Barack Obama, Economy

Posted at 01:27 PM ET, 07/28/2011

Poll Watchers: Obama vs. generic Republican, the deficit, rating congressional leaders, the GOP nomination and wine vs. beer

By Peyton M. Craighill

A summary of daily polling at The Washington Post.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 01:27 PM ET, 07/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Congress, Federal Budget Deficit, GOP nomination, Tea party, 2012 polls

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 07/21/2011

Obama, Romney neck and neck in 2012; other Republicans trail president

By Scott Clement

President Obama and Mitt Romney, the frontrunner for the Republican nomination, split 49 percent to 47 percent among registered voters in a hypothetical 2012 matchup in a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

By Scott Clement | 07:00 AM ET, 07/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination

Posted at 01:35 PM ET, 07/13/2011

Poll watchers: Debt ceiling, Congress widely unpopular and more Bachmann

By Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement

Debt ceiling debate – By roughly 2 to 1 more Americans would want their member of Congress to vote against raising the debt ceiling, 42 to 22 percent in the latest Gallup poll. Still, a sizable 35 percent don’t know enough about the debate to offer an opinion.

By Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement | 01:35 PM ET, 07/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Congress, Federal Budget Deficit, GOP nomination

Posted at 12:29 PM ET, 07/11/2011

Poll Watchers: Obama approval, Iowa GOP poll, smartphones, space shuttle

By Peyton M. Craighill

A summary of daily polling.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 12:29 PM ET, 07/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Barack Obama, GOP nomination

Posted at 01:18 PM ET, 07/08/2011

Poll watchers: personal finances, rising interest in GOP campaign, debt limit polling and Casey Anthony

By Scott Clement

A 55 percent majority of Americans say their personal finances are in bad shape according to Bloomberg, as a new government report shows that job growth came to a near halt in June.

By Scott Clement | 01:18 PM ET, 07/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Federal Budget Deficit, GOP nomination

Posted at 12:39 PM ET, 07/06/2011

Top five findings from the New Hampshire GOP primary poll

By Scott Clement

As the race for the Republican presidential nomination shifts into higher gear, a newly released University of New Hampshire poll offers a fresh look at the first primary contest.

By Scott Clement | 12:39 PM ET, 07/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 11:53 AM ET, 07/01/2011

Poll watchers: Less concern over death panels, Millennials need history lesson and Bachmann polls

By Scott Clement

Some 31 percent of Americans continue to mistakenly believe the health-care law passed last years allows government panels to make decisions about end-of-life care.

By Scott Clement | 11:53 AM ET, 07/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Health care, GOP nomination

Posted at 01:07 PM ET, 06/27/2011

Poll Watchers: Iowa GOP caucus, debt limit update, Supreme Court wrap-up, confidence in newspapers

By Peyton M. Craighill

A summary of daily polling.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 01:07 PM ET, 06/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, Supreme Court, Federal Budget Deficit

Posted at 04:07 PM ET, 06/13/2011

Poll Watchers: New Hampshire Republican debate

By Scott Clement

“NoBama,” Romney and health care, the tea party and three candidates who may need introductions.

By Scott Clement | 04:07 PM ET, 06/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 06/12/2011

Poll: What matters to GOP voters

By Peyton M. Craighill

Who you are may matter less to potential Republican voters than what you stand for.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 07:00 AM ET, 06/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 10:44 AM ET, 06/07/2011

Poll: Ranking the GOP 2012 presidential field

By Peyton M. Craighill

Mitt Romney sits atop the field of potential Republican candidates for the 2012 nomination in more ways than one in the new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 10:44 AM ET, 06/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 12:41 PM ET, 06/02/2011

Poll Watchers: Twitter, Israel and Palestinians, Newt Gingrich

By Scott Clement

A summary of daily polling.

By Scott Clement | 12:41 PM ET, 06/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 06/01/2011

Poll: Reactions to the Republican candidates – Not impressed

By Peyton M. Craighill

“Unimpressed.” “Disappointing.” “Weak.” Those are the leading reactions to the crop of potential candidates for the GOP presidential nomination.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 01:00 PM ET, 06/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination

Posted at 01:07 PM ET, 05/24/2011

Poll Watchers: New York special election, New Hampshire primary, gas prices

By Peyton M. Craighill

A summary of daily polling in New York’s special election and the New Hampshire primary.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 01:07 PM ET, 05/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: GOP nomination, Congress

Posted at 11:57 AM ET, 05/17/2011

Poll Watchers: Republican primary positioning, U.S. strength in the world and vacation plans

By Peyton M. Craighill

A summary of daily polling

By Peyton M. Craighill | 11:57 AM ET, 05/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination

Posted at 10:53 AM ET, 04/29/2011

Poll Watchers: Tea party unfavorable, cutting the debt, GOP 2012 and the Royal Wedding

By Peyton M. Craighill

A daily round-up of public polling.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 10:53 AM ET, 04/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Barack Obama, Federal Budget Deficit, GOP nomination

Posted at 10:57 AM ET, 04/26/2011

Poll Watchers: Egypt, baby boomers, the Royal Wedding and Haley Barbour

By Peyton M. Craighill

A daily round-up of public polling.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 10:57 AM ET, 04/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination

Posted at 09:07 AM ET, 04/19/2011

Obama and 2012: approval down, but little enthusiasm for GOP field

By Peyton M. Craighill

Early in President Obama’s re-election bid, he’s running ahead of each of the seven potential Republican challengers tested in the latest Washington Post-ABC News poll.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 09:07 AM ET, 04/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, Barack Obama, GOP nomination

Posted at 10:57 AM ET, 04/11/2011

Poll Watchers: Budget debate fallout, Trump bump, Civil War continued and Mitt Romney

By Peyton M. Craighill

A daily round-up of national public opinion polling

By Peyton M. Craighill | 10:57 AM ET, 04/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Congress, Federal Budget Deficit, 2012 polls, GOP nomination

Posted at 05:40 PM ET, 03/30/2011

Poll Watchers: the Trump card, Afghanistan, Obama and the birthers, the economy and nuclear energy

By Peyton M. Craighill

New polling on Donald Trump and the 2012 election, the war in Afghanistan, President Obama and the birthers, declining views of the economy and support for new nuclear power plants.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 05:40 PM ET, 03/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, Afghanistan, Barack Obama, Economy, GOP nomination

Posted at 01:44 PM ET, 03/23/2011

2012: Obama runs ahead in generic Pew poll

By Peyton M. Craighill

President Obama runs ahead of an unnamed Republican opponent by 47 to 37 percent in a new Pew poll.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 01:44 PM ET, 03/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, Barack Obama, GOP nomination

Posted at 11:45 AM ET, 03/22/2011

Haley Barbour, man of the South

By Peyton M. Craighill

Almost six in 10 Republican and GOP-leaning independents are unable to rate Haley Barbour, placing him in the same company as other GOP hopefuls such as former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty, the outgoing ambassador to China Jon Huntsman and Indiana governor Mitch Daniels.

By Peyton M. Craighill | 11:45 AM ET, 03/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 2012 polls, GOP nomination

Behind the Numbers: GOP nomination