Boosted by improved public confidence in his economic stewardship, President Barack Obama for the first time holds a clear edge over Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney in a hypothetical general-election matchup, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.
Romney, who notched his second consecutive victory Saturday by easily winning the Nevada caucuses, continues to solidify his position as front-runner in the race for the GOP nomination. But as the contest has grown more negative, public impressions of top Republican contenders have soured, as has the former Massachusetts governor's standing as a general-election candidate.
Obama remains a polarizing figure, with Americans closely divided on whether he deserves re-election as well as his performance in office.
Although better than they were just a few months ago, his ratings on handling the economy and job creation remain negative, with intensity continuing to run against him.
In a general-election test, Obama leads Romney 52 percent to 43 percent among all Americans and 51 percent to 45 percent, among registered voters. Among adults, it's Obama's first time topping 50 percent in a matchup with Romney since July; it's his first time above that point among registered voters.
The poll results underscore how important framing the contest could be to the outcome. If the fall campaign becomes largely a referendum on Obama's tenure in office, he could struggle to win a second term — barring an economic recovery that vastly outperforms expectations. If it becomes a choice between incumbent and challenger, the president's prospects would be brighter.
Overall, 55 percent of those who closely follow the campaign say they disapprove of what GOP candidates have been saying. By better than 2 to 1, Americans say the more they learn about Romney, the less they like him. Even among Republicans, as many offer negative as positive assessments of him. Judgments on former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who denounced Romney on Saturday, are negative by about 3 to 1.
Obama's recent remarks are better reviewed. Among roughly 6 in 10 who heard or read about his State of the Union address, 57 percent approve of most of what he said.
Obama's momentum since mid-January has evened the score with Romney among independents. Among independents in the last Post-ABC poll, Romney held a 12-point edge; now they split 48 percent for Obama, 47 percent for Romney.
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