In a First, Romney Cracks 50% in ABC/Post Poll

He widens lead among white voters, makes gains on economy

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 25, 2012 5:14 PM CDT

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In a First, Romney Cracks 50% in ABC/ Post Poll — In this Oct. 3 file photo, Mitt Romney and President Obama talk after the first presidential debate. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

Maybe his momentum isn't slowing after all. A new poll by ABC and the Washington Post puts Mitt Romney up 50-47 on President Obama, which is within the margin of error but marks the first time Romney has hit the 50% mark. Among the reasons for his stronger showing:

Race: Obama continues to do well among non-white voters with about 80% of support. But among whites, he trails Romney by a sizable 59-38. That 21-point deficit is nearly three times worse than his deficit with John McCain at this point four years ago, and it sets the stage for this election "to be more polarized along racial lines" than any since 1988, notes the Washington Post.
Economy: Romney made big gains here, and now leads 52-43 on which candidate should be trusted to fix things. It's the first "clear lead" for either, notes ABC. Also, Obama lost his empathy advantage. Asked which candidate better understands ordinary Americans' struggles, the president barely edged Romney 48-46.

(More Election 2012 stories.)

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