If the presidential race was decided by the candidate who scores the most 'Likes' on Facebook, President Obama would likely win by a landslide (Obama: 27,125,627, Romney 2,073,110).
It's true that the president is well, liked, by lots of Americans. A new Gallup poll measured it:
• 81% of those surveyed say Obama is likable.
• 64% say presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney is likable.
However, what's interesting is that on several other categories the two candidates are quite close.
"Has a clear plan for solving the country's problems"
• Obama 40%
• Romney 38%
"Is a strong and decisive leader"
• Obama 53%
• Romney 55%
"Changes his positions on issues for political reasons"
• Obama 60%
• Romney 61%
Ouch! The campaigns may want to watch how much they try to paint each other as flip floppers.
Respondents find President Obama to be more honest and trustworthy than Romney (60%-50%). More people also say it's the president who shares their values (53%-45%) and understand the problems Americans are facing in their daily lives (58%-46%).
Romney outperformed the president on management.
• 53 % of respondents say Romney can manage government effectively.
• 45% said the same about Obama.
These new numbers are interesting and add evidence to what we've expected all along. This election will be close.