InsiderAdvantage�s Matt Towery: �This is a huge slide from what had been, in our prior surveys, a relatively close race. The reason is simple�Obama lost serious ground in virtually every demographic. �At first glance it would seem that Obama is headed for no better than the low 40 percentile level achieved by John Kerry in 2004. But let me warn observers that in both our national tracking and surveys in other states, the biggest change has been a near parity between the two candidates among the youngest of voters.
�Should that group return to Obama and the African-American vote end up where we expect it to be, the race could be closer in November. But as of now Georgia is no longer a �leans McCain� state. As of this survey, Georgia is in the McCain column.�
The poll, to remain consistent with seven total state polls conducted around the nation by the firm Wednesday evening, does not list Bob Barr as a candidate. �Having Bob Barr�s name on the ballot would likely take a net point or two from McCain, but at least at this stage, Barr�s presence is not an essential piece of the electoral pie in Georgia,� Towery said. �If the race tightens, that could change.� Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Barack Obama? Favorable 49% Unfavorable 36% Undecided 15%
Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Joseph Biden? Favorable 41% Unfavorable 35% Undecided 24%
Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of John McCain? Favorable 48% Unfavorable 32% Undecided 20%
Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Sarah Palin? Favorable 54% Unfavorable 28% Undecided 18%
Which presidential candidate do you believe would be best able to handle the economy, Barack Obama or John McCain? John McCain 46% Barack Obama 38% Undecided 16%
Which presidential candidate do you believe would be best able to handle the war in Iraq, Barack Obama or John McCain? John McCain 54% Barack Obama 33% Undecided 13%
Do you approve or disapprove of President Bush's overall job performance? Approve 39% Disapprove 54% Undecided 7%
Do you approve or disapprove of President Bush's handling of the economy? Approve 33% Disapprove 59% Undecided 8%
Do you approve or disapprove of President Bush's handling of the war in Iraq? Approve 49% Disapprove 39% Undecided 12% Libertarian candidate Bob Barr, who served in Congress as part of Georgia�s Congressional delegation, picks up 3% of the vote initially. But when asked a follow-up question only 1% remain committed to the man some view as a potential spoiler for McCain�s hopes.
While both McCain and Obama earn roughly equal support from their own parties, McCain has a thirteen percentage point advantage among unaffiliated voters. McCain leads by twenty among men while the candidates are roughly even among women.
McCain is viewed favorably by 58% of Georgia�s voters and unfavorably by 39%. Obama�s ratings are 50% favorable, 46% unfavorable.
