PRESSTV- A Washington Post-ABC News national poll reveals that Democratic nominee Barack Obama is leading his Republican rival John McCain.
American's are increasingly concerned about the ailing US economy, and this has affected voter decisions, giving the Democratic nominee a clear lead over Republican candidate John McCain.
Only 9 percent or those surveyed rated the economy as good or excellent, and only 14 percent said the country is heading in the right direction.
The poll found that among likely voters Obama now leads McCain by 52 percent to 43 percent. This compares with a poll taken two weeks ago which put McCain ahead of Obama by 2 percentage points.
The Democratic candidate has called for sweeping change to cleanse the 'waste and abuse', blaming both Wall Street and Washington for the current financial crisis.
Anxiety about the economic situation is widespread. Most poll respondents believe the economy has moved into a serious long-term decline.
The government's proposed $700 billion bailout of the troubled financial industry has also increased US voter concerns with less than half supporting the move. 50 percent said the economy and jobs were the single most important issue that will determine their vote, up from 37 percent two weeks ago. In contrast, just 9 percent cited the Iraq war as the most important issue in the campaign.
The survey also showed an increase in the unfavorable rating' for Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin.
Overall, most supporters of each presidential candidate said they are enthusiastic about their choice, but 62 percent of Obama supporters said they are "very enthusiastic," compared with 34 percent of McCain's supporters.
AO/CW - PRESSTV