In the latest JZ Analytics interactive poll of 1,005 likely voters conducted March 5, 2012 to March 7, 2012, President Barack Obama receives an approval rating of 46% but that's not the only reason he might be smiling. The reason is simple: Obama defeats former Governor Mitt Romney 46% to 42% and leads Romney easily among all the important demographics that helped him win the Presidency in 2008.
Also, in the congressional generic race, 39% of respondents said they would vote for the Democratic candidate compared with 37% of respondents who said they would vote for the Republican candidate.
The race for the White House and the Congress is tight and far from over but the President has rebounded in the polls as of late. Here is a rundown of where Obama has advantages versus Romney: Among 18-29 year olds, Obama defeats Romney 61% to 26%. Among African Americans, Obama leads 96% to 3%. Of course, Obama wins 90% of liberals but on the flip side, Romney does not command as much support among conservatives, winning 70% of that wing of the Republican party. Obama receives 19% of conservative support.
The fight for the middle is being won by the President right now. He leads Romney 38% to 37% among Independents, although 26% are still on the fence. Another important group, which will factor in to the election are Hispanic voters: Obama leads Romney among Hispanics comfortably, 66% to 23.
Pollster and Senior Analyst, John Zogby:
"Barack Obama won among key demographics from 2008: African Americans, Hispanics, 18-29 year olds, moderates, Independents, and single voters.
These key groups have been disappointed with the President during much of his tenure, but he appears to be getting them back as support among these groups is at or approaching 2008 levels.
Some of this is attributable to the economy stabilizing, but a good deal of it is the opposition party, which appears to be frightening the Democratic base. But make no mistake, while greater numbers of voters think he deserves re-election, improving from 37% to 41%, that is still a weak number."