Gap Closes on Candidate Performance on Economy, as well as Head-to-Head: Obama-Biden, 45% - McCain-Palin, 44%

New York, NY - Today's Diageo/Hotline Daily Tracker Poll shows a tightening in the Presidential race among likely voters (defined as those voters who say they are "extremely likely" or "very likely" to vote in the upcoming election.)

In today's Poll, Obama-Biden is at 45%, McCain-Palin is at 44%, with 9% of voters undecided.

General Election Ballot: McCain-Palin v. Obama-Biden*

With the economy dominating likely voters' minds (62% say it is the top issue facing the country) the Poll shows a complete close in the gap on perceived performance on the economy (42% to 42%).

Who would do Best Job Handling the Economy?*

McCain still fares better than Obama in terms of his perceived preparedness to lead, (50% - 37%), with a gradual expansion of the margin since the October 4 Poll.

Preparedness to Lead*

When asked which candidate "better understands the needs and priorities of people like yourself," Obama still outranks McCain, (49% - 38%), but the margin has been gradually declining since the October 4 Poll.

Better Understands Needs and Priorities*

* data presented in charts based on rolling 3-day average of 900+ interviews concluded the previous day (based on at least 300 interviews conducted daily).

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