FAVORABLES – Some of these changes extend beyond the candidates’ own parties.
Among all Americans, McCain’s personal favorability rating – the most basic measure of
a public figure’s popularity – has jumped by 16 points since fall. Obama, similarly, has
gained 12 points among all Americans in personal favorability.
Favorable ratings for Clinton and Edwards both also have advanced, each up 8 points;
and the biggest bolt, 21 points, is for Huckabee, who was catapulted onto the national
scene with his victory in the Iowa caucuses. Still, though, nearly as many Americans see
Huckabee unfavorably (38 percent) as favorably (42 percent).
Giuliani, Romney and Thompson are struggling in terms of their basic popularity.
Giuliani for the first time has slipped under 50 percent favorability among all adults,
down steeply from a high of 67 percent just over a year ago; at a 46-46 split, as many
now view him unfavorably as favorably.
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It’s worse yet for Romney, viewed more unfavorably than favorably by a 12-point
margin; and Thompson, negative by 15 points. Indeed, even in his own party, Romney
has comparatively weak 55 percent favorability; Thompson, just 47 percent.
While the three main Democratic contenders and McCain are the only figures with
majority popularity, McCain has a cross-party advantage: He’s viewed favorably by 50
percent of leaned Democrats. Among leaned Republicans, just 23 percent see Clinton
favorably; Obama and Edwards do better in the GOP camp, around 40 percent favorable.
Favorability - among all Americans Favorable change by leaned party
Fav.... Unfav....(Change)
Obama... 63%.. 30 (+12)
McCain... 59... 30 (+16)
Clinton... 58... 40 (+8)
Edwards... 57... 34 (+8)
Giuliani... 46... 46 (-4)
Huckabee... 42... 38 (+21)
Romney... 34... 46 (+6)
Thompson... 30... 45 (-3)
Favorability by leaned party
.........Dems / Reps
Obama... 81%.... 42
McCain... 50.... 77
Clinton... 83.... 23
Edwards... 71.... 40
Giuliani... 30.... 68
Huckabee... 28.... 64
Romney... 24.... 55
Thompson... 19.... 47
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