Polls: Obama More Likeable; Romney Better On The Economy April 18, 2012

So the question is: What will the question be this November?

Will the question be: Who do Americans prefer to have a beer with?

Or will the question be: Who is best at fixing the economy?

The election may very well hinge on what question Americans are asking themselves as they vote.

The recent Fox News poll asked respondents 5 "character" questions. Obama led in all but one. On "Who do you trust more to fix the economy?" Romney led by seven.

The CNN poll released Monday finds Obama and Romney statistically tied on the economy, with Obama enjoying higher favorability ratings.

An ABC poll released Monday shows Obama with a significant favorability advantage as well. But ABC also has Romney leading Obama on the economy by 4.

It seems as though the last several elections have hinged on the "beer" question. If that trend continues, then Obama is in very good shape in November.

However, when millions of people can't afford a beer because they don't have a job, then the "beer" question becomes meaningless.

If the economy continues to grow anemically, or, worse yet, actually begins to contract, Romney is the favorite in November.

It will be interesting to watch how these polls develop over the next several months alongside leading economic indicators.

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