Obama-Biden Widen Lead over McCain-Palin (49% - 42%); As Bailout Debate Heightens, Voters Increasingly Perceive Obama as Better on the Economy

New York, NY - In the midst of economic and legislative turmoil, the Obama-Biden ticket jumps ahead in today's Diageo/Hotline Daily Tracker Poll with a seven-point lead over McCain-Palin.

In today's Poll, Obama-Biden is at 49%, McCain-Palin is at 42%, with 7% of voters undecided.

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

In light of the widespread news coverage of Washington's attempts to bail out suffering financial institutions, the economy continues to climb as the top issue facing the country, with an all-time high of 60% of voters saying the economy is the top issue.

Top Issue Facing the Country: The Economy*

The Bailout Turmoil

Most voters continue to say that they would prefer that the government have more "involvement and oversight" in the financial markets today (46%).

Preferred Amount of Government Involvement in Financial Markets*

At the same time, while voters remain relatively split in their view of the government providing emergency funds to Wall Street, in today's Poll, there is a slight uptick in voters' view that the government "should not provide emergency funds to banks and financial firms to help keep them in business" (44% today v. 41% in September 25 Poll).

Should government provide emergency funds?*

Candidates on Issues

Since yesterday, Obama has widened the gap on perceived performance on the economy, showing a jump in advantage over McCain. The Poll shows a 7-point swing since the September 25 Poll, with Obama picking up three points and McCain dropping four points.

Who would do best job handling the economy?*

On other issues, most notably, Obama continues to lead McCain in perceived performance on energy issues, moving to an eight-point advantage in today's Poll. McCain maintains his solid lead over Obama in expected performance on national security, (55% - 35%), and the margin remains relatively unchanged on the issue of healthcare, with Obama maintaining an advantage (49% - 37%).

Who would do best job managing energy policies?*

Who would do best job handling national security?*

Who would do best job handling healthcare?*

* 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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