Welcome to the Overnight News Digest with a crew consisting of founder Magnifico, current leader Neon Vincent, regular editors jlms qkw, maggiejean, wader, Oke, rfall, and JML9999. Alumni editors are palantir, ScottyUrb, BentLiberal and Interceptor7. Our guest editor is annetteboardman.Obama ahead in new poll as president's camp accuses Romney of desperation
The Guardian
Pew figures show Obama leading 48-45% among likely voters as rivals make final dash across swing states before election
As the two candidates criss-crossed the country in a last round of campaigning before Tuesday's election, a survey by the Pew Research Center, one of the more reliable pollsters, showed Obama leading Romney 48% to 45% among likely voters.Pew estimated that in the final tally, Obama will take 50% of the popular vote to 47% for Romney. The modest lead for Obama marks a shift from a week ago when the two were tied on 47% before Sandy. Among likely voters, 69% said they approved of Obama's handling of the storm.
The findings are similar to a Wall Street Journal/NBC poll published at the weekend. The two offer the first firm evidence of the impact of Sandy on the election. Pew carries one caution for Obama, suggesting turnout may be lower than in 2008 and 2004, which could help Romney.
The poll came as the president's top campaign advisers accused Romney of desperation on Sunday as they claimed the race was moving decisively in Obama's direction. Obama is enjoying a slight edge in polls from most of the crucial swing states that will decide the outcome.