New York Times: Key Groups Abandon Obama

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Key Groups Abandon Obama

Crucial groups that flocked to Obama's banner in 2008 are now abandoning him in droves, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll. Women, Roman Catholics, poor Americans, and independent voters went blue in 2008, but Democrats no longer hold the upper hand with such groups, according to the New York Times. The rightward shift of women voters would be particularly notable: Women haven't sided with Republicans in House races since exit polling began in 1982. All in all, the poll results suggest a nation in a state of desperation: 57 percent of registered voters said they were more inclined to gamble on a candidate with little experience this year, while a quarter said they could get behind a candidate whose views "seem extreme." Voters know there are problems, but apparently don't know what they want done about them. For example, 90 percent of respondents said they wanted cuts to government spending and more than 50 percent said they wanted the government to offer fewer services. But respondents ardently opposed raising retirement age or reducing retirement benefits in order to cover the cost of Social Security. Opposition to increasing taxes on the wealthy has also increased over the year. The nation is divided on the repeal of health care, with 41 percent supporting the repeal and 45 percent opposing it. In terms of party support, 46 percent of likely voters said they would go with the Republicans, while 40 percent said the Democrats would get their vote.

Read original story in The New York Times | Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010