watching the polls

Obama Pulling Away in Colorado

By Matthew Frank, 10-14-08

Barack Obama now leads John McCain by nine points in Colorado, 52 percent to 43 percent, according to a poll released Tuesday. It’s among the widest margins of any poll conducted in the state so far.

The Quinnipiac University poll also surveyed voters in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, all battlegrounds, and Obama leads by double digits in each.

“They key to winning elections in Colorado is independent voters and Sen. Obama has blown open the race there with his 11-point lead among them. These same voters say 3-1 that the Democrat won the last debate, which drives one more nail into McCain’s coffin,” said Peter Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

More internals from Quinnipiac:

Post debate, Obama leads 54 - 38 percent among Colorado women voters, and inches ahead of McCain 49 - 47 percent among men. White voters go 48 percent for Obama and 47 percent for McCain. Independent voters back the Democrat 51 - 40 percent.

Voters say 82 - 11 that Democratic running mate Sen. Joe Biden is qualified to be Vice President. Voters say 51 - 44 that Republican Gov. Sarah Palin is not qualified. Women voters say 52 - 42 percent that she is not qualified.

The economy is the most important issue in the election, 54 percent of Colorado voters say. Obama better understands the economy, voters say 51 - 39 percent, while McCain better understands foreign policy, voters say 58 - 34 percent.

Voters who watched the October 7 debate say 56 - 24 percent that Obama did a better job.

Here’s the polling trend from Pollster.com:

Colorado has nine electoral votes, and Bush won the state in 2004 by five points.

Update: A CNN poll released Wednesday gives Obama a four point edge over McCain in Colorado, 51 percent to 47 percent.

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