Poll shows first impressions of candidates

PRINCETON, N.J., April 30 (UPI) -- First-impression opinions about the U.S. presidential candidates mixed positive and negative ideas about each, a Gallup poll released Wednesday indicated.

Respondents indicated they viewed presumptive GOP presidential nominee Sen. John McCain of Arizona as too old and Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., as dishonest, the Gallup Panel survey said.

People said Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., was better known now than when the primary season began, but the dominant perceptions of him -- youth, inexperience and a fresh face -- haven't changed.

The Gallup survey asked participants to describe "what comes to mind" when they think of the three leading presidential candidates. The Princeton, N.J., firm had asked a similar question in late 2006 before candidates officially announced.

The recent survey showed the "too old" and "good man" were the most commonly mentioned characteristics for McCain. When asked about Clinton, respondents said she was dishonest, had "baggage" and that she was qualified and capable.

For Obama, the most commonly held perceptions about him have not changed remained the same. Equal percentages said they like and dislike him.

Survey results were based on telephone interviews April 25-27 with 1,008 adults. The sampling error was plus or minus 4 percentage points.