Poll: Obama more likable than Romney

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 24 (UPI) -- A Gallup poll indicates U.S. President Barack Obama has a lead over Republican hopeful Mitt Romney in most personal characteristics, including "likability."

The poll showed Romney leading Obama on economic issues.

When asked whether Obama or Romney is more likable, 54 percent of the 1,033 poll respondents chose Obama while 31 percent said Romney was more likable, Gallup said.

About 48 percent of respondents said they believe Obama is more "honest and trustworthy" while only 36 percent said the same of Romney. And 47 percent of respondents said they think Obama is a "strong and decisive leader." Forty-two percent said the same of Romney.

More respondents favored Obama over Romney on issues such as foreign affairs, energy, Medicare, taxes and healthcare. But Romney had a substantial edge in the poll on economic matters.

He had a 52 to 43 percent advantage on who would better handle the economy and led 54 to 39 percent on who would better deal with the federal budget deficit.

The Gallup poll was conducted Aug. 20-22 and had a margin of error of 4 percentage points.