PRINCETON, N.J., Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Americans give Republican presidential challenger Mitt Romney the edge over President Obama on the issue of who could better handle the economy, Gallup said.
Forty-nine percent of respondents said Romney would better handle the economy, down from 52 percent in August, results of the USA Today-Gallup poll released Wednesday indicated.
Forty-five percent said they thought Obama would do a better job, up from 43 percent in August.
Americans also said the economy would be better off in four years if Romney were elected, results indicated. Overall, 50 percent say the economy will be better if Romney were elected, while 48 percent said the economy would be better if Obama were re-elected, Gallup said.
Obama enjoys a 6 percentage point advantage, 50 percent to 44 percent, in the latest Gallup Daily tracking poll.
Respondents rate Obama as better able to handle international issues by at least 10 percentage points over Romney. Obama also was ahead of Romney for handling social issues, healthcare, energy, Medicare and taxes.
Obama's weakest issue was federal budget deficit.
Obama also maintained his edge over Romney in all five personal qualities rated, Gallup said. The incumbent's biggest advantage is understanding the problems Americans face in their daily lives, with smaller leads noted on sharing values, being a strong and decisive leader, being more likely to keep campaign promises and managing the government effectively.
Results are based on nationwide telephone interviews with 1,446 adults conducted Sept. 24-27. The margin of error is 3 percentage points.
