Diageo/Hotline: It's Those Town-Center Centrists

The latest Diageo/Hotline tracking poll, released this a.m., shows Obama/Biden leading McCain/Palin 45-42%. In yesterday's release, Obama/Biden led 46-42%.

The Dems took their first lead among Inds today, a group they now carry 43-35%. On 9/15, McCain/Palin led Inds 40-37%, and as recently as 9/13, the GOPers held a 16% advantage.

Balancing this gain were loses among Dems and GOPers. Obama/Biden now lead Dems by 76%, down from 79% on 9/15. Meanwhile McCain/Palin improved their lead among GOPers from 77% to 82%.

Looking at gender, the Dem ticket maintained its 1% margin among men in today's survey, and now leads women by 5% (down 2% from one day ago).

In yesterday's tracking poll, Obama held the largest lead on handling the economy in the survey for either candidate thus far. Today, however, his 11% margin has fallen to 5%. Meanwhile 40% of respondents say the economy is the most important issue facing the U.S. today.

Today's survey, conducted 9/14-16 by FD, surveyed 913 RVs and has a margin of error of +/- 3.2%. Party ID breakdown for the sample is 41%D, 36%R, 19%I.

More information can be found at Diageo/Hotline and, for subscribers, in today's Hotline.

(MATTHEW GOTTLIEB)