Presidential politics

Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich have quite a battle before them, according to the results of a recent Washington Post-ABC News poll. Respondents offered their thoughts on how Obama has done as president (25 percent strongly approve, vs. 34 percent who strongly disapprove), but those who identified as Republican were asked several questions about the potential candidates for president in 2012. Below are the top two answers (with percentages) to the questions that began, “Who do you think …”

Best understands problems of people like you? Romney (20), Gingrich (18)

Best reflects core Republican values? Gingrich (23), Romney (23)

Is the most honest and trustworthy? Romney (22), Michele Bachmann (15)

Has the best chance to defeat Obama? Romney (38), Gingrich (28)

Has the best experience to be president? Gingrich (43), Romney (23)

Is most likely to stand up for what he or she believes in? Gingrich (23), Romney (20)

Is better qualified to be commander in chief of the military? Gingrich (35), Romney (17)