RASMUSSEN THIS MORNING – AT 10:28 A.M. ET:  Speaking of polls, as we were doing earlier, Rasmussen this morning has Obama just one point up over Romney, essentially a tied race.  Some other numbers from the poll are interesting.

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Monday shows President Obama attracting support from 47% of voters nationwide, while Mitt Romney earns the vote from 46%. Three percent (3%) prefer some other candidate, and four percent (4%) are undecided.

When “leaners” are included, the candidates are tied at 48%. Leaners are those who are initially uncommitted to the two leading candidates but lean towards one of them when asked a follow-up question. Beginning October 1, Rasmussen Reports will be basing its daily updates solely upon the results including leaners.

Then there's this:

Currently, 43% of voters nationwide are certain they will vote for Romney, and 41% are just as certain about voting for Obama. Three percent (3%) are likely to vote for Romney but could change their minds. Six percent (6%) say they expect to vote for Obama but could change their minds.

Yikes!  Only 41% are certain about voting for a president they know?  That provides a huge opportunity for Romney.  The first debate is a week from tonight.  This will truly be a major showdown. 

A president’s job approval rating is one of the best indicators for assessing his chances of reelection. Typically, the president’s job approval rating on Election Day will be close to the share of the vote he receives. Currently, 48% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Fifty percent (50%) at least somewhat disapprove.

Presidential approval below 50% is seen as a danger to any incumbent.  And we're only a month and a week away from the election.

This can be won.  Gloves off, Mitt.

September 24, 2012