GSPM Presidential Horse Race: Split Decision on 'Swing" States

Yesterday, the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) released the 14th installment of its weekly Horse Race poll, which found that President Barack Obama bested Governor Romney for the first time in four weeks.
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(FILE PHOTO) In this composite image a comparison has been made between US Presidential Candidates Barack Obama (L) and Mitt Romney. The November 6, 2012 elections will decide between Obama and Romney who will win to become the next President of the United States. ***LEFT IMAGE*** SPRINGFIELD, OH - NOVEMBER 02: U.S. President Barack Obama addresses a campaign rally at Springfield High School November 2, 2012 in Springfield, Ohio. With four days left until the general election, Obama and the Republican presidential nominee, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, are racing from swing-state to swing-state in an attempt to change voters' minds at the last minute. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 30: Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney delivers his nomination acceptance speech during the final day of the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 30, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney was nominated as the Republican presidential candidate during the RNC which will conclude today. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
(FILE PHOTO) In this composite image a comparison has been made between US Presidential Candidates Barack Obama (L) and Mitt Romney. The November 6, 2012 elections will decide between Obama and Romney who will win to become the next President of the United States. ***LEFT IMAGE*** SPRINGFIELD, OH - NOVEMBER 02: U.S. President Barack Obama addresses a campaign rally at Springfield High School November 2, 2012 in Springfield, Ohio. With four days left until the general election, Obama and the Republican presidential nominee, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, are racing from swing-state to swing-state in an attempt to change voters' minds at the last minute. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 30: Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney delivers his nomination acceptance speech during the final day of the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 30, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney was nominated as the Republican presidential candidate during the RNC which will conclude today. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management Survey Finds "Swing States" a Split Decision for President Obama and Governor Romney.

Yesterday, the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) released the 14th installment of its weekly Horse Race poll, which found that President Barack Obama bested Governor Romney for the first time in four weeks.

Full survey results for the week ending Nov. 4, are as follows:

Rate the prior week's performance (1 -- Very Ineffective, 5 -- Very Effective)
Mitt Romney's PERSONAL PERFORMANCE as a Presidential candidate 3.37
Barack Obama's PERSONAL PERFORMANCE as a Presidential candidate 3.63
Mitt Romney's presidential CAMPAIGN OPERATION 3.37
Barack Obama's presidential CAMPAIGN OPERATION 3.56

Which presidential campaign "won" the previous week?

Romney Campaign: 30 percent
Obama Campaign: 58 percent
Neither: 08 percent
Both: 04 percent
Don't know: 00 percent

Which candidate will win the following states?

Colorado -- Romney (47 percent)
Florida -- Romney (81 percent)
Iowa -- Obama (56 percent)
Nevada -- Obama (77 percent)
New Hampshire -- Romney (48 percent)
Ohio -- Obama (63 percent)
Virginia -- Romney (55 percent)
Wisconsin -- Obama (57 percent)

As you see it, what was the pivotal moment of the campaign in the previous week (please describe in your own words)?

Select Comments

Democrat Insider: "The pivotal moment of the week was how both campaigns reacted to Hurricane Sandy and how President Obama effectively utilized the powers of the federal government in responding to a natural disaster of epic proportions."

Republican Insider: "I think the pivotal moment of the campaign was Hurricane Sandy. It refocused the candidates on the important things and at least allowed us to take a break from the negative ads, etc. They each handled the situation appropriately and took the opportunity to remind Americans how we rally in difficult times."

Non-Affiliated Insider: "President Obama and Gov. Christie visiting the hurricane-devastated areas in New Jersey."

What is the first thing the winner should do after the election is decided (Please indicate whether the advice is being directed to OBAMA or ROMNEY at the beginning of your comment)?

Select Comments

Democrat Insider: OBAMA -- "Seek bipartisan solutions by reaching out to political opponents in the House of Representatives. There will be opportunities for responsible governance with the sequestration looming on the horizon."

Republican Insider: ROMNEY -- "Start working with Congress to craft health care legislation to replace Obamacare."

Democrat Insider: OBAMA -- "Speak to the public about the next four years, to re-assure them and make clear that he wants to work with Republicans. However, they have to also demonstrate a willingness to compromise and work with him."

Republican Insider: ROMNEY -- "Talk immediately with Senate and House Democrats about fiscal cliff proposals."

The GSPM Horse Race is an aggregated, weekly measure of the opinions of graduate students, alumni, full-time faculty and adjunct professors at GSPM. The results are not intended to be representative of any larger population. The responses have been weighted to ensure that they are balanced politically, by equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans. The comments provided are from survey participants. The survey results are released weekly and are available at gspm.edu.

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