Poll: Wary Electorate Backs Obama Over GOP frontrunners

A new Wall Street Journal/NBC poll shows that although 51 percent of voters disapprove of Barack Obama’s performance as President, they would still back him over the GOP field’s frontrunners in a general election.

When pitched against Mitt Romney, Obama leads by 49 to 43 percent, his slimmest margin. Against Herman Cain, Obama fares better, with a 53 to 38 percent lead.

The poll was conducted after the Politico story revealed sexual harassment charges against Cain but prior to the latest allegation from Sharon Bialek.

Among registered voters who would likely vote in the Republican primary, Romney and Cain run neck and neck at 28 and 27 percent respectively. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich comes in third with 13 percent. Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) and Texas Governor Rick Perry both chart at 10 percent. No other candidate comes in with more than 5 percent.

The poll also found that Obama is held in a more positive light than members of the GOP field, with 45 percent saying they view him in an at least somewhat positive manner. Among the GOP field, Romney is the most likeable at 6 percent and Cain comes in second at 23 percent.

The survey was comprised of 1,000 respondents between November 2^nd and 5^th.

The full results can be seen here.