Poll shows voters trust Obama over GOP on wide range of issues

Voters trust President Barack Obama more than Republicans on a host of major issues, a new poll found this weekend.

A new Newsweek poll released this weekend shows that voters trust Obama on issues ranging from the economy and budget to handling wars and national security more than they do Republicans.

Republicans did edge Obama in one area, though: the use of military courts versus civilian trials to prosecute suspects in terrorism cases.

Voters, though, expressed confidence in the president on a number of other issues.

49 percent said they prefer Obama's approach on job creation, compared to 26 percent who prefer Republicans in Congress. 46 percent said they favor Obama's approach on the economy, as well, while 30 percent backed the GOP.

And on some traditionally Republican issues, 44 percent favor Obama's approach on tax policy to 34 percent for Republicans. 42 percent also trust Obama to handle the debt and federal deficit, compared to 33 percent who trust Republicans.

Obama also maintained an edge on a number of war and national security issues.

46 percent like Obama's approach to the war in Afghanistan, while 27 percent like Republicans' ideas. 45 percent also back the president's handling of the war in Iraq, while 30 percent would prefer to see the GOP in charge. 40 percent said they prefer Obama's handling of Iran, while 30 percent prefer Republicans.

38 percent, though, like the GOP's approach to prosecuting terrorists over the 34 percent who prefer Obama's approach. Republicans have hammered away on the administration's handling of this issue over the past two months, making it a top issue in the special election of Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.), as well.

Obama also enjoys a wide margin over Republicans when it comes to his climate change legislation. 38 percent say they'd prefer to see Obama's approach prevail, over 26 percent who like Republicans' plans.

The Newsweek poll, conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International from Feb. 17-18, has a 3.6 percent margin of error.

---