A new CNN/ORC International poll released Monday underscored the skepticism an overwhelming majority of voters feel about the putative GOP nominee's chances against the president. Sixty-one percent of respondents, when asked who they think will win in the fall regardless of which candidate they support, picked the current White House occupant. Only 35 percent thought Romney would claim victory.
The data point isn't the first to indicate Romney begins the presidential race facing an enthusiasm gap. Another question in the CNN poll, in fact, highlighted the problem: Among Romney supporters, only 35 percent said their vote was a vote in support of the Republican. Sixty-three percent said their vote was one mainly cast against Obama. The president's supporters, by contrast, were more enthusiastic about their candidate -- 76 percent of Obama's backers said their vote would be one in support of the president.