In Florida, the contest has tightened since our last poll in July, from 6 points down to 2 now, amid an ebbing — if still sizable — concern about coronavirus, while President Trump has picked up a few more of the state's remaining uncertain voters. cbsnews.com/news/trump-bid…
IMPORTANT: New @CBSNewsPoll’s in FL and TX finished just before the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. So it remains unknown how a court vacancy might shape the presidential race in these and other states.
The economy continues to be an advantage for the president in Florida, though it's not enough to put him over the top right now. That's partially because the connection between economic outlook and vote is not absolute.
But also in Florida, a majority of likely voters feel @JoeBiden's policies would help people get affordable care, a 21-point gap compared to those who feel @realDonaldTrump’s policies would help them do so.
NOTABLE: In FL & TX, voters feel more positive about efforts to contain the coronavirus now than they did this summer: the percentage who say efforts are going well has ticked up across party lines.
Biden still cutting into Mr. Trump's 2016 margins with Florida seniors. Trump's current margin with them (9 points) is smaller than his 2016 winning margin (17 points). More seniors now feel Biden's COVID would keep them safe than think the president's response did.
MORE TROUBLE FOR BIDEN IN FLORIDA WITH LATINOS? He still leads among them, but he’s down — though not dramatically — 56% today from 61% this summer. His summer number was right about where Hillary Clinton was in 2016, so it's probably a benchmark for Biden.
AND/BUT... He may be down with Florida Latinos, but @JoeBiden’s relatively better standing from Democrats' 2016 levels among White voters, college-degree voters and seniors also contribute to his narrow statewide lead at the moment.
AND YET... Latinos are less likely to vote. Florida's Hispanic voters are a little less likely to say they'll definitely vote than White voters.
RE: SOCIALISM: More Florida Latinos see Biden's policies as right mix of socialism & capitalism (46%) than feel he'd move the country too far to socialism (39%). 42% of Florida Latino voters view socialism at least somewhat negatively, not as negative as among White voters (59%).
Just as with voters overall, age is a factor: Older Hispanic voters have a more negative view of socialism and are more inclined to think Biden would move the country more toward socialism than younger Hispanic voters:
BIDEN AND TEXAS LATINOS: He fares better in the Lone Star State, where Latinos are overwhelmingly Mexican or Chicano. Biden support is a little more widespread and cuts across generational lines. Six in 10 Hispanic likely voters, young and old, currently support Biden.
FROM NEW @CBSNewsPoll: an increased number of voters, including many Democrats, don't think @JoeBiden should be running for president at all. Nearly half his party doesn't think he should now be the nominee. cbsnews.com/news/poll-deba…
Look how the number changed in a month and a half…
Notably, @realDonaldTrump’s cognitive health also doubted by about half the country…
NEW FROM @cbsnewspoll: The economy's long, hot, and uncertain summer … and tough news for @POTUS Biden on how he’s handling it https://t.co/HHWdbrIT90cbsnews.com/news/economy-o…
Have you heard about “Bidenomics?” Not many have, and if they have, it’s not necessarily for reasons the White House would want: “Higher Inflation” “Tax Increases” lead infrastructure and job creation.
BIDEN APPROVAL: @POTUS slips to 40% overall, his worst from @CBSNewsPoll. On the economy, barely a third approve of his handling.
What do Americans want to hear about? The economy and inflation. Lowering the latter is a high priority for so many. Immigration is especially important to Republicans who plan to watch, Democrats are more interested in hearing about addressing racism and climate change.
Democrats are far more likely to say they'll watch the #StateOfTheUnionAddress. Most who say they're very likely to watch already approve of his job performance.
JUST IN: The private home of the President of the United States was searched by the Justice Department on Friday, according to @POTUS Biden’s personal attorney. DOJ“took possession of materials it deemed within the scope of its inquiry.”
Here’s the full statement from Bob Bauer, noting that DOJ “took possession of materials it deemed within the scope of its inquiry, including six items consisting of documents with classification markings and surrounding materials.”
A separate statement from the White House Counsel’s Office notes “Neither the President nor the First Lady were present during the search. The President’s lawyers and White House Counsel’s Office will continue to cooperate with DOJ and the Special Counsel…”
NEW: The consumer price index climbed 0.4% for the month. For the year, inflation was up 8.2% in September, down from the June peak of 9% but still on par with high peaks not seen since the 1980s.
ALSO NEW: Amid increasing prices, @SocialSecurity announces an 8.7% increase in benefits payments next year. That's expected to increase monthly checks by an average of about $150 per month. Notable: Biggest increase ever experienced by baby boomer seniors.
WATCH: @SocialSecurity payments jumping big time next year amid ongoing inflation.
Kelly enjoys wide lead among voters who say abortion very important, but that advantage countered somewhat by voters who emphasize immigration. Immigration is 3rd “very important” issue. Among voters saying immigration very important, Masters leads big, helping keep race close.
In the wake of a judge reinstating a law that bans virtually all abortons in AZ, most voters would have abortion be legal in all or most cases; majorities would not criminalize it.
Women, more so than men, say an illegal abortion should not result in a criminal penalty.