GOP halves Democratic lead in generic ballot

Republicans have cut the Democratic advantage in the generic ballot question in half over the past week, according to a new GW-Battleground poll. 

{mosads}Democrats now lead by four points, their slimmest lead in more than three years. A week ago, according to the George Washington University poll, their advantage was eight points. Meantime, the congressional approval rating remained low, at 19 percent, up two points from the previous poll.

While the poll could give Republican candidates hope in a tough political landscape for the GOP, it had only mixed news for the party’s presidential candidate, John McCain. The Arizona senator remained three points behind Democratic rival Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.).

However, McCain was viewed less favorably than Obama and his campaign was seen as more negative. While those polled viewed both candidates as roughly equally strong leaders and as sharing their values, Obama holds a wide edge on who is viewed as more willing to fight for the people and as the candidate best able to unite the country and bring change to Washington.

The Democrat is also seen as better able to handle the economy, deal with healthcare, create jobs, reduce energy prices and keep the country prosperous. The only category McCain leads in is his ability to keep the U.S. safe and secure.