Poll finds Democrats favor — Bill Clinton?

As President Obama begins a final campaign swing in Wisconsin on Tuesday, a new poll shows that it’s President Clinton who may actually be Democrats’ most popular surrogate this fall.

The NBC News/Wall Street Journal survey found that 55% of respondents view the 42nd president favorably, while just 23% view him negatively. That net-favorable rating of 32% far surpasses Obama’s (6%) and those of eight other political leaders.

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin had a -18% favorable rating, lower than all but House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was viewed unfavorably by half of respondents.

House Minority Leader John A. Boehner of Ohio, who could become speaker if Republicans win control of the chamber in November, is still largely unknown despite the White House’s recent efforts to raise his profile. Fourteen percent view him positively and 17% negatively.

Clinton has been among the most active campaigners this year, both in the Democratic primaries and now in the general election phase. Through Sunday, Clinton’s office says he’s participated in 60 campaign events on behalf of 38 candidates in 2010.

Among his upcoming stops is a mid-October trip to California on behalf of his former presidential rival, current gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown.

By comparison, Obama has attended 47 fundraisers in addition to one public rally before today, according to CBS News’ Mark Knoller, unofficial record keeper of the White House press corps. Obama has at least three more “Moving America Forward” rallies scheduled, and may have additional events with Democratic candidates.

First Lady Michelle Obama was not included in this survey. She is due to begin a campaign swing in mid-October.

The poll also found that the battle for the House is tightening among people considered most likely to vote. Forty-six percent of respondents said they wanted a Republican-controlled Congress, while 43% want a Democratic Congress. That’s down from a 49-40% showing in late August.

But there is still a measurable enthusiasm gap, even as Democrats begin to become more engaged. And as Obama rallies young voters, seniors are nearly twice as likely to be enthusiastic about voting, the poll showed.

The survey of 1,000 voters was conducted from Sept. 22-26 and has a margin of error of 3.1%.

mmemoli@tribune.com

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