McClatchy-Marist Poll: Gingrich Vaults to Statistical Tie With Obama

The political fortunes of President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich continue to head in opposite directions. As Obama’s star keeps falling, Gingrich’s keeps rising, according to a new McClatchy-Marist poll.

The survey of registered voters shows that Obama leads former House Speaker Gingrich in a one-on-one matchup by only 47 percent to 45 percent. That’s well within the poll’s 5 percentage point margin of error.

Obama’s lead over GOP front-runner Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts, also falls within the margin of error – 48 percent to 44 percent. The president has a stronger lead over businessman Herman Cain – 49 percent to 39 percent. And Obama leads Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann 54 percent to 35 percent.