While Barack Obama holds a large lead on most positive traits — having new ideas, being personably likable, not being “a typical politician” — McCain’s greatest advantage is on being perceived as “personally qualified to be president.” By a two-to-one margin McCain (55%) is seen as more personally qualified than Obama (27%). Voters also see McCain as more likely to use good judgment in a crisis and willing to take a stand. Read More

Russell Heimlich  is a former web developer at Pew Research Center.