Lets look at the last 4 elections
2008 was clear as the economy was a disaster.
2004 was clear as the economy was good
2000 - definately toss up
1996 - not even close - dole was horrible.
and the polling reflected these pieces of info - every time.
gallup was accuate with each of these.
people saw dole was horrible and gave clinton the edge.
people knew bush would win - and he did in 2000.
people believed bush would win in 2004, and he did.
people believed obama would win in 2008, and he did.
And as this poll shows, the majority of americans (by 20 points or so) believe obama will win. It doesn't mean 20% more people support him. It means they believe he'll win.
Look at it like sports - if you asked me who I think will win the super bowl this season, I'll HOPE it is my tampa bay bucs.
But if I'm asked "who do I BELIEve will win" - it'll be the pats or the packers.
I dislike these teams. I dont' support them. But I am a realist that my choice probably doesn't have the horsepower to win in the playoffs.
Bottom line - Many people prefer romney to obama but don't believe romney will win. Why is that so hard to accept, 33?