Low-Income Workers Favor Obama

Low-income workers favor Barack Obama over John McCain by a whopping 2 to 1 margin, a new Washington Post poll shows, but they doubt that Obama or any other politician will improve their lives. Obama owes much of his edge to overwhelming support from black and Hispanic voters, but even among whites he holds a 47%-37% lead, contradicting the popular perception that he will struggle in that demographic.

The economy was the top issue among these voters. Almost two-thirds said gas prices should be a top priority, while 70% said the government should focus on healthcare. But the majority said they doubted the election would change their personal finances. “It’s not my main concern in life,” said one rural factory worker. “I know how politics is. I really don't think it's going to matter either way.” (More low income voters stories.)