Time Magazine Poll: Catholics on the Presidential Race and Other Issues

Time reports its new poll showing McCain at 45 percent among Catholics, Obama at 44.  However, according to the fuller survey account, McCain leads 42 to 31 in terms of "firm support," while Obama leads 49 to 11 in terms of "leaning support."  So it appears that Obama is catching up but has more work to do, and the situation is fluid because there are lots of undecideds.  Non-surprises in the poll: McCain is closer to Catholic voters' views on "so-called values issues, such as abortion and gay marriage," while Obama is seen as "best [a]ble to handle the economy."  A surprise: McCain is seen as "most comfortable talking about his religious beliefs."  There's an accompanying story featuring Doug Kmiec.

The full survey (again, here) includes some interesting results concerning Catholics' views on various issues.  It also reports that 86 percent "give Pope Benedict XVI a favorable job rating."