RASMUSSEN ON THE ISSUES - AT 10:12 A.M. ET:  Although Rasmussen's daily presidential tracking polls have been erratic recently, and have jumped around, his survey on issues seems to reflect what we're seeing daily in public reaction.  The results:

Voters now trust Republicans more than Democrats on six out of 10 key issues, including the top issue of the economy.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 45% now trust the GOP more to handle economic issues, while 39% trust Democrats more.

This is the first time in over two years of polling that the GOP has held the advantage on this issue. The parties were close in May, with the Democrats holding a modest 44% to 43% edge. The latest survey was taken just after General Motors announced it was going into bankruptcy as part of a deal brokered by the Obama administration that gives the government majority ownership of the failing automaker.

Voters not affiliated with either party now trust the GOP more to handle economic issues by a two-to-one margin.

And...

For the eighth straight month, Republicans lead on national security. The GOP now holds a 51% to 36% lead on the issue, up from a seven-point lead in May. They also lead on the war in Iraq 45% to 37%, after leading by just two points in May and trailing the Democrats in April.

COMMENT:  Some caveats:  This is one poll, and it's trends over time that will tell the story.  Also, the Democrats have three things working for them:  1) President Obama, who, in an age of celebrity, continues very popular because he is, as they say, a "rock star";  2) The press, still very much in the tank for the left, although there are, as we've reported, some cracks in the armor; 3) The Dem programs are giveaway programs.  When people get cash back, or extra services, they are likely to reward the giver.

Still, the survey is encouraging.  The key question is whether the GOP can build on the momentum.  I don't think it's coincidental that these numbers improved as some Republicans, especially Dick Cheney, started fighting back.  The Democrats are very vulnerable on the issues.  But Republicans must pounce, and keep pouncing...always, at the same time, coming up with alternatives.

June 9, 2009