Despite being the sitting vice president and before that a U.S. Senator for over 30 years, Joe Biden barely edges out Rep. Paul Ryan in a new Newsmax/Zogby poll question that asks who is more equipped to be president.
A new Newsmax/Zogby poll question asked voters, "Based on what you watched or heard about the vice presidential debate, do you believe Paul Ryan or Joe Biden is best equipped to assume the responsibilities, if needed, of the president of the United States?"
The returns indicate that voters find Biden, 69, barely more credible than Ryan, 42. Biden received 42 percent of the vote on the question to Ryan's 39 percent.
The low number for Biden could be the product of the gaffes he has made over the years taking a toll along with a debate performance in which he came across as rude with his constant smirking, laughing, gesticulating, and interrupting of Ryan.
The Newsmax/Zogby poll also shows President Barack Obama in a dead heat with Republican challenger Mitt Romney 47 percent to 44 percent. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 points.
The poll also found that only 43 percent feel Obama deserves to be re-elected, while 49 percent say "it is time for someone new.” That is a shift from before the debate, when voters were split on the question.
Romney needs to shore up his numbers with white voters, though he does lead 53 percent to 37 percent. In 2008, Sen. John McCain had 57 percent of the white vote.
Romney also needs to connect with NASCAR fans. Obama leads 48 percent to 44 percent in that category.
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