On Election Day 2004, with 9/11 still strong in the national memory and
the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq ominipresent, 41% said national security
was the most important issue determining their vote. By contrast, 26% rated
economic issues as the number one factor.

But with the crisis in the housing market, escalating gas and food prices
and the growing threat of inflation, those numbers have now reversed.
Forty-three percent name "economic issues such as jobs and economic growth"
as the highest priority. Just 26% name "national security issues such as the
war with Iraq and the war on terror."

It is hard to overstate the impact of these shifting priorities. Those who
name economic issues as their top concern favor Obama over McCain by a 59%
to 33% margin. However, those who focus on national security issue favor
McCain 61% to 35%.

Domestic issues like Social Security and health care were the number one
concern for 11% in Election 2004 and the same percentage of respondents rate
such issues the top priority this year. These voters favor Obama 57% to 35%.
Cultural issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion were the top
concern for 10% four years ago but only 5% today. These voters favor McCain
66% to 32%.

Fiscal issues such as taxes and government spending are now considered the
key factor in voting for 7%. That's up from 4% on Election Day 2004. These
voters favor McCain by a 59% to 26% margin.

Fifty-three percent of Democrats consider economic issues their primary
concern this year while 22% look to national security issues.

Republicans are more evenly divided-35% name economic issues as most
important while 34% say national security.

Among voters not affiliated with either major party, 34% say economic
issues are tops, 24% say national security, 15% look to domestic concerns,
and 11% list fiscal issues.