A new public opinion poll shows U.S. President Barack Obama ahead of all leading Republican candidates and possible contenders for the 2012 presidential race.
The Quinnipiac University survey, released Wednesday, indicates Obama hitting 50 percent or above when pitted against every Republican candidate except former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. But President Obama still tops Romney, 47 to 41 percent.
The president is also leading Republicans in fundraising. His campaign team announced Wednesday that it raised $86 million in the last three months, exceeding its goal of $60 million for the period. The funds are for the campaign and the president's Democratic Party.
Obama Campaign Manager Jim Messina said more than 550,000 people gave money, with nearly all donations less than $250. The average donation was $69.
Romney leads the Republican contenders in fundraising, bringing in more than $18 million from April to June.
A Republican making gains in the race is U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann of Minnesota, who Quinnipiac said is "surging." The poll showed her trailing Romney for the Republican nomination, 25 to 14 percent.
Republicans' 2008 vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin followed with 12 percent, while Texas Governor Rick Perry had 10 percent. Palin and Perry have not announced a presidential bid.
In 2008, Obama raised an unprecedented amount, nearly $750 million. He came into the presidency on a message of hope and change, and is now working to maintain support amid widespread dissatisfaction with the economy.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
