Romney leads Obama in new Washington Post-ABC poll!

A new Washington Post- ABC poll shows Republican front-runner Mitt Romney defeating President Obama by three points, while strengthening his lead in the race for the GOP nomination.

Romney leads Mr. Obama 49%-46%. He owes his lead over the president to increased support among independents, who prefer the former Massachusetts governor to Mr. Obama 50%-43%.

Six in ten disapprove of the president's handling of the economy and the deficit. Half strongly disapprove. Almost two-thirds of independents disapprove, a slim majority, for the first time, strongly.

Among Republicans and independents, Romney leads former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for the Republican nomination 21% to 17%. No other Republican reaches double digits, though former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani is close, with 8%, Without Palin in the race, Romney scores 25%, with no other candidate for the nomination in double digits.

But six in ten Americans say that Sarah Palin is not qualified to be president, two-thirds say they would not vote for her, and 42% of Republicans say that they have ruled out supporting her for the nomination.

This thing is doable, people. At least by Romney, and maybe by Pawlenty or Huntsman, when they're better known. But not by Palin, Bachman, Paul, or their ilk..

HT: Drudge