Rasmussen: Romney 45%, Obama 39%

As if to underscore exactly what is at stake in the Iowa Caucuses (and the rest of the GOP primary season), Rasmussen today released a poll showing Mitt Romney defeating President Obama 45% to 39%. Six percent are undecided.

Cain, Gingrich and Perry have each narrowly and briefly lead Mr. Obama at some point, but this is the largest lead any Republican has held over the president in the Rasmussen poll this time around. It is also the poorest showing Mr. Obama has had against any Republican.

Obama leads all other potential Republican opponents by between seven and 15 percentage points.

Meanwhile, a new Gallup poll shows Romney reclaiming the national lead among Republicans from Newt Gingrich. Romney has 27% to 23% for Gingrich, 11% for Ron Paul, eight percent for Rick Perry, and  five percent for Michele Bachmann. The poll does not report results for Rick Santorum or Jon Huntsman.

Meanwhile, in an interview with Real Clear Politics, Romney stated the obvious: "Ron Paul is not going to be our nominee."

Romney indicated that- unlike yours truly- he would support Paul should the Martian candidate somehow win the Republican nomination.

HT: Drudge