Obama has been maintaining a better favorable rating among Americans and it is paying off big in the hardest campaigned areas the 2012 swing states. Based on a Pew Research Study, Obama has held a steady lead in almost every swing state and holds a 4pt advantage amongst all the 12 states that are up for grabs. This may be due to Romney's negative image, Obama hold a 50% favorable rating where as Romney only has a 37% favorable rating amongst voters.