Americans, Swarming Polls, Use Vote to Vent Frustrations

Americans are more depressed than ever about the state of the nation and unsure whether its fate can be redirected by a new president—but they’re still breaking voting records before Election Day has even arrived. Early voting is up 50% from 2004 according to polls, and two-thirds of the public say they’re more enthusiastic than usual about voting, reports USA Today.

Polls also show that Barack Obama has widened his lead over John McCain to 11 points—the biggest gap yet in the election. One expert, though, warns that an Obama win will represent a “negative referendum” on the GOP more than a “positive mandate” for the Democrats. Obama still leads on the economy and health care, and is now tied with McCain on national security and taxes.