The extent to which Barack Obama is doing well this year, even in the South, is due to increased support from white voters compared to Democratic performance in 2004, according to a Public Policy Polling study released Oct. 10.

PPP says while the "conventional wisdom" that Obama is benefiting from likelihood of increased turnout and strong support from black and young voters is important, a large factor in his gains come from rising concern over the economy and direction of the country that are "outweighing any trepidation white voters, particularly conservative Democrats and independents might have about choosing a black man."