Spin Cycle

Obama is up 12 in a new LAT/Bloomberg national poll. Most polls have been closer, in the 4-to-6 range, but a Newsweek poll last week had him up 15.

Obama leads big among blacks, leads among women, is tied among whites. His voters are far more enthusiastic than McCain's, and he holds more liberals (79 pct) than McCain does conservatives (58 pct.). Poll director Susan Pinkus:

"McCain is not capturing the full extent of the conservative base the way President Bush did in 2000 and 2004. Among conservatives, evangelicals and voters who identify themselves as part of the religious right, he is polling less than 60%."

Worth watching: The poll also tested a four person ballot, including Ralph Nader and Bob Barr. The result was a 48-33 lead for Obama. That probably reflects the gap in enthusiasm right now -- McCain voters are more easily peeled off -- and could be an important dynamic if the race ends up a nailbiter.